A sociologist on an African jungle expedition held up her camera to take pictures of the
native children at play. Suddenly the youngsters began to yell in protest. Turning red, the
sociologist apologized to the chief for her insensitivity and told him she had forgotten that
certain tribes believed a person would lose his soul if his picture was taken. She explained to
him, in detail, the operation of a camera. Several times the chief tried to get a word in, but to no
avail. The sociologist thought she had put all the chief’s fears to rest, and then she allowed him
to speak. Smiling, he said, “The children were trying to tell you that you forgot to take off the
lens cap!”
【題組】40.The expression “to no avail” used in the text means _______________.
(A) in vain (B) of great help
(C) very successfully (D) without any difficulty