Final answer:
King Alfred was instrumental in preserving works that previously only existed in the oral tradition by translating important texts into Old English.
Step-by-step explanation:
King Alfred was instrumental in preserving works that previously only existed in the oral tradition by translating important texts into Old English. He recognized the need to make these texts accessible to the English-speaking population and undertook the task of translating them, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
By translating important texts into Old English, such as the Bible, King Alfred made them more accessible to the common people who could now read and understand them.
Therefore, option b) He translated important texts into Old English is the correct answer.