David paused to consult his notes, and then _______ with his speech.

 The heavy rain has lasted for several days and the river has______ by 30 centimeters.

 I fear that I may create a bad ________by arriving late for the interview.

I left university with a good degree in English Literature, but no _________ of what I wanted to do.

The two sides ____a series of compromise suggestions and then signed the contract.