It is half . . . . . . . . eight. A. before B. after C. in D. past

The correct answer is “past”.

“Half past” is a time expression that means “half an hour after”. So, “half past eight” means “half an hour after eight o’clock”. This would be 8:30.

The other options are incorrect because they do not make sense in the context of the question. “Before” would mean “half an hour before” eight o’clock, which would be 7:30. “After” would mean “half an hour after” eight o’clock, which would be 8:30. “In” would not make sense in this context. “Past” is the only option that makes sense.