The long-awaited match was called .......... at the last moment

Analyze the question The sentence needs a particle that completes the phrasal verb "called ____", meaning the match did not take place at the last moment.

Explain the concept Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a particle, and the particle changes the meaning. Some common ones with "call":

• call off = cancel
• call out = shout, or summon someone to help
• call down = ask for something to come down, or scold (informal)
• call away = summon someone to leave a place, usually a person, as in "He was called away on urgent business"

Solution

1. The match was "long-awaited", yet something happened "at the last moment". This suggests a sudden cancellation.
2. "Called off" means "cancelled", which fits perfectly: The long-awaited match was called off at the last moment.
3. Checking the others: • "called out" does not mean cancel. • "called down" does not fit a match. • "called away" is used for people being summoned elsewhere, not for events.

Answer: A. off

Tip: For events, remember that call off = cancel, and put off = postpone. Examiners love testing these two, so learn them as a pair. Also, "call away" is for people, while "call off" is for events.