Final answer:
Verb tense consistency is important in writing about experiences during the MCO. Present tense can create immediacy, past tense allows for reflection, and future tense looks ahead. Personal preference may dictate changes in tense to indicate timing in the story. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
When writing about the Movement Control Order (MCO), the practice with verb tense consistency becomes crucial in clearly communicating when events are occurring or have occurred. In option A, using the present tense places the writer in the ongoing situation of the MCO, creating a sense of immediacy, as in 'I am reading a book to pass the time.'
Option B, writing in the past tense, allows for reflection, as in 'During the MCO, I read several books to stay entertained.' This tense is useful for conveying experiences that have already happened. With option C, the future tense looks ahead to what will be done if the MCO continues: 'I will start learning a new language if the order extends.'
Finally, D permits personal preference, allowing the writer to shift tenses as necessary to indicate changes in time within the narrative. For example, 'I have been learning to cook (present perfect tense), and I tried a new recipe yesterday (past tense). Tomorrow, I plan to bake bread (future tense).'
Understanding and applying verb tense in narrative writing helps readers follow along with the chronology of events and enhances the clarity and coherence of the storytelling. The correct option is C.