Any good newspaper will cater for the needs of the … public

Analyze the question

The blank sits between "the" and the noun "public": "the ........ public." So we need a word that modifies "public," which means an adjective form.

Explain the concept

"Reading public" is a standard English collocation meaning the people who read books, newspapers and similar material. Here "reading" is a participial adjective, describing the kind of public being referred to.

Test each option

• A. reader: A singular noun. "The reader public" is not idiomatic.
• B. readers: A plural noun. "The readers public" is ungrammatical.
• C. reading: "The reading public" is a correct, common phrase, and it fits the meaning: a newspaper serves the needs of the people who read.
• D. readable: This means "easy or pleasant to read" and describes a text, not people. "Readable public" makes no sense.

Answer

The completed sentence reads: Any good newspaper will cater for the needs of the reading public.

Exam tip

When a blank comes directly before a noun, ask whether it needs an adjective. Also learn common collocations such as "the reading public," "the viewing public," and "the voting public." WAEC often tests these fixed phrases.