In the 2011 documentary The Barber of Birmingham , civil rights activist James Armstrong recounts how his barbershop in Birmingham,

Question

In the 2011 documentary The Barber of Birmingham , civil rights activist James Armstrong recounts how his barbershop in Birmingham, Alabama, ______ blank as a political hub for members of the Black community during the 1950s. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Accepted Answer

Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. Relative clauses, such as the one beginning with "how," require a finite (tensed) verb, a verb that can function as the main verb of a clause. This choice correctly supplies the clause with the finite past tense verb "served." Choice A is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite participle "serving" doesn&rsquo;t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice B is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite participle "having served" doesn&rsquo;t supply the clause with a finite verb. Choice D is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive "to serve" doesn&rsquo;t supply the clause with a finite verb.

Question 1ec934