单选题 From 1965 to 1978 American consumer prices increased at an average annual rate of 5. 7 percent. This ominous shift was followed by consumer price gains of 13. 3 percent in 1979.

【正确答案】 C
【答案解析】[解析] 本题中，ominous的意思是“不吉利的”。C项的“threatening凶兆的”符合题意。其他三项“promising有希望的；overwhelming势不可挡的；astonishing令人吃惊的”都不正确。