Question

Fill in the blank with the correct passive verb for [1]:

• A. had been made
• B. made
• C. makes
• D. were made

Answer 1

The correct option is A had been made

A sentence is in active voice when the subject is the doer of the action.
A sentence is in passive voice when the new subject (object in active voice) is the receiver of that action.
The given sentence: "...a roaring trade ___ by the shops" requires a verb in passive voice form.
Option A: 'Had been made' is in the past perfect tense, in the passive voice. It's the most suitable option, as the subject 'trade' receives the action 'had been made'. Hence option A is correct.
'Made' and 'makes' are in the active voice, hence they are not suitable here. So, options B and C are incorrect.
Option D: 'Were' in 'were made' is a plural verb, whereas the subject 'trade' is singular. Hence option D is incorrect.