In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives._x005F_x000D_  _x005F_x000D_ All of us have admired some writers, ______________ their work over that of others for their writing style as much as for the content of their work. ____________ writer who has, for more than half a century, _______________ for his searing honesty is George Orwell. He is recondite, but he is never ________________. He says it as it is and yet says it as it has not been said ____________._x005F_x000D_  _x005F_x000D_ All of us have admired some writers, ______________ their work_x005F_x000D_

• A. preferring
• B. preferred
• C. having preferred
• D. had preferred