句中包含句式"It was the first/second ... time＋that从句"，此时从句的时态要根据主句中be动词的形式来确定。当be动词为is时，从句时态为现在完成时；当be动词为was时，从句时态为过去完成时。故选C项。

　　4．-An athlete cannot ________ play his best in competitions.

　　-Yes, it depends upon his mental and physical state.

　　A．ever B．sometimes

　　C．always D．never

　　解析：选C　前句句意：在比赛中运动员不可能总是发挥最佳水平。always与否定词连用，表示部分否定。

　　5．The investigation showed George was ________， so he was set free at once.

　　A．guilty B．criminal

　　C．innocent D．faulty

　　解析：选C　句意：调查表明，乔治是无罪的，所以他被立刻释放了。由"he was set free"可知，他是"无罪的"(innocent)。guilty"有罪的"；criminal"犯罪的"；faulty"有错误的"。

　　6．When ________ comes to an interview, we get many things in mind, such as being on time and giving proper answers.

　　A．that B．this

　　C．it D．one

　　解析：选C　句意：当谈到面试的时候，我们会想到很多，例如要准时和给出恰当的答案。when it comes to ..."当谈到......的时候"，为固定句型。

　　7．While waiting for the opportunity to get ________， Henry did his best to perform his duty.

　　A．promote B．promoted

　　C．promoting D．to promote

　　解析：选B　句意：亨利在等待获得升职机会的同时，在尽力做好自己的本职工作。promote和逻辑主语Henry是逻辑上的被动关系，故使用过去分词，故选B。

　　8．The minister said, "We are ready for discussions with any legal parties, but we'll never ________ with criminals."

　　A．negotiate B．quarrel

　　C．argue D．consult

解析：选A　句意：这位部长说："我们准备与任何合法的政党进行讨论，但我们永远不会与罪犯谈判。"与前面的ready for discussions呼应，这里用negotiate表示"协商，谈判"。