Question

Comprehension: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Dolphins 1_________ regarded as the friendliest creatures in the sea, and stories of them helping drowning sailors have been common since Roman times. The more we 2____________ about dolphins, the more we realise that their society is more complex 3__________ people previously imagined. They look 4____________ other dolphins when they are ill, care for pregnant 5___________ and protect the weakest in the community, as we do. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

• A. . has
• B. was
• C. are
• D. is

Answer 1

Answer:

C. are

• Why "are" is the correct answer: Plural Subject: The subject of the sentence is "Dolphins", which is a plural noun. Subject-Verb Agreement: In English grammar, a plural subject must be followed by a plural verb. "Are" is the plural present tense form of the verb "to be." "Is" and "was" are singular forms. Tense Consistency: The passage describes a general fact or a widely held belief ("regarded as the friendliest creatures"). General truths are written in the Simple Present Tense. Passive Voice Structure: The sentence uses a passive structure: [Subject] + [be-verb] + [past participle]. Dolphins (Plural) + are + regarded (V3).