How will you be more clear and precise next time?

the sentence does not violate the phrase structure second rule (introduced by noam chomsky) because noun phrases consist of a determiner such as a, the or every, and a noun. in the sentence, the noun phrase the cake includes a determiner (the) and a noun (cake).

on the other hand, the first rule indicates that a sentence encloses a noun phrase, followed by a verb phrase. the example sentence can be analysed as follows:

john (n) + ate (v) + the (det) + cake (n).

the correct answer is:   [d]:   " espionage " .

hope this is to you!

    best wishes in your academic endeavors —

          and within the community!

merry christmas to you, too. may god be with you all in doing your work and just living a great life in general! < 3