Which rule best explains why the verb in the following sentence is correct?

Publishing and presenting is the final stage of the writing process.

A singular verb is used because the two parts of the compound subject are thought of as a single item.
A singular verb is used because a compound subject connected by and needs to agree with the subject that is closer.
A singular verb is used because both parts of the compound subject connected by or are singular.
A singular verb is used because a singular indefinite pronoun comes before the compound subject.

Question

Which rule best explains why the verb in the following sentence is correct?

Publishing and presenting is the final stage of the writing process.
 	
	A singular verb is used because the two parts of the compound subject are thought of as a single item.
	A singular verb is used because a compound subject connected by and needs to agree with the subject that is closer.
	A singular verb is used because both parts of the compound subject connected by or are singular.
	A singular verb is used because a singular indefinite pronoun comes before the compound subject.

texaschic101 · Answer

I am going with A.

96hannahrayne · Answer

what is this for?

texaschic101 · Answer

I don't know, I just answered the question.....I figured the answer from reading this... http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/compound-subjects.aspx

96hannahrayne · Answer

i know you dont know lol i was asking her......

texaschic101 · Answer

she appears to still be online.....don't know if she is by her computer or not....

texaschic101 · Answer

Its not letting me tag her, so I don't really know if she is online

96hannahrayne · Answer

@knowel what is this for?

texaschic101 · Answer

it wouldn't let me do that......I wonder why

texaschic101 · Answer

hannah, do you agree with my answer ?

texaschic101 · Answer

good luck

anonymous · Answer

hannah its a homework ?