Question

[DatJumpIntoTheHole]

(1) ______letter and telegram, but nowadays telephones are used constantly in private houses, offices and factories. This is certainly the (2)______ widespread and convenient way for people to communicate with one another. With the telephone, business deals can be arranged and completed rapidly. In (3) ______ , financial centres and stock exchanges, (4) ______ constant use of the telephone system, can be assured (5) _____ getting the very latest, up-to-the-minute information about the (6)______ changing currency and share values. This type of information is essential (7)______ economic stability worldwide. The telephone network also provides a direct line into the homes of friends and relatives. For old and infirm people, and for those lonely people living on their (8)______ , the telephone is a friend. At (9)______ , families are often scattered, not only throughout the country but also throughout the world. (10)______ a few minutes' conversation with a loved one, who may be thousands of miles aaway, is a source of great comfort (11) ________ us. Of course, very often the telephone can be a nuisance. Some will say it intrudes too (12)______ on people's privacy by ringing at the (13)______ inconvenient times. On the (14)______ , though, the changes brought about by the introduction of the telephone have been (15) ______ great benefit to everyone. The telephone has helped to bring people closer in a difficult world and has made life, for many, much easier and much more enjoyable.