In the same passage, choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "___________ of nationhood are important for this sharing to be reliably reproduced..."

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to a cloze passage about the idea of the nation and its representation. The line reads: "___________ of nationhood are important for this sharing to be reliably reproduced..." You must choose the word that best conveys the concept of commonly recognised signs that represent the nation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Partial sentence: "___________ of nationhood are important for this sharing to be reliably reproduced."
• The passage later mentions "maps, flags, or the figure of Mother India" as examples.
• Options: "Symbols", "Badges", "Emblems", "Figures", "Tokens".
• The context is political science / sociology, discussing how nations are represented.

Concept / Approach:
The sentence is talking about things that help people share and reproduce the idea of the nation. In political and social theory, we commonly speak of "symbols of nationhood" such as flags, anthems, and other icons. While "emblems" is somewhat similar, "symbols of nationhood" is the well established phrase in academic English. Therefore, we must choose the word that both fits the context and forms a standard collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that later in the passage, the author refers to "maps, flags, or the figure of Mother India". These are clear examples of national symbols.Step 2: Identify which option matches this broad category of flags, maps, and iconic figures.Step 3: "Symbols of nationhood" is a widely used phrase in discussions about nationalism and identity.Step 4: "Badges of nationhood" or "figures of nationhood" are less common, and "tokens" is too vague.Step 5: Therefore, "Symbols" is the most suitable and natural choice for the blank.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the full sentence with "symbols": "Symbols of nationhood are important for this sharing to be reliably reproduced..." This immediately sounds like typical academic language. If you insert "badges", the meaning narrows to physical badges rather than all kinds of representations. "Emblems of nationhood" is possible, but slightly less comprehensive, and the passage clearly emphasises maps and flags as broader symbolic references, aligning more strongly with "symbols".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Badges: Badges are specific physical items worn on clothing. They do not cover items like maps or abstract figures in the same general way that "symbols" does.
• Emblems: Emblems are symbolic designs or devices, often official, but the broader, more common term in this conceptual discussion is "symbols of nationhood".
• Figures: This tends to refer to persons or shapes, and does not naturally collocate with "of nationhood" to cover flags and maps.
• Tokens: Tokens are small objects representing something else, but again are too narrow and not the standard phrase used in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Students might be tempted by "emblems" because it sounds formal and is close in meaning. However, exam questions often test collocations and standard academic phrases. Knowing common expressions like "national symbols", "symbols of nationhood", and "national identity symbols" helps you choose more confidently.

Final Answer:
The correct word is Symbols, giving the phrase "Symbols of nationhood are important..."