In the following passage, choose the correct word to complete the phrase To begin______: To begin______, let us ask whether such an appellation, assuming it has only positive connotations, was ever deserved in a city like Bengaluru.

Introduction / Context:
This cloze passage question tests knowledge of fixed expressions and discourse markers used in formal English. The phrase to begin with is an established expression used to introduce the first point in an argument or discussion. The sentence in the passage is a critical reflection on whether a particular label or appellation suits the city of Bengaluru. The blank follows the partial expression To begin______, and the candidate has to complete it correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Partial phrase: To begin______.
• Sentence fragment: To begin______, let us ask whether such an appellation was ever deserved in a city like Bengaluru.
• Options: for, so, with, thus.
• The expected answer must complete a standard discourse phrase in English.

Concept / Approach:
In argumentative writing, to begin with is a very common expression that signals the first argument or question in a sequence. It prepares the reader for a series of points by clearly marking the starting point. None of the other prepositions or adverbs for, so, or thus form such a fixed expression after to begin. Although we can say to begin, let us ask, the question clearly invites the learner to recall the idiomatic combination to begin with, which is far more natural in this context. Therefore with is the correct word to fill the blank.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the phrase To begin often takes a follow up word when introducing arguments. Step 2: Recall common combinations like to begin with, to begin by, and to begin at, and choose which one fits the exact pattern in the sentence. Step 3: Look at the options: for, so, with, thus. Only with forms the fixed expression to begin with. Step 4: Try the full sentence: To begin with, let us ask whether such an appellation was ever deserved. This reads smoothly and naturally. Step 5: Try alternatives mentally: To begin for, To begin so, or To begin thus. Each of these sounds awkward or incorrect. Step 6: Conclude that with is the correct filler for the blank.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check other examples of argumentative writing. Writers often say To begin with, there are three main concerns or To begin with, we must consider the historical context. This repeated pattern in essays and articles shows that to begin with is the standard phrase. In contrast, to begin thus is not idiomatic; thus functions in different positions. To begin for and to begin so are similarly invalid. Therefore, the only option that completes a recognised fixed expression is with.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
for: Does not form a recognised phrase after to begin in this context and leads to an odd and incomplete structure.
so: Could work in other sentence patterns but not directly after To begin as a fixed expression in formal writing.
thus: Used to show logical result or conclusion, not to introduce the first point, and it does not combine directly with to begin.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes ignore the idea of fixed expressions and try to interpret every blank as a simple preposition choice based on literal meaning. However, many cloze questions are designed to check familiarity with idiomatic chunks like to begin with, in addition to, and in view of. Regular reading of essays, editorials, and academic introductions helps learners internalise these patterns so that correct phrases come to mind automatically during the exam.

Final Answer:
The correct completion of the phrase is with, giving To begin with, so option c is correct.