Final answer:
The best way to avoid gender-biased language is to use plural nouns and gender-free nouns, with 'plural subjects; masculine and feminine pronouns' being the correct answer to the provided question. So the correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using plural nouns and gender-free nouns are two ways you can avoid gender biased language. Therefore, the correct answer choice is 'a. plural subjects; masculine and feminine pronouns' because using plural subjects allows the writer to avoid specifying gender, and being inclusive of both masculine and feminine pronouns ensures that gender bias is not present in language.
Note that a movement is underway in the United States to neutralize gender in everyday language, emphasizing the importance of using gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them/their. This is particularly significant for including people who identify as neither man nor woman. Additionally, gender bias can also be eliminated by alternating masculine and feminine pronouns or, where possible, eliminating pronouns altogether by restructuring sentences.