Read this news report from the year 3013 and circle the correct word to complete each collocation.
Special report:
Strains / Tensions[1] are rising between the residents of Earth and Mars, causing some to speculate that
the fragile / weak [2]peace between the two planets may soon come to an end. The latest round of
violence erupted / ruptured[3] when Martian soldiers established / stationed[4] at the Martian embassy on
Earth opened fire / shooting ]5] on a group of Earth residents who were protesting outside the consulate.

[1]

 
 

[2]

 
 

[3]

 
 

[4]

 
 

[5]

 
 

Although war has not been declared / stated[1], both planets are ready to react if the other launches an
affront / offensive[2]. There are rumors that Mars has been stockpiling / storming[3] illegal weapons to
defend itself from Earth’s much better-equipped military.

[1]

 
 

[2]

 
 

[3]

 
 

Diplomats from both planets are doing everything possible to bring stability / steadiness [1]to the
situation, but there are concerns that radical extremist groups on Earth may be planning an uneasy /unprovoked[2] attack for the express purpose of causing a war to break out / take off[3].

[1]

 
 

[2]

 
 

[3]

 
 

Everyone remembers the hatreds / horrors[1] of the last interplanetary war, in which the decisive /
determined [2]battle resulted in hundreds of thousands of civilian casualties / collateral[3]and a large
number of refugees who fled / deployed[4] to the colony on the Moon.
[1]

 
 

[2]

 
 

[3]

 
 

[4]

 
 

Even after a ceasefire / crossfire[1] was negotiated, isolated incidents of violence against Martian citizens
brought the two planets to the brink / edge [2] of war several times. The president of Earth has authorized
the recruitment and training of additional peacekeeping forces / truces[3]; however, a forever / lasting[4]
peace continues to be a complicated issue for our Solar System.

[1]

 
 

[2]

 
 

[3]

 
 

[4]