From the first-call wait staff to the exotic dishes and the ornate silverware, everything about the banquet was designed to impress, and it is.

Why doesnt A work (was designed to impress, and it is).

E (had been designed to impress, and it has)- means that the banquet first was designed to impress, then it impressed - however I still think this is a very plausible answer.

Can you tell me why both the above answers are definitely wrong as compared to C (is designed to impress, and it does)?

The final clause has an auxiliary verb (does), but omits the main verb, "impress". The main verb has to fit in the final clause without changing form.

Choice A would require "impressive". Choice D would require "impressed".

- Veritas Help