In the near future, China will increase supply of smaller houses,       to help low-income families to buy houses of their own.

The manager listened to the customers’ complaints attentively with great patience, _____ to miss any point. 

If we fail to sell enough goods, _________ last year, we will have to ________ production.

       his homework, he went out to meet his friends.

When he came back three hours later, they were still ____on the sofa, _____ in conversation.