Understanding the Passage and Blank 1

The passage describes the purpose and characteristics of posters. It talks about how posters are employed for various reasons, such as promoting brands or conveying information. We need to select the most appropriate word to fill in the first blank, which is part of the sentence: "Posters are (1) __________ to promote a brand or pass (2) __________ important information."

Analyzing Options for Blank 1

Let's look at the options provided for blank number 1 and consider which one fits grammatically and contextually in the sentence "Posters are __________".

• Option 1: use
• Option 2: uses
• Option 3: being use
• Option 4: used

The structure "Posters are..." followed by a verb form suggests either a simple present tense (if 'are' is the main verb, e.g., "Posters are colourful") or a passive voice construction (be + past participle). In this sentence, the verb form describes what is done to posters or how they function. This points towards a passive voice construction.

Applying Passive Voice Grammar

The passive voice is used when the action is performed on the subject, rather than the subject performing the action. The structure is typically "subject + form of 'be' + past participle of the main verb".

In the sentence "Posters are __________ to promote...", the subject is "Posters". The action is being promoted or passing information, which is done *using* posters. Therefore, posters are being used for this purpose. The verb we need is a form of "use".

Let's examine how each option fits the passive voice structure with "are":

• "Posters are use": This is grammatically incorrect. "Use" is the base form or present tense (for 'I/you/we/they').
• "Posters are uses": This is grammatically incorrect. "Uses" is the third-person singular present tense form (for 'he/she/it').
• "Posters are being use": This attempts to form a present continuous passive ("being used"), but "use" is in the wrong form. It should be the past participle.
• "Posters are used": This fits the passive voice structure perfectly: "subject (Posters) + form of 'be' (are) + past participle (used)". This means posters are subjected to the action of being used for promotion and information.

Conclusion for Blank 1

Based on the grammatical requirement for passive voice after "Posters are", the only correct option is the past participle form of 'use', which is 'used'. The sentence "Posters are used to promote a brand or pass important information" is grammatically sound and makes complete sense in the context of the passage.

Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1 is 'used'.

Revision Table: Understanding Passive Voice Structure

Additional Information: Forms of the Verb 'Use'

The verb 'use' has different forms depending on the tense, subject, and voice. Understanding these forms is crucial for correct grammar.

• Base form: use (e.g., I use, We use)
• Present tense (third-person singular): uses (e.g., He uses, She uses)
• Present participle: using (used in continuous tenses, e.g., is using, are using)
• Past simple: used (e.g., I used, They used)
• Past participle: used (used in perfect tenses and passive voice, e.g., have used, had been used, is used, are used)

In the context of the passage, the passive structure "Posters are..." requires the past participle form, which is 'used'.