The police ... that Senator Brown had been shot appeared in the press yesterday.

[Eric0936]

The police ___ that Senator Brown had been shot appeared in the press yesterday.

A. reported
B. have report
C. is reported
D. report

Answer: D

I wonder why option A can not be chosen.

Anyway this sentence maybe is talking about who state the news.

[Mister Micawber]

The correct answer ('report') is a noun, not a verb. The main verb is 'appeared'. That is why the other 3 answers don't work.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Eric0936]

Hi Mister Micawber,

The police report appeared in the press yesterday. ----->So This is the main clause.

Then,shoudn't (the police report) be (the polices' report)?

[Mister Micawber]

Yes, that is the main clause. No, it should be 'police report' (noun as adjective), just like 'school yard' and 'shoe store' and 'table leg'.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Eric0936]

Well, you mean police report is like an usual speaking, it doesn't need a apostrophe+s to modify it, does it?

[Mister Micawber]

That's right.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Eric0936]

My god, if I meet such an usual speaking in the coming test, it will be a mess.

The only way to keep usual speaking in mind is to memorize it. What a bother...

Thank you, Mr. Micawber.

[Mister Micawber]

What part seems unusual to you, Eric?
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Eric0936]

After finishing the link you gave, among 'who, which, that' I want to make a conclusion,then have you check this for me.

In relative clauses, 'that' is a condition, inclined to a necessary or distinguishing reason(situation).

The house that is painted pink has just been sold.------>Perhaps talkers were not standing near the house. It needs to make the subject clear.
The house, which is painted pink, has just been sold.----->Perhaps listener has known which one the talker is talking about, even though 'which is painted pink' is left out, listener still knows.

Is it right, please corret it for me.

[Mister Micawber]

That is correct, but note that 'which' can be used in place of 'that' also; it is the commas that are important:

The house that/which is painted pink has just been sold.-- The clause defines the house.
The house, which is painted pink, has just been sold.-- The clause adds extra information of the house, but does not define it.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Eric0936]

Thanks Mr. Micawber, these posts mean a lot to me.