Topic: Right Form of Verb,

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

The correct answer to the prompt "He talks as though --" is D) "he were a child," which utilizes the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or conditions that are contrary to fact. In this case, the phrase implies that the speaker is suggesting a situation that is not true or reality-based; it suggests that the manner of talking is akin to how a child might express themselves, rather than stating that he literally is a child.

The contrast between D and the other options highlights the distinction in mood and tense. Option A ("he was a child") refers to a past state, indicating that he once was a child. B ("he is a child") asserts that he currently is one, which doesn't match the hypothetical context. C ("he has been a child") indicates a completion of an experience in the past. However, the hypothetical comparison called for in this context is best served by the subjunctive form in D. Thus, "he were a child" effectively captures the sense of a hypothetical or unreal condition, making it the most grammatically and contextually appropriate option.