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.
The 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.
Choose the correct voice/tense carefully: (2)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The sentence is:
“Initially, the technology (2) ___ largely to religious texts…”
The subject (technology) is receiving the action, not doing it
So we need passive voice
The context is past (initial stage of printing press) → use past tense
Correct structure:
was + past participle (limited) = was limited
So the correct sentence becomes:
“Initially, the technology was limited largely to religious texts…”
Why others are wrong:
A) limited → active form, incorrect here
B) had limited → past perfect active (wrong meaning)
D) limits → present tense (doesn’t match past context)