1. After much deliberation, the bank clerk ----- agreed to offer Ms. Johnson a loan in spite of her poor credit history.

A. steadily

B. reluctantly

C. comfortably

D. inevitably

2. The writing in the article must be as ----- as possible so that all readers can understand the complex issue.

A. clear

B. clearer

C. clearest

D. clearly

3. The ----- of another sudden stock market crash keeps many middle-class citizens from investigating their money.

A. encounter

B. prospect

C. conclusion

D. refusal

4. Ms. McMahon would like to speak with ----- attended the annual accounting seminar in Phoenix last weekend.

A. anyone

B. however

C. everybody

D. whoever