1. It was easy to realise why the machine had stopped working since it was a direct ________ of his failure to maintain it.

2. The police stopped the car because it had followed an ________ course down the road and asked the driver why he was going from side to side.

3. The secret of a good interview is to get straight to the point and ask ________ questions.

4. It was possible to look up the topic on the Internet but she decided instead to ask her ________ father, who knew the answer to most things.

5. I assure you that you will have no problem with the task because it's as easy ________ can be.

6. She suddenly stopped speaking to him on the phone and the conversation came to an ________ end.

7. I've looked everywhere for my key and even carried out an ________ search of my car but I can't find that book.

8. I have no wish to ________ these criminal activities but I do have some sympathy with the perpetrators.

9. As the police saw the accident themselves, the driver avoided the ________ of having to give a detailed report.

10. He found himself at the edge of the cliff in a ________ position because one wrong step and he would fall into the sea.