The book is________ boring; it is, in fact, rather exciting and fascinating.

— Do you play football after work?
　　　　— Yes, ________ . Playing football is not my favorite sport.

The long absence of rain _______ leads to a serious drought in the southwest of China, which draws the concerns of the whole country.    

In his lecture, the education expert emphasized the fact that nowadays children are exposed to many influences ________ that of their families.

Americans usually just say“Hi”or“Hello”， _______ a more formal handshake when they
first meet you．

It is said that Tom’s brother fell off his bicycle on his way to work, _______ in the right leg.

---Mum, an exhibition of paintings ______ at the museum next week. Are you going there?
---______. It is my favorite.

---Was your holiday trip to Europe amazing?
---Not really! But___________we got back safe, before the European airspace restriction caused by the Icelandic volcano ashes.

Just believe in yourself and continue working hard, and ______ your final goal will be
achieved.

In order to support the big family, he worked so hard that___________ he made himself ill.