|Question 19Verbal

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In economics, soybeans are considered a commodity because they are essentially interchangeable, "essentially" being a word that admits a degree of latitude. In 2021, researchers J. Shorish, M. Stephenson, and M. Zargham devised a mathematical model of fungibility (interchangeability) that would account for such variation. Distinguishing "exactly the same" and "nearly the same" commodities–whether crops, lumber, or precious metals– ____ among their primary aims.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
were
A
was
B
having been
C
being
D