Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
The play usually needs half an hour for its preparation and makeup, and its performance ___________ within ten minutes.

Correct option is B

The correct option to fill in the blank is (b) ends.
Explanation: The sentence starts with the word usually, which indicates a habitual or regular action. In English, we use the simple present tense to express habitual actions. So, ends is the grammatically correct verb form to use here.
Example: The meeting usually starts at 10 a.m. and ends by noon.
Grammatical rule used:
· Use Simple Present Tense for general truths, routines, and habitual actions.
· Structure: Subject + Verb (s/es) + Object.
Why other options are incorrect:
· (a) Would end – Conditional or hypothetical, not suitable for habitual statements.
· (c) Has ended – Present Perfect; used for recent past with present relevance, not habit.
· (d) Ended – Simple Past; used for specific past action, not routine.