Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the most appropriate word/verb phrase from the given options and fill blank (ii).

To see Gokhale in interaction was as (i) ____________ a joy as interactive education. He never wasted a minute. His private relations and friendships (ii) ____________ for public good. His interests were (iii) ____________ only on the good of the country. They (iv) ____________ absolutely free from any trace of untruth (v) ____________ insincerity. India’s (vi) ____________ and subjection were matters of constant and intense concern to him. Various people (vii) ____________ to draw his interest in different things but he could not be. He only (viii) ____________ freedom for his country.

  1. are

  2. have been

  3. were

  4. had been

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Gokhale is a historical figure, so the sentence about his relationships requires past tense. 'Were' (simple past) matches the historical context. 'Are' is present tense, 'have been' and 'had been' are perfect tenses that don't fit the simple biographical narrative.