5.  That was a difficult question, but Mary still ________ to work it out.
A. did
B. failed
C. kept
D. managed
      满分：4  分
6.  It might not be a perfect solution, but it's the best I can do in the ________.
A. environment
B. surroundings
C. circumstances
D. setting
      满分：4  分
7.  The firemen tried their best to _______ the fire but in vain.
A. put up
B. put forward
C. put down
D. put out
      满分：4  分
8.  As for how to celebrate New Year's Eve, someone suggested that we hold parties at which we can ________ small gifts and eat heart-shaped cakes.
A. change
B. exchange
C. shift
D. communicate
      满分：4  分
9.  Neither John ________ his father was able to wake up early enough to catch the morning train.
A. and
B. or
C. but
D. nor
      满分：4  分