词语辨析。

A)用because of, because填空

1.____the bad weather, they had to have their P.E. lessons indoors.

2. He won't come ____ he has been informed of the change of the meeting.

B)用a number of, the number of填空

3. All the members were present, but ____ them left earlier for different reasons.

4. Since then ____ people learning English has been increasing rapidly.

C)用even if, as if填空

5.____ I have to sell my house, I'll keep my business going.

6. The stranger is talking ____ he knows everything about the plan.

D)用specially, especially填空

7. My little sister often catches cold, ____ in early spring.

8. I bought this chocolate cake ____ for your birthday.