If you want to advance yourself in your studies, you will first have to ________ yourself of those shortcomings that can become barriers to progress.

Teachers, train drivers, oil refinery workers and other French employees have _____to strike in protest of President Sarkozy’s pension (养老金) reforms.

Where was it  ______ you _______ our maths teacher?

I will never understand how it ______ that you failed in the examination for you are such a good student. 

Mary _________a professor for half a year.