Correct Answer:
A. are
The correct answer is A: are. This question tests your understanding of subject-verb agreement, particularly with collective nouns.
A collective noun, such as "committee," can take either a singular or a plural verb depending on whether the members of the group are acting as a single, unified entity or as separate individuals. In this sentence, the phrase "divided in their opinion" is the key indicator. The word "divided" explicitly states that the members of the committee are acting individually, holding different opinions, rather than as one cohesive unit.
- When the members of a collective noun are acting individually or are in disagreement, the verb should be plural. Hence, "are" is the correct choice.
- If the committee were acting as a single unit (e.g., "The committee is meeting today"), a singular verb would be appropriate.
- Option B: is is singular and incorrect here because of the division.
- Option C: was is past tense singular and does not fit the present tense context implied by the lack of a past tense indicator.
- Option D: has is a singular present perfect auxiliary verb, which is also incorrect for a plural action.
Therefore, "The committee are divided in their opinion" correctly reflects the individual actions of the committee members.