In the following passage some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives._x005F_x000D_ The nation has been _____as a relatively extensive, territorial relation of nativity. We have further formulated the_____of the nation as a territorially_____, yet bounded, social relation for the generation, transmission, and ____of life. When the nation is a national state, it is also a_____for the protection of life. The nation is often ______by the metaphor of familial relations and, indeed, has sometimes been considered as some kind of_____family. This is understandable because both the nation and the family are relations of_____. Nonetheless, there is an important difference, and to understand this will _____a more detailed examination of the_____ between territory and bonding._x005F_x000D_ and, indeed, has sometimes been considered as some kind of ______ family.

• A. extended
• B. exhibited
• C. exhorted
• D. exhumed