Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to  indicate the correct word that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 54 to 63.

NOISE POLLUTION 

Noise is more than a mere nuisance. At certain levels and durations of exposure, it  can cause physical damage to the eardrum, and (54)_____ in temporary or permanent hearing  loss. In addition to causing hearing loss, (55)_____ noise exposure can also raise blood pressure  and pulse (56)_____, cause irritability, anxiety, and mental fatigue, and interfere with sleep,  recreation, and personal communication. Noise pollution control is, therefore, (57)_____  importance in the workplace and in the community.  

Noise effects can be (58)_____ by a number of techniques, for example, increasing the  distance or blocking the path between the noise source and the recipient, reducing noise levels at  the source, and (59)_____ recipients with earplugs or earmuffs. Increasing path distance is very  effective because, as a sound wave spreads outward from the source, the fixed (60)_____ of  energy in the wave is dissipated over an ever-expanding wave front. Path barriers (61)_____  walls, ceilings, and floors can be effective by absorbing as well as reflecting sound energy.  Special earmuffs are (62)_____ to protect industrial and construction workers. 

The best way to prevent noise pollution is to reduce the sound levels at the source, for  instance, by improving design, muffling machinery and engines, and probably (63)_____ and  lubricating machinery to reduce vibrations. 

Question 54: A. create B. result C. effect D. bring

Question 55: A. excessive B. exceedingly C. excessively D. excess

Question 56: A. levels B. rates C. ranks D. points

Question 57: A. at B. for C. of D. within 
Question 58: A. done B. brought C. created D. minimized

Question 59: A. protect B. protected C. protects D. protecting

Question 60: A. number B. amount C. kind D. type

Question 61: A. like B. such as C. as D. or

Question 62: A. enough B. ready C. accessible D. available

Question 63: A. achieving B. remaining C. obtaining D. maintaining