1. All the children are lumped together in one class,_______ their ability. A. as regards B. regarding C. regardless of D. with regard to 2. The charity concert for the homeless has been canceled _______ the lack of the support. A. owing to B. in spite of C. as long as D. in contrast to 3. The thinker writes in support of freedom_______ darkness may fall upon our society in the form of dwindling rights and oppression. A. however B. lest C. in order that D. apart from 4. Because of being on the verge of bankruptcy, the company is trying to reduce its costs; _______, staff who leave are not being replaced. A. consequently B. because C. yet D. however 5. OK, I admit that health insurances require much money. But _______, if people are healthy, you shouldn’t consider it as losing money. A. similar B. on the other hand C. hardly D. in addition