Introduction / Context:
This question tests correct preposition usage to show inclusion within a group. The sentence talks about giving opportunities to people belonging to a particular class. In English, the preposition “in” is typically used to indicate membership of or inclusion within a class, group, or organisation.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: “He gives everyone _________ the class opportunities for practice.”
- Options: “at”, “in”, “of”, “on”.
- The idea is that each student who belongs to the class gets opportunities.
Concept / Approach:
The expression “everyone in the class” is the standard way of referring to all the members of a class. Prepositions like “at”, “of”, or “on” would change the meaning and sound unnatural. The correct preposition must, therefore, be “in”. This is a simple but important preposition choice frequently tested in exams.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall common phrases: we say “students in the class”, “people in the room”, “players on the team” (but “in the class”).
Step 2: Insert each option into the blank: “everyone at the class”, “everyone in the class”, “everyone of the class”, “everyone on the class”.
Step 3: “Everyone in the class” clearly and idiomatically means all members of the class.
Step 4: “At the class” usually refers to being present at an event, not membership.
Step 5: “Of the class” could be used in other structures like “members of the class”, but “everyone of the class” is unidiomatic here.
Step 6: “On the class” is incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning.
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the completed sentence: “He gives everyone in the class opportunities for practice.” It is clear, natural, and common.
Compare with everyday usage: “Everyone in the class got homework”, “She spoke to everyone in the office”.
No other preposition choice sounds correct in standard English, confirming “in” as the right answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (at): “Everyone at the class” suggests people physically present at a particular session, but the normal phrase is “in the class”.
Option C (of): “Everyone of the class” is awkward; we would say “everyone in the class” or “all the members of the class”.
Option D (on): Rarely used in this sense; “on” is used with “on the team”, not “on the class”.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse prepositions used with places (“at school”) with those used for groups (“in the class”).
Literal translation from the mother tongue may mislead candidates into using “of”.
Rushing through the question without mentally hearing the phrase “everyone in the class” can cause unnecessary mistakes.
Final Answer:
The correct preposition is “in”, so the sentence should read: “He gives everyone in the class opportunities for practice.”
Discussion & Comments