Fill in the blank I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt this time, Ernest, and you only have (1) to blame if you get into more hot water. If I were you, I’d get a(n) (2) on and catch up with all the work you’ve missed this term. Furthermore, I’d prefer (3) not to see too much of Peterson, because you (4) the risk of following in his footsteps and doing absolutely no work whatsoever. It’s (5) time you realised that. Quite frankly, there’s nothing I would like (6) than to see you succeed, even for the sake of your parents alone, because your behaviour has given (7) to a lot of worry, for your mother especially. You’d (8) take what I’m saying to you seriously. (9) it to say that this meeting is just between you and me - I won’t inform your parents, and I’d (10) they didn’t know about it, as they think the (11) of you, and this would mean even more worry for them. Now, I’m a little (12) for time, and I have a meeting with the headmaster, who doesn’t (13) kindly to being kept waiting. Apart from that I don’t want to (14) you of your lunch break, so off you go, but before that I’d like you to give me your (15) that you’ll turn over a new leaf.