Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the highlighted segment in the given sentence.
Robinson Crusoe puzzles when he discovered a footprint in the sand.

Correct option is A

The correct substitution of the highlighted words is (a) was puzzled.
Explanation:
· The sentence refers to a completed action in the past ("he discovered"), so the verb describing his emotional state must also be in the past tense.
· "Puzzles" is in the present tense, which causes a tense mismatch.
· Therefore, was puzzled (past tense passive) is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.
Grammatical rule used:
· Tense consistency: All verbs in a sentence referring to a past event must agree in past tense.
· State of being is expressed with "was + past participle" for passive feelings.
Example:
· She was surprised when he left the room suddenly.
Information Booster:
· "Is puzzled" → Present tense → Incorrect for past narrative
· "Has puzzled" → Present perfect → Suggests ongoing confusion, doesn’t fit
· "No substitution required" → Incorrect because tense mismatch exists