17.They had a pleasant chat____________a cup of coffee.

--- Haven’t seen you for ages! Where have you been?
--- I have seldom had any chance to come back to the hometown ____ I was sent to Beijing ____ the project.

--- When will your father be back home?
--- ____ twelve o’clock.

25．James Williams is my favorite professor; his speech is always brief, clear and_____the point.

24. Let’s learn to use the problem we are facing________a stepping-stone to future success.

22. —— Can I get the house cheaper?
—— Sorry, it’s ______ my power to sell it any cheaper.

A．without

B．except

C．beyond

D．out

30．The coach, because of the driver’s carelessness, was __________ and crashed over the cliff on such a cold December morning.

29．He’s particular about food, I dare not serve him the dish, __________ his scolding.

Everything was perfect for the picnic ______ the weather.

When she first arrived in China, she wondered what the future might have ______ for her, but now all her worries are gone.