Read the following news item and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of th...

Read the following news item and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

China launches new giant panda base, expanding conservation network

        A new giant panda base has recently been launched in Mianyang, (7) ____________ in Sichuan Province, southwest China, as part of efforts to strengthen panda conservation, scientific research, and international cooperation. The facility, which (8) ____________ the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, (9) ____________ the fifth site in the national panda conservation network.

        The base covers around 120 hectares and has recently begun trial operations and is expected to open to visitors next year. 13 pandas, which were moved from other breeding centers, are currently adapting to their new environment. To ease the transition, the base has deployed an experienced team to keep close watch over the animals. (10) ____________ the pandas appear slightly nervous, they are  gradually settling in.

        According to China’s fourth national panda survey, about 418 wild giant pandas live in Mianyang,  making the city the region that houses the largest number of pandas. These animals play an important role  in biodiversity protection, which has been strongly promoted by the Chinese government.

        Since the 1980s, major progress has been (11) ____________ in captive breeding. The panda population at the research center has been increased from only six individuals in 1983 to more than 380 today, showing that long-term conservation efforts have (12) ____________ and continue to support the  survival of this iconic species.

Question 7: A. involved        B. located                        C. displaced                        D. resided

Question 8: A. owns                B. possesses                        C. belongs to                         D. includes

Question 9: A. became        B. is becoming                C. becomes                        D. has become

Question 10: A. Although        B. Because                        C. Despite                        D. Unless

Question 11: A. take                B. set                                C. do                                D. made

Question 12: A. gone off        B. paid off                         C. taken off                        D. called off