Here's an expanded explanation of the correct verb forms for each sentence:
There must be a mistake: the bill ___ by my wife before we left.
- Correct answer: c) had been paid
- Explanation: The sentence implies that the action of paying the bill occurred before another past event (leaving). The past perfect tense (had been paid) is used to indicate that one past action was completed before another.
The symphony ___ for the first time last week.
- Correct answer: b) was performed
- Explanation: The sentence refers to an event that happened at a specific time in the past ("last week"). The simple past tense (was performed) is appropriate for actions completed in the past.
I don't have my pictures any more. They ___ by fire.
- Correct answer: a) were destroyed
- Explanation: The sentence describes an action that happened in the past and affects the present situation (the pictures are no longer available). The simple past tense (were destroyed) is suitable for indicating a completed past action.
The children don't obey the teacher. He ___ to.
- Correct answer: a) isn't listened
- Explanation: The sentence is in the present tense, and it describes an ongoing situation where the teacher is not being listened to by the children. The correct form should actually be "isn't listened to," but note that this is not a grammatically correct answer choice, as "isn't listened" is incorrect without "to."
I think this event ___ in his next book.
- Correct answer: d) will be described
- Explanation: The sentence refers to a future action. The future passive tense (will be described) is used to indicate that the event will be documented in the book.
Barbara was scared. She felt that she ___.
- Correct answer: c) was being followed
- Explanation: The sentence describes an ongoing action in the past that was happening to Barbara, making her feel scared. The past continuous passive (was being followed) indicates this ongoing past action.
Everyone is talking loudly, the possibility of new negotiations ___.
- Correct answer: a) is being discussed
- Explanation: The sentence describes an action that is currently happening. The present continuous passive (is being discussed) is used for ongoing actions in the present.
By the time you come home the dinner ___.
- Correct answer: d) will have been cooked
- Explanation: The sentence describes a future action that will be completed before another future action (coming home). The future perfect passive tense (will have been cooked) is used to indicate that the cooking will be finished before you arrive.