19.

• Meaning: Almost everyone who was asked believed that the president's criticisms were unfair.
• Grammar: This sentence uses a relative clause ("who was asked") to modify the noun "people."
• Vocabulary: "Virtually" means almost or nearly.
• Alternative: Nearly everyone questioned thought the president was being unfair in his criticisms.

20.

• Meaning: Because we don't have enough money to go out this month, let's have people over instead.
• Grammar: This is a complex sentence with a dependent clause introduced by "As."
• Vocabulary: "Instead" means in place of.
• Alternative: Since we can't afford to go out this month, why don't we have a party at home?

21.

• Meaning: The exploration team leader was too tired to continue, even though base camp was only 250 meters away.
• Grammar: This sentence uses a concessive clause introduced by "though."
• Vocabulary: "Fatigued" means tired.
• Alternative: Despite being so close to base camp, the leader was too exhausted to go on.

22.

• Meaning: Woodcarving is the most fascinating thing I've ever done.
• Grammar: This sentence uses a comparative structure to emphasize the speaker's interest in woodcarving.
• Vocabulary: "Fascinated" means captivated or intrigued.
• Alternative: Nothing has ever interested me as much as woodcarving does now.

23.

• Meaning: Beer actually has less alcohol than wine, even though it tastes more bitter.
• Vocabulary: "In fact" emphasizes the surprising nature of the information.
• Alternative: Contrary to popular belief, beer has a lower alcohol content than wine.

24.

• Meaning: The more obese someone is, the more likely they are to have a heart attack.
• Grammar: This sentence uses a correlative conjunction ("as...as") to express a proportional relationship.
• Vocabulary: "Likelihood" means probability.
• Alternative: Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart attacks.

25.

• Meaning: This is the most boring book I've ever read.
• Grammar: A superlative adjective is used to express the highest degree of a quality.
• Vocabulary: "Boring" means uninteresting.
• Alternative: I've never read a book as dull as this one.