Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Concerning
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of how certain words function as prepositions or participles in English. The sentence refers to the Parliament attack and mentions that there are many theories about it. The missing word must introduce the topic of the theories and link naturally with "Parliament attack", giving the meaning "about the Parliament attack".
Given Data / Assumptions:
The incomplete sentence is: "______ Parliament attack, there are many theories."
We must pick the word that correctly connects the noun phrase "Parliament attack" with "there are many theories".
We assume a context of discussing events and opinions.
Concept / Approach:
The preposition "concerning" means "about" or "regarding". When we say "concerning the Parliament attack", we mean "about the Parliament attack". This fits perfectly as an introductory phrase indicating the subject of the subsequent clause. The other options are present participles of verbs that do not make sense in this syntactic position or do not express the intended meaning.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that we need a word meaning "about" or "regarding".
Step 2: Check which option can function as a preposition and take "Parliament attack" as its object.
Step 3: Notice that "concerning Parliament attack" is a standard phrase meaning "about the Parliament attack".
Step 4: Confirm that "realising", "resurrecting", and "pleasing" cannot serve as prepositions here.
Step 5: Select Option B as the correct completion.
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the completed sentence: "Concerning Parliament attack, there are many theories." Even more naturally, we can imagine "Concerning the Parliament attack, there are many theories." This clearly communicates that many theories exist about that incident. In contrast, "Realising Parliament attack" or "Pleasing Parliament attack" are not grammatically coherent or meaningful constructions, confirming that "concerning" is the only valid choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Realising", is a present participle of "realise" and would require an object and a different structure to make sense. Option C, "Resurrecting", means bringing back to life and cannot logically modify "Parliament attack" in this way. Option D, "Pleasing", is an adjective or participle related to giving pleasure and cannot act as a preposition meaning "about". None of these alternatives connects naturally with "Parliament attack" to introduce the topic of theories.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be unfamiliar with "concerning" as a preposition and think of it only in the emotional sense of "worrying". However, in formal English it frequently means "regarding" or "about", as in "Concerning your application" or "questions concerning the policy". Remembering this dual use helps avoid errors. Always pay attention to whether the missing word should show time, reason, topic, or manner, and then choose a word that can grammatically serve that function.
Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is "Concerning".
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