And more questions

Hi,

Can you please verify my answers?

1. It took a lot of effort ...... their friends before the couple would get back together again

a. on behalf of <

b. in conjuction with

c. in connection with

d. on the part of

2. Olympic swimmers usually need to ..... their effort over several races

a. sustain <

b. hold

c. keep

d. retain

3. We tried to get Simon to relax, but he seemed to be ..... all evening

a. on the boil

b. on edge

c. on watch <

d. on the limit

4. The doctor told Sally her diet was ..... in iron

a. short <

b. inadequate

c. lacking

d. failing

5. Would you mind ..... these plates a wipe before putting them in the cupboard

a. making

b. doing

c. getting 

d. giving <

6. I'd rather you ..... to her why we can't go

a. would explain

b. explained <

c. to explain

d. will explain

7. Despite his knowledge of climbing techniques, he was not considered ...... to lead the 

expedition

a. reliable

b. experienced

c. competent <

d. responsible

8. Given his sloppy approach to the work, it is ..... surprising that John has been told off

a. rarely

b. aptly <

c. scarcely

d. justly

9. After publishing more than forty detective stories, the writer still...... the ability to intrigue her readers

a. carries

b. contains

c. retains <

d. exerts

Thanks for your help!

Chris