Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment…
2023
Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.
When plastic waste was burnt, a complex weave of toxic chemicals is released.
- A.
were burnt
- B.
is burnt
- C.
are burnt
- D.
No substitution required
Attempted by 74 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct sentence: When plastic waste is burnt, a complex weave of toxic chemicals is released.
Explanation: Choose 'is burnt' to ensure tense consistency and correct agreement.
Tense consistency: The main clause uses 'is released' (present passive), so the subordinate clause should also use present passive ('is burnt').
Subject-verb agreement: 'Plastic waste' is a mass noun treated as singular, so use 'is' rather than 'are' or 'were'.
Why the other choices are incorrect: 'were burnt' is past plural and mismatches tense; 'are burnt' uses a plural verb form; leaving 'was burnt' unchanged creates a tense mismatch with 'is released'.