The speech could not be heard at the back of the hall because of the noise outside. The 
OPTIONS:
- speech is close.
- noise is close.
noise is close.

Benjamin really tries to meditate every day, but Nick never has time to, so 
OPTIONS:
- Benjamin is likely more relaxed.
- Nick is likely more relaxed.
Benjamin is likely more relaxed.

The barn was devastated by the flood but the house remained unharmed, since the 
OPTIONS:
- barn was on higher ground.
- house was on higher ground.
house was on higher ground.