In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct option for the given blank. "The grand library __________ the palace is a cache of knowledge."

Introduction / Context:
This cloze question tests your understanding of prepositions that express location. The sentence describes a library and its physical position with respect to a palace. Prepositions like "at," "in," "on," and "from" each have distinct uses, and only one of the given options fits naturally with the phrase "the palace" in this context.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence fragment: "The grand library __________ the palace is a cache of knowledge."
• The library is physically associated with the palace in some way.
• The surrounding passage is formal and descriptive.
• We must choose among "from," "at," "to," and "off."

Concept / Approach:
When we talk about a building or institution being located in a particular place, English often uses "at" with landmarks, addresses, and large complexes. Phrases such as "the museum at the fort" or "the college at the university campus" are common. Therefore, "the grand library at the palace" is the most natural way to indicate that the library is situated in or within the palace grounds. The other prepositions would not express this simple locative meaning correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the blank must indicate where the grand library is located. Step 2: Recall typical collocations: "at the palace," "at the station," "at the school." Step 3: Insert "at": "The grand library at the palace is a cache of knowledge." Step 4: Read the full sentence to ensure it sounds natural and meaningful. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other prepositions fit as smoothly or sensibly.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try each alternative in place. "The grand library from the palace" would suggest that the library came from the palace, which is not intended. "The grand library to the palace" is incorrect because "to" expresses direction, not location. "Off the palace" would be informal and not idiomatic in this sense. Only "at the palace" correctly indicates a library that is located in or within palace premises.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• from: Implies origin or source, not the physical location of a building.
• to: Indicates movement toward a place, not a fixed position.
• off: Often indicates separation or removal and is not used with place names in this way.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse "in the palace" and "at the palace." While both can be possible in some contexts, "at" is often preferred when the focus is on a site or complex as a whole. In cloze tests, exam setters normally choose the most standard and widely accepted combination, so memorising common phrase patterns like "at the palace" is very helpful.

Final Answer:
The correct preposition is at, giving the sentence: The grand library at the palace is a cache of knowledge.