Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Terrorism, a global threat, often involves the deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations, including tourists, to instill fear and achieve political objectives. The choice of words in communicating threats is crucial, and grammatical accuracy is paramount in conveying the intended meaning. This question assesses the ability to correctly employ the passive voice in a context related to security and potential harm. Correct usage ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in understanding the nature of the threat.
The correct phrasing is: "The terrorists made it known that tourists would be targeted."
Understanding the Grammatical Error
The original sentence uses "target" which is the base form of the verb. In this context, we need the past participle ("targeted") to form the passive voice. The passive voice is used when the subject of the sentence receives the action, rather than performing it. Here, the tourists are not doing the targeting; they are *being* targeted.
Passive Voice Construction
The passive voice is formed using a form of the verb "to be" (in this case, "would be") + the past participle of the main verb (in this case, "targeted").
Active vs. Passive Voice – A Comparison
| Active Voice | Passive Voice |
|---|---|
| The terrorists targeted the tourists. (Terrorists perform the action) | The tourists were targeted by the terrorists. (Tourists receive the action) |
| Someone will target the tourists. | The tourists will be targeted. |
Why "Target" is Incorrect
Using "target" alone creates an incomplete and grammatically incorrect phrase. It doesn't indicate the state of *having been* targeted. The sentence requires a verb form that shows a completed action done *to* the tourists.
Contextual Significance
In the context of a terrorist threat, precise language is vital. Using the correct grammatical structure ensures that the message is clear and unambiguous, accurately conveying the danger faced by tourists. Misusing the verb form could lead to misinterpretation and potentially undermine the seriousness of the threat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct completion of the sentence is "targeted" due to the necessity of employing the passive voice to accurately reflect that tourists are the recipients of the action, not the perpetrators. This seemingly simple grammatical correction highlights the importance of precision in language, particularly when communicating about sensitive issues like terrorism and security. Accurate grammar ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.