Choose the correct option to replace the underlined part of the sentence:
The new warden asked the boys to make their beds, keep their rooms tidy and that they should switch off the lights before leaving for class.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → switch off
Same form for every item in a list:
- When a sentence lists actions, every action must be in the same form.
- Here the warden asked the boys to make ..., keep ... and switch off .... The one “to” at the start goes with all three verbs.
- The given sentence says “that they should switch off”. This is wrong: the first two items are simple verbs, but the last one is a whole new clause.
- Complete sentence: The new warden asked the boys to make their beds, keep their rooms tidy and switch off the lights before leaving for class.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: switching off — Incorrect. “Switching” is an -ing form, but the other two actions, make and keep, are simple verbs.
Option 2: they should switch off — Incorrect. It adds a subject and a helping verb, so the last item no longer matches make and keep.
Option 4: for switching off — Incorrect. “For” + -ing shows the purpose of a thing. It does not match the simple verbs make and keep. Example: This red button is for switching off the water pump.