________ the English speech competition will be a lot of work, so I need some volunteers to help out.

If water becomes increasingly scarce in decades ________， water shortage will become a hot issue all over the world.

Misunderstandings ________ from lack of social communication, unless ________ properly, may lead to serious problems.

________ enough money, Li Hua was unable to buy the new house.

(2013·陕西西安三校二检)Despite the government's measures to cool the house market, housing demand in China still grew steadily in the second half of 2012，________ a rapid rise in house prices.

(2013·长春市二模)Unfortunately, we rushed the fallen old man to hospital, ________ that we were responsible for him.

．(2013·江西九江高三二模)________ around the university, we then were taken to a building, where many scientists worked.

(2013·浙江温州市二模)________ more tourists, travel agencies from both China and the DPRK have developed a package of new products.

(2013·厦门二检)Helena was excited, just as I had imagined, ________ her lost pet.

(2013·重庆高考)When I was little, my mother used to sit by my bed, ________ me stories till I fell asleep.