Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: option_b
Explanation:
Introduction:
This sentence tests the correct use of passive reporting structures common in news English: "is reported to have + past participle".
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In journalistic style, we say "X is reported to have done Y" to avoid assigning a specific reporter. Using "is reporting" incorrectly makes the subject ("meeting") the active reporter, which is illogical. The correct passive is "is reported". Hyphenation of "high-level" is a stylistic improvement but not the tested error.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recognize reporting construction.2) Choose passive: "is reported", not "is reporting".3) Keep perfect infinitive "to have discussed" to indicate the action happened earlier.4) Full correction: "A high-level meeting of officials is reported to have discussed the issue in great detail."
Verification / Alternative check:
Alternative active: "Reporters say that a high-level meeting of officials discussed the issue in great detail." Meaning matches.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A: Noun phrase acceptable; hyphen is optional in many tests.C: "to have discussed" correctly marks prior action.D: Idiomatic prepositional phrase.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing "is reporting" (progressive active) with "is reported" (passive).
Final Answer:
B (Replace with "is reported")
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