This question tests your understanding of verb patterns after "tried" and the structure of the infinitive of purpose.

Step 1: Analyze the first blank

The verb "tried" can be followed by two different structures, each with a different meaning:

• try + to + verb (infinitive): This means to make an effort or attempt to do something.

  Example: She tried to open the jar. (She made an effort to open it)

• try + verb-ing (gerund): This means to experiment with something as a method to see if it works.

  Example: She tried opening the jar. (She experimented with the method of opening it to see if it would work)

In the context of the sentence, she is experimenting with a method (wearing high heels) to achieve a result. Therefore, the gerund "wearing" is the correct choice.

Step 2: Analyze the second blank

The phrase "to make herself" is followed by the second verb. The structure here is:

make + object + base verb

This structure is used to mean "to cause the object to do something." The base verb (the infinitive without 'to') is used.

Example: The joke made her laugh. The high heels make her look taller.

Therefore, the base verb "look" is the correct choice. "Looking" or "to look" would be grammatically incorrect in this specific structure.

Final Answer

She tried wearing high heels to make herself look taller.

Related Grammar Points

Verb Patterns: Many verbs in English are followed by specific structures, like a gerund (verb-ing) or an infinitive (to + verb). It is important to memorize these patterns. Other common examples include "enjoy + verb-ing", "decide + to verb", and "avoid + verb-ing".

Causative 'Make': The verb 'make' can be used in the causative form 'make + object + base verb' to express that someone causes another person to do something.

Key Formulae/Rules

• try + gerund → to experiment with a method
• try + to-infinitive → to make an effort
• make + object + base verb → to cause someone to do something