<p><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">The correct answer is (</span><strong style="font-size: 13.008px;">B) crucial</strong><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">.</span><br></p>
<p>In this sentence, we are describing the importance of a business plan to the success of a new small business. To convey this meaning, we need an adjective that means "extremely important" or "essential." The word "crucial" fits this meaning perfectly.</p>
<p>The other answer choices do not accurately convey the intended meaning:</p>
<p>(A) productive - While a business plan should be productive in the sense that it helps a business achieve its goals, this word does not convey the same level of importance as "crucial."</p>
<p>(C) strict - While a business plan should have guidelines and structure, the word "strict" does not accurately describe the importance of the plan to the success of the business.</p>
<p>(D) considerate - This word means thoughtful or mindful of others' needs, which does not accurately describe the importance of a business plan to the success of a business.</p>