Understanding the Fill in the Blanks Question

The question asks us to complete a passage by filling in deleted words. We need to select the most appropriate option from the given alternatives for each blank. This task tests our vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of context within a passage.

The passage describes a former Nazi compound near Berlin. It mentions its location and its common name, "the ‘Forbidden City’". We need to focus specifically on blank number 2.

Analyzing Blank No. 2

Let's look at the sentence containing blank number 2:

"During organised tours in Germany, tourists can (1) ______ a former Nazi compound 40 kilometres from Berlin (2) ______ the ‘Forbidden City’."

The phrase "40 kilometres from Berlin" tells us the location relative to Berlin. The phrase "the ‘Forbidden City’" is a name given to the compound. The word in blank (2) connects the location near Berlin with the name it is known by.

Consider the structure: "[Location relative to Berlin] [Blank 2] [Name]". This structure typically uses a word that indicates the name or designation of the place.

Evaluating the Options for Blank No. 2

Let's examine each option provided for blank number 2:

1. calls: If we use 'calls', the sentence would be "...40 kilometres from Berlin calls the ‘Forbidden City’". This suggests that Berlin is performing the action of calling, which doesn't make sense in this context. Places don't typically 'call' other places by name in this way.
2. call: If we use 'call', the sentence would be "...40 kilometres from Berlin call the ‘Forbidden City’". This is grammatically incorrect. 'Berlin' is singular, so the verb should be 'calls' if it were the subject. Furthermore, the meaning still wouldn't fit the context of naming the compound.
3. calling: If we use 'calling', the sentence would be "...40 kilometres from Berlin calling the ‘Forbidden City’". 'calling' is a participle or gerund form. While it can be used to describe something, the structure "Location calling Name" is not standard English for stating what something is named. For example, "a city located near the coast, calling itself 'Seaside Haven'" is possible, but the phrase "40 kilometres from Berlin" is a location description, not the subject performing the action.
4. called: If we use 'called', the sentence would be "...40 kilometres from Berlin called the ‘Forbidden City’". This is a very common and grammatically correct way to state the name or designation of something. The structure "[Noun/Place] called [Name]" means that the Noun/Place is known by or referred to as the Name. In this case, the Nazi compound, located 40 kilometres from Berlin, is referred to as the 'Forbidden City'.

Concluding the Most Appropriate Option

Based on the analysis of the structure and the meaning, the word 'called' is the most appropriate option to fill blank number 2. It correctly indicates that the former Nazi compound is known by the name 'the ‘Forbidden City’.

The completed part of the sentence becomes: "...a former Nazi compound 40 kilometres from Berlin called the ‘Forbidden City’."

Revision Table: Analyzing Options for Blank 2

Additional Information: Usage of 'Called'

The word 'called' is frequently used as a past participle in passive voice or as part of a reduced relative clause to give a name or description to a noun. For example:

• Passive voice: "The book is called 'War and Peace'." (The book is given the name 'War and Peace').
• Reduced relative clause: "This is my friend, called John." (This is my friend, who is called John).
• Reduced relative clause: "A city located in Italy, called Rome, is very old." (A city located in Italy, which is called Rome, is very old).

In our passage, "a former Nazi compound 40 kilometres from Berlin called the ‘Forbidden City’" functions similarly to the reduced relative clause example. It means "a former Nazi compound which is located 40 kilometres from Berlin and which is called the ‘Forbidden City’."