In the following passage-based cloze test, select the expression that best completes the fourth blank so that the sentence reads naturally: "__________________ a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we discussed such events in class."

Introduction / Context:
This question continues the reflective passage and tests your understanding of common introductory structures in English, especially those used to indicate a role or capacity. The sentence is "__________________ a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we discussed such events in class." The author is speaking in the role of a professor and wants to introduce this perspective smoothly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The blank appears at the beginning of the sentence.
• The speaker is identifying their role as a professor.
• We need a natural and grammatical phrase.
• Options are "Like", "Alike", "As", and "Being".

Concept / Approach:
The expression "As a professor" is widely used to mean "in my role as a professor" or "in the capacity of a professor". It introduces the speaker's position or perspective. "Like a professor" would mean "similar to a professor", which is not the intended sense here because the speaker actually is a professor. "Alike" is an adverb used with "all" or "both", and does not fit this structure. "Being a professor" is grammatically possible but less concise and slightly different in tone.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider the intended meaning: the author is explicitly stating that they are a professor. Step 2: Test "Like": "Like a professor, I can recollect..." suggests similarity but not identity. Step 3: Test "Alike": it cannot be followed directly by "a professor" and is ungrammatical here. Step 4: Test "As": "As a professor, I can recollect..." clearly and naturally means "in my role as a professor". Step 5: Test "Being": "Being a professor, I can recollect..." is possible but less idiomatic than "As a professor" in such reflective prose.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the completed sentence: "As a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we discussed such events in class." This sounds like a typical sentence from an essay where the writer briefly mentions their professional background. The phrase "As a professor" is concise and widely used in formal writing, confirming its suitability in this passage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a: "Like a professor" would suggest that the speaker behaves in a way similar to a professor but does not explicitly state that they are one. Option b: "Alike a professor" is grammatically incorrect; "alike" is not used in this position. Option d: "Being a professor" is not wrong grammatically, but it is less natural and slightly heavier than the standard expression "As a professor". Exams usually favour the most idiomatic choice.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes misuse "like" and "as", not realising that "as" often introduces a role or function, while "like" compares two different things. To avoid confusion, remember that if you want to say "in the capacity of", you usually use "as". Reading formal texts where professionals introduce themselves ("As a doctor", "As a teacher") will help reinforce this pattern.

Final Answer:
The correct expression is As, giving the phrase "As a professor".