The correct answer is D. Increased literacy.
Step-by-step explanation
The standardization of the English language was a process promoted during the 18th century by writers and thinkers in response to the increasing literacy rate that existed at this time because it became necessary to establish spelling rules and a defined language for teaching and learning. of the students, as well as the books that were used for said process. On the other hand, standardization was necessary to improve the social function of the language to give it uniformity in all communities. So, the correct answer is D. Increased literacy.