Much to the researchers" surprise, the outcome of the experiment was far better than they had expected.

填空题compare[解析] 纵观全文，作者一直在强调如何省钱，这里自然是要比较机票的价格，compare(比较)符合逻辑。

问答题Keeping sense of humor is contributive to reduce stress and promote creative thinking in today s competitive society.

填空题suits[解析] 根据该句内容可知，作者仔细比较可能的目的地是想看哪个更符合自己的需求，从句的主语是one，第三人称单数，所以应填入suits(适合)。

填空题E[解析] 根据上句说谢谢，自然会回答不用客气，所以选择E项。

问答题I don t think it advisable that parents deprive children of their freedom to spend their spare time as they wish.

问答题Old adults who have a high level of daily activities have more energy and a lower death rate compared with (in comparison with) those less active.

填空题begin[解析] 考查固定短语，to begin with意为“首先”。

填空题A[解析] 根据下一句说“我们很乐意”可知，上句是在询问什么事，结合情景的发展，A、B两项中，A项更符合要求。

问答题It was through the Silk Road that Chinese papermaking, gunpowder, the compass and the printing spread all over the world.

问答题尽管乔治对哲学十分感兴趣，但是他的父亲竭力说服他去学法律。