Fill in the blank with a suitable homophone: Father Costello assured me that…

Answer: Rite

Key insight: The article the before the blank and the verb perform indicate a noun denoting an event or ceremony is required. Also, 'perform the' commonly collocates with ceremonies or rites.

• Correct choice — Rite: Rite is a noun meaning a religious or solemn ceremony. 'Father Costello' suggests a clergy member, so 'perform the rite' fits the context.

• Why the other words are incorrect:

  • Write: A verb meaning to compose text; it cannot follow 'perform the' here because a noun is needed.

  • Right: Means correct or a direction; it does not denote a ceremony and so does not fit the sentence.

  • Writ: A legal document issued by a court; not something a priest would 'perform'.