In the following question, a sentence with a blank is given, followed by five words labeled (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5).
Choose the word that fills the blank appropriately in the context of the passage.
he invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1) ___, heralding a seismic transformation in the dissemination of knowledge across Europe and beyond. Initially, the technology (2) _ largely to religious texts, yet within decades, its reach encompassed scientific treatises, political pamphlets, and literary works. The printing press not only democratized access to information but also catalyzed movements such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment, creating (3) palpable shifts in societal structures.
As books became more affordable and literacy rates rose, ideas could traverse borders with unprecedented speed, challenging established authorities and inspiring intellectual revolutions. What had once been the domain of the few now became a vibrant public discourse, reshaping collective consciousness.
However, the rise of printed material also (4) engendered anxieties among elites, who feared the erosion of traditional hierarchies. Even today, as digital media dominates, the legacy of the printing press (5) ___, underlining the enduring significance of mass communication technologies.
Which tense/form fits best? (1)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The sentence is:
“The invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1) ___, heralding a seismic transformation…”
The subject is “The invention…” (a completed historical event)
The sentence describes something that already happened in the past
So we need a simple past tense verb
Why others are wrong:
A) was marked → passive voice (changes meaning)
B) marks → present tense (incorrect for historical context)
C) was marking → continuous tense (unnatural here)