In the following sentence completion question, choose the correct verb form to fill in the blank. The boys were _____ to hear that we were going to build a bridge.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of verb forms and adjectives used after the verb “to be”. The sentence is: “The boys were _____ to hear that we were going to build a bridge.” You must choose the form that correctly and naturally completes the sentence. Such questions are basic but important for mastering English grammar and usage in exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Subject: “The boys”.
• Auxiliary verb: “were” (past tense of “to be”).
• We need a complement that describes the state or feeling of the boys.
• Options: delight, delights, delighted, delighting, in delight.
• The news is positive, so the feeling is one of happiness.

Concept / Approach:
After forms of the verb “to be” such as “is”, “are”, “was”, “were”, we often use adjectives to describe states or feelings. For example, “They were happy”, “She was excited”. The adjective “delighted” means “very pleased” or “extremely happy”. Therefore, “The boys were delighted to hear …” is the correct structure. Other forms like “delight” or “delighting” do not function properly as adjectives in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize “were” as a linking verb in this sentence, connecting the subject with a describing word. Step 2: Identify that we need an adjective to describe the boys' emotional state upon hearing the news. Step 3: Note that “delighted” is an adjective meaning “very pleased”. Step 4: Insert it into the sentence: “The boys were delighted to hear that we were going to build a bridge.” Step 5: Evaluate other options and see that they do not fit grammatically or stylistically.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try reading the sentence with each option: “were delight” is incorrect because “delight” is a noun or verb, not an adjective in this position. “Were delights” is wrong in both agreement and usage. “Were delighting” suggests a continuous action and would need a different structure, such as “were delighting the crowd”, which still does not match the given context. “Were in delight” is grammatically possible but awkward and not the standard expression for this situation. “Were delighted” is natural and commonly used to express happiness on receiving good news.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Delight” as a noun or verb cannot directly follow “were” to describe a state in this structure.
“Delights” is a third person singular verb form and does not fit with the auxiliary “were”.
“Delighting” suggests an ongoing action by the boys, not their emotional state after hearing the news.
“In delight” is a prepositional phrase and sounds unnatural here compared to the simple adjective “delighted”.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse -ed forms that work as adjectives with verbs or nouns. A simple rule is that after “to be” (was, were, is, are) we often use adjectives like “happy”, “tired”, or “delighted” to describe states. When you see “were” followed by a blank, think of what feeling or quality logically follows. Regular reading and noticing such patterns in sentences will help you quickly recognize the correct form in exams.

Final Answer:
The correct option is “delighted”, so the sentence should read: “The boys were delighted to hear that we were going to build a bridge.”