Directions: After reading the passages below, fill in the blanks to make the passages coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

(A)

The belief (25)_________ animals can predict earthquakes has been around for centuries.

In 373B.C., it’s recorded that animals, including rats, snakes and weasels, deserted the Greek city of Helice just days before (26) ________ quake destroyed the place.

Since then, there have been similar stories of animal prediction of earthquakes across the centuries. It has been reported that fish move fiercely, chickens stop laying eggs, and bees leave their hive in a panic. Lots of pet owners said that they (27) ________ (witness) their cats and dogs acting strangely before the ground shook ---- barking or whining for no reason or showing signs of nervousness.