Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
it was
B
they were
C
this was
D
some were
Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun–antecedent agreement. The plural pronoun “they” agrees in number with the plural antecedent “woodcuts” and clearly identifies what was exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the singular pronoun “it” doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent “woodcuts.”
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the singular pronoun “this” doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent “woodcuts.”
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the plural pronoun “some” is illogical in this context (referring to “some” of two woodcuts).