Question

and thousands of people ___3___ .

• A. was killed
• B. were killed
• C. are killed
• D. is killed

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

were killed

Here, 'were killed' in simple past is correct because it is used to indicate an action that has already been completed. Here, due to the earthquake, thousands of people 'were' (past action) killed.
'Was killed' is incorrect because thousands of people is plural, not singular. Thus, usage of 'were' is incorrect.
'Are killed' is incorrect because 'are' is used in simple present tense's plural form, but here, simple past tense's plural form is used.
'Is killed' is incorrect because 'is' is used in simple present tense's singular form, but here, simple past tense's plural form is used.