The novelist wrote that she _______ inspiration in the landscapes of her childhood.

4
reading

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A

finds

B

found

C

has found

D

is finding

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the best answer. This question tests verb tense in reported speech.

  1. Context clues: "Wrote" (past tense) introduces the reported speech.
  2. Meaning: In reported speech with a past reporting verb, backshift the tense.
  3. Verify: "wrote that she found" maintains appropriate past tense sequence.

💡 Strategy: When the reporting verb is past tense, the reported content typically shifts to past tense as well.

Choice A is incorrect because present tense after past "wrote" is inconsistent. Choice C is incorrect because present perfect doesn't match the past narrative. Choice D is incorrect because present progressive doesn't match the past context.