Pick the most effective word from the given options to fill in the blank so that the sentence becomes meaningful and correct: The villagers ______ the murder of their leader by burning the police van.

Introduction / Context:
This fill in the blank question tests your understanding of verbs that describe emotional and reactive responses to a serious incident. The sentence states that villagers reacted to the murder of their leader by burning a police van. You must select the verb that best expresses this strong action in response to a wrong done to them, keeping in mind the direct object the murder of their leader.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: The villagers ______ the murder of their leader by burning the police van. - Options: Protested, Avenged, Mourned, Consoled. - The chosen verb must correctly and naturally take the object the murder of their leader.

Concept / Approach:
The key to this question lies in understanding the collocations of these verbs with an object like the murder of their leader. Avenged is used when someone takes revenge for a wrong or injury. One typically avenges a wrong, a death, or an insult. Protested is usually used with against and refers to expressing opposition, not directly taking revenge. Mourned expresses grief for someone, and consoled refers to comforting someone. Burning a police van is a violent, retaliatory act, so the sense is closer to taking revenge than to mourning or consolation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider option A, Protested. We usually say protested against a decision or protested against injustice. Saying protested the murder is less natural, and burning a police van suggests more than just protest. Step 2: Consider option B, Avenged. One commonly says avenged his death or avenged the murder. The villagers took a retaliatory action, which fits the idea of avenging the murder of their leader. Step 3: Consider option C, Mourned. To mourn is to feel or express deep sorrow, which would be done for the leader himself, not for the murder as an act. Moreover, burning a police van suggests anger and revenge, not grief alone. Step 4: Consider option D, Consoled. To console is to comfort someone in sorrow. It does not fit with the description of burning a vehicle. Step 5: The only verb that correctly collocates with the murder of their leader and matches the retaliatory action described is avenged.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try inserting each verb. The villagers avenged the murder of their leader by burning the police van sounds natural and captures the idea of revenge. The villagers protested the murder of their leader by burning the police van is grammatically possible but less precise in describing revenge, and typical usage would be protested against the murder. The other options clearly clash with the act described. This comparison confirms that avenged is the most effective and accurate choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Protested is less appropriate because the structure protested the murder is clumsy, and protest usually involves demonstrations rather than destructive revenge. Mourned is wrong because it would focus on grief rather than violent retaliation, and the sentence object would normally be the leader himself. Consoled is wrong because it means offering comfort and does not match the destructive act of burning a van.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by protested because of its frequent use in news reports about public anger. However, exam setters often test precise collocations such as avenge the murder. To avoid such traps, pay attention to the objects that verbs usually take. Remember phrases like avenge a wrong, avenge an insult, and avenge his death. This awareness helps you quickly identify avenged as the correct answer in contexts of vengeance and retribution.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is Avenged, giving The villagers avenged the murder of their leader by burning the police van.