5. Top athletes have quit at the height of their careers due to uncertainty about their livelihoods after retirement.

A. daily breads

B. employments

C. incomes

D. aliments

The correct answer is C. incomes.

Explanation: The phrase "uncertainty about their livelihoods after retirement" suggests that the athletes are concerned about their financial stability and income after they retire. Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill in the blank is "incomes," which refers to the money earned by individuals.

6. China led the gold medal count (48) at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

A. blazed a trail

B. was neck and neck

C. broke new ground

D. took the lead

The correct answer is D. took the lead.

Explanation: The phrase "led the gold medal count" indicates that China was in the top position in terms of winning the most gold medals. The phrase "took the lead" accurately describes this situation.

7. Various games have grown in popularity to amass a huge following across the world.

A. pull

B. draw

C. appeal

D. repel

The correct answer is C. appeal.

Explanation: The phrase "grown in popularity" suggests that the games have become more attractive and appealing to a larger audience. Therefore, the most suitable word to fill in the blank is "appeal," which means to attract or interest.

8. Sports are also lucrative industries, generating billions of dollars in revenues, especially in developed countries.

A. unbeneficial

B. profitable

C. productive

D. unfavorable

The correct answer is B. profitable.

Explanation: The phrase "generating billions of dollars in revenues" indicates that sports are financially successful and generate a significant amount of profit. Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill in the blank is "profitable," which means to be financially beneficial.