In her 1962 book Silent Spring, biologist Rachel Carson exposed the dangers of pesticides through a combination of scientific data and poetic prose. Today, Carson ______ considered the catalyst for the modern environmental movement.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
was
is
had been
will be
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The simple present tense "is" is correct because the sentence describes Carson’s reputation in the current moment ("Today"). Even though the book was written in the past, her status as a catalyst is a present reality.
Choice A is incorrect because "was" implies her status has ended. Choice C is incorrect because the past perfect "had been" refers to an action completed before another past action, which does not fit the context. Choice D is incorrect because "will be" suggests this recognition is only a future possibility.