Choose the right word for each gap.

1. The conductor gave the musicians the ... to start playing.
2. Working in various shops helped me ... experience for running my own business.
3. Kelly found herself out of ... when the factory closed.
4. My holiday in Paris gave me a small ... of life in the French capital.
5. Thousands of people ... in London to see Madonna in concert.

6. The actor first ... to prominence after his role in a western.
7. It’s sunny now but I just hope the weather ... for the wedding tomorrow.
8. It was predicted that voting for the new president would be ... down the middle.