A and D are the only logical answers, I feel like A fits best because B and C don't really fit under being "timely" or "topical." Feasible answers, yes, but they don't fit the best. If A is wrong, I'd say D.
This excerpt, if taken from a newspaper article, would not be considered timely or topical unless <em>there was a convention on Southern Gothic literature coming up.</em> <u>The correct answer is A. </u>
Explanation:
In order to be considered timely or topical, an article has to be written as a consequence of an upcoming event that justifies the article. This would give the article context and information about the theme of the event, it will pursue the readers that are interested in that specific topic -in Southern Gothic literature in this case- to attend the convention, and will give the proper information to those who are interested.