I. Dictation script.
Rumor is the most primitive way of spreading stories/ by passing them on from mouth to mouth./ But civilized countries in normal times/ have better sources of news than rumor./ They have radio, television, and newspapers./ In times of stress and confusion, however,/ rumor emerges and becomes widespread./ At such times the different kinds of news are in competition:/ the press, television, and radio versus the grapevine.
Rumors are often repeated/ even by those who do not believe the tales./ There is a fascination about them./ The reason is that the cleverly designed rumor/ gives expression to something deep in the hearts of the victims:/ the fears, suspicions, forbidden hopes,/ or daydreams which they hesitate to voice directly./ Pessimistic rumors about defeat and disasters show/ that people who repeat them are worried and anxious./ Optimistic rumors about record production or peace soon coming/ point to complacency or confidence/ and often to overconfidence.
II. Fill in each blank in the passage below with ONE word you think appropriate.
(1) if (2) no
(3) through (4) with
(5) does
(7) want
(9) sung
(11) but
(6) that (8) Here (10) and (12) upon (14) nor (13) precious