Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? In the historical novel The Surrender Tree, Cuban American author Margarita Engle uses poetry rather than prose ______blank the true story of Cuban folk hero Rosa La Bayamesa.

Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive 'to tell' is correctly used to form a nonfinite (infinitive) clause that explains the reason Engle uses poetry in her novel. Choice A is incorrect because the finite present tense verb 'tells' can't be used in this way to explain the reason that Engle uses poetry in her novel. Choice B is incorrect because the finite past tense verb 'told' can't be used in this way to explain the reason that Engle uses poetry in her novel. Choice C is incorrect because the finite present progressive tense verb 'is telling' can't be used in this way to explain the reason that Engle uses poetry in her novel.