It was so bright outdoors that we could see clearly what was happening through the curtains ________ before the window. 

The picture shows my mother is sitting by my bed, ______ me stories till I fell asleep.

（2014年福州市高三适应性练习）30. In general, _______ energy, we turn off the lights for Earth Hour on the last Saturday in March.

(2013·南京二模)Under the environment of fierce competition, the only way John could imagine ________ stress was to get tougher by making greater efforts.

Wang Ping found the new surroundings difficult ______.