His feature story opens and closes with descriptions of two new reports, each _____ one major point in contrast with the other.

 In the reading room, we found her seated at a desk, her attention ____ on a novel.

With the old man ______ the way,  we had no trouble in finding the village.

So many directors ________, the board meeting had to be put off.

With the door ___________ on, the thief’s heart __________ faster.