By the time the rescue team arrived, the survivors _______ for nearly three days without fresh water.
4
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
waited
B
had been waiting
C
have waited
D
are waiting
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests verb tense with time expressions.
- Context clues: "By the time... arrived" (past) indicates an action ongoing before a past event.
- Meaning: Past perfect progressive describes an ongoing action before another past action.
- Verify: "had been waiting" shows the waiting was in progress until the team arrived.
💡 Strategy: Use past perfect progressive (had been + -ing) for actions ongoing before a past event.
Choice A is incorrect because simple past doesn't show the ongoing nature. Choice B is correct. Choice C is incorrect because present perfect connects to now. Choice D is incorrect because present progressive is wrong tense.