Orginial: 1. The temperature in many parts of the world is gradually rising.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (C), (D)
Incorrect Answer(s): (E) - Change to "Temperatures around the planet *are rising* by degrees".
Other Answer(s):     Little by little, this planet is getting warmer.

Orginial: 2. Global warming is causing the sea levels to rise and threatening coastal areas.

Correct Answer(s):   (B), (C), (E)
Incorrect Answer(s): (A) Change "area" to plural form. (D) - Grammatically correct, but too stilted. Simplify.
Other Answer(s):     With the advent of global warming, sea levels are on the rise and many coastal lowlands are disappearing.

Orginial: 3. I got a haircut two days ago.

Correct Answer(s):   (A) (C), (D)
Incorrect Answer(s): (B) Change "before two days" to "two days ago". (E) - Did you cut your own hair? This is what (E) implies.
Other Answer(s):     Two days ago I had a haircut.

Orginial: 4. I would appreciate it if you could help me solve this problem.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (C), (E)
Incorrect Answer(s): (D) Change "with solving" to "solve" and consider making the expression less formal - it is perhaps too polite.
Other Answer(s):     I'd be thankful if you could lend me a hand with this problem.

Orginial: 5. Chris broke up with her boyfriend.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (E)
Incorrect Answer(s): Neither (C) and (D) make any sense and should be avoided.
Other Answer(s):     Chris broke off relations with her boyfriend.

Orginial: 6. I work at ABC Motors.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (C), (D)
Incorrect Answer(s): (E) sounds unnatural - unless the person is a slave. Objects can "belong" to others - not independent people.
Other Answer(s):     Chris broke off relations with her boyfriend.

Orginial: 7. The manager wrote up a plan.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (D), (E)
Incorrect Answer(s): To "devise a scheme" means to think of an evil plan, so (D) does not fit.
Other Answer(s):     The boss sketched his idea on paper.

Orginial: 8. There are many advantages to overseas travel.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (C), (D)
Incorrect Answer(s): In (E) change "trip" to "take a trip".
Other Answer(s):     Tavel abroad is advantageous in many respects.

Orginial: 9. My best friend is kind, but also a bit moody.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (D)
Incorrect Answer(s): In (C) change "best dearest" to "best". Example (E) uses old-fashioned slang: it is out-of-date.
Other Answer(s):     My best buddy is a decent bloke, despite his ups and downs. [Br. casual]

Orginial: 10. The product is good, but needs some repackaging.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (D), (E)
Incorrect Answer(s): In (C) switch the words "packaging" and "product".
Other Answer(s):     The product is fine enough, but the packaging is another matter.

Orginial: 11. I would discount that rumor if I were you.

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)
Incorrect Answer(s): (all answers are possible)
Other Answer(s):     There's not much truth to that rumor.

Orginial: 12. Are you having problems with any classes in particular?

Correct Answer(s):   (A), (B), (C), (D)
Incorrect Answer(s): (E) is obviously a different sort of question.
Other Answer(s):     Are any classes presenting you with special problems?