New measures have been introduced to _______ traffic congestion in the city. 2. Although she began as her brother's research assistant, she went on to pursue her own ________ studies. 3. The optimistic view is that college student __________ is climbing and will continue to do so, only at a slower-than-anticipated rate. 4. She's just ___________ to have snagged a fairly secure job, and doesn't have to look at the want ads all day. 5. Parents have a legal ________ to ensure that their child receives nine years of compulsory education. 6. The company had $2.1 billion in net cash at the end of last year, _______ to about 51% of its market value. 7. Peter and Jane begin to feel more like roommates rather than a couple. It might be a sign that their marriage is _________ trouble. 8. Instead of following the career path designed by his parents, he managed to ________ a successful photographic career for himself. 9. In my view, Jeff must _________ his pride and apologize to his wife and children. 10. If we served more soft drinks, there would be fewer hangovers and, _________ , fewer drink-driving accidents. 11. He intends to prepare himself to _______ in the world by first getting a college degree. 12. I hope that we can _____________ and get the negotiations going again. 13. Most emerging adults are very __________ , believing that they have good chances of living "better than their parents did." 14. John ___________ aimlessly after graduating from college, saying that he wanted to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. 15. At some colleges and universities, every student completes an___________ to bridge the gap between academics and the working world.