Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
are standing
B
have been standing
C
stands
D
were standing
Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "stands" agrees in number with the singular subject "sculpture."
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "are standing" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "sculpture."
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "have been standing" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "sculpture."
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb "were standing" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "sculpture."