Exercise 5: The Missing Manuscript

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

A crisis (1) _______________ (unfold) in Taipei’s literary circle this week. A famous author reported that the only copy of his new manuscript, which he (2) _______________ (write) for the past five years, has vanished from his study. The police were called immediately. The author is certain the manuscript (3) _______________ (steal), as it (4) _______________ (not / can / disappear) on its own.

Before the incident, the manuscript (5) _______________ (keep) in a locked drawer. The author stated that he thought the book (6) _______________ (become) his masterpiece. If he (7) _______________ (make) a digital copy, this disaster (8) _______________ (not / be) so complete. Now, he fears his work (9) _______________ (publish) under someone else’s name.

The police announced yesterday that their investigation (10) _______________ (progress), but no suspects (11) _______________ (identify) so far. A significant reward is now being offered for any information. If anyone (12) _______________ (see) anything suspicious near the author’s home last Tuesday, they are urged to come forward.