Choosing the Correct Relative Pronoun

This question tests the understanding of relative pronouns, which are used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. The correct relative pronoun depends on whether the antecedent (the word the pronoun refers to) is a person or a thing, and whether the pronoun acts as the subject or object in its clause.

Analyzing the Sentence

The sentence is: "The people ______ were at the demonstration were from all sections of society."

Let's break down the sentence:

• Antecedent: The word "people" is the noun that the relative pronoun needs to refer back to. "People" refers to humans.
• Function of the Pronoun: The blank needs a pronoun that acts as the subject of the verb "were" in the relative clause ("______ were at the demonstration").

Evaluating the Options

We need a relative pronoun that refers to people and functions as the subject.

• 1. who: This relative pronoun is used for people and can act as the subject or object. Since "people" are humans and the pronoun needs to be the subject of "were", who is a potential correct answer.
• 2. which: This relative pronoun is used for things, not people. Therefore, it is incorrect.
• 3. whom: This relative pronoun is used for people but acts as the object of a verb or preposition. Since the pronoun is the subject here, whom is incorrect.
• 4. whose: This relative pronoun indicates possession and is used for people or things. It doesn't fit the subject role required in this sentence.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, who is the only option that correctly refers to "people" and functions as the subject of the verb in the relative clause. Therefore, the correct sentence is: "The people who were at the demonstration were from all sections of society."