|Question 20Verbal

Source Texts

Text
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?
was
A
were
B
having been
C
being
D