The first part of the sentence, "The value of the Internet start-up's stock (i) $\qquad$ what even the most optimistic of analysts had predicted," suggests a very positive outcome, something beyond expectations.
- A. exceeded: This means to go beyond or surpass, which fits the idea of a better-thanexpected performance.
- B. averaged out to: This implies a leveling or equalization, not necessarily exceeding.
- C. burdened: This means to weigh down or oppress, which is negative and doesn't fit the context of "overnight success."

So, (i) is A. exceeded.

The second part, "the company's overnight success soon (ii) $\qquad$ the interest of many more investors," describes how the success affected other investors.
- D. inflamed: This means to arouse or excite, often strongly. This fits the idea of attracting a lot of new interest due to "overnight success."
- E. distracted: This means to draw attention away, which is contrary to attracting interest.
- F. escaped: This means to get away from or avoid, which is also contrary to attracting interest.

So, (ii) is D. inflamed.


The final part, "and the original investors saw (iii) $\qquad$ return on their money," describes the nature of the return. Given "overnight success" and "inflamed the interest of many more investors," the return must be very large and positive.
- G. a magnanimous: This refers to being generous or forgiving, which describes a person, not a return on investment.
- H. a staggering: This means deeply shocking or astonishing. In the context of a financial return, it implies an extraordinarily large amount, which aligns perfectly with "overnight success."
- I. an innocuous: This means harmless or inoffensive, which implies a small or insignificant return, contradicting the overall positive tone.

So, (iii) is H. a staggering.
Putting it all together:
The value of the Internet start-up's stock (i) exceeded what even the most optimistic of analysts had predicted; the company's overnight success soon (ii) inflamed the interest of many more investors, and the original investors saw (iii) a staggering return on their money.

The final answer is $\(\mathrm{A}, \mathrm{D}, \mathrm{H}\)$