The phrase "gives way to" is closest in meaning to which of following?

　　(A) runs along

　　(B) rubs against

　　(C) turns into

　　(D) floats on

　　098. Although scientists can speculate about its nature, neither humans nor machines will ever be able to visit it.

　　The word "speculate" is closest in meaning to which of following?

　　(A) report

　　(B) learn

　　(C) worry

　　(D) hypothesize

　　099. Farmers could get better prices for their crops if the alternative existed of sending them directly eastward to market, and merchants could sell larger quantities of their manufactured goods if these could be transported more directly and more economically to the west.

　　The word "alternative" is closest in meaning to which of following?

　　(A) option

　　(B) transition

　　(C) intention

　　(D) authorization

　　100. The distance was more than 350 miles, and there were ridges to cross and a wilderness of woods and swamps to penetrate. The word "penetrate" is closest in meaning to which of following?

　　(A) cut down

　　(B) go through

　　(C) fill up

　　(D) take over