Question

Use only one word to fill in each of the numbered blanks:
A hundred years ago, the principal means of communication for individuals and for businesses was
(1) ______letter and telegram, but nowadays telephones are used constantly in private houses, offices
and factories. This is certainly the (2)______ widespread and convenient way for people to
communicate with one another.
With the telephone, business deals can be arranged and completed rapidly. In (3) ______ , financial
centres and stock exchanges, (4) ______ constant use of the telephone system, can be assured (5)
_____ getting the very latest, up-to-the-minute information about the (6)______ changing currency and share values. This type of information is essential (7)______ economic stability worldwide.
The telephone network also provides a direct line into the homes of friends and relatives. For old and
infirm people, and for those lonely people living on their (8)______ , the telephone is a friend. At
(9)______ , families are often scattered, not only throughout the country but also throughout the
world. (10)______ a few minutes' conversation with a loved one, who may be thousands of miles
away, is a source of great comfort (11) ________ us.
Of course, very often the telephone can be a nuisance. Some will say it intrudes too (12)______
on people's privacy by ringing at the (13)______ inconvenient times.
On the (14)______ , though, the changes brought about by the introduction of the telephone have
been (15) ______ great benefit to everyone. The telephone has helped to bring people closer in a
difficult world and has made life, for many, much easier and much more enjoyable.