Sentence Correction

Although the farmers agreed jointly on their expectations for the outcome of the trial, their shock was obvious when the real information started manifesting.

a) their shock was obvious when
b) they were obviously shocked when
c) their shock was in obvious when
d) they were obviously shocked as
e) they were shocked as

IMO B

Wanted to know the difference between "when" and "as"; also, which option
retains the original meaning.

Thanks.

Both "as" and "when" can be used to introduce a longer "background" action or situation, which is/was going on when something else happens/ happened.
e.g. As I was walking down the street I saw Joe driving a Porsche.
The telephone always rings when you are having a bath.

"As" is also used (with simple tenses) to talk about two situations which develop or change together.
e.g. As I get older I get more optimistic.
"When" is preferred to talk about ages and periods of life.
e.g. When I was a child we lived in New York.
His parents died when he was twelve.

We use "as" or "just as" to say that two short actions or events happen/ happened at the same time.
e.g. As I opened my eyes I heard a strange voice.

At first glance I opted for B too but I think D could be the right answer.

IMO "when" is used to point out an action when something else had already happened for e.g. "I was in shock when I heard Rahul met with an accident". In this case "I" was in shock when Rahul had already met with an accident, however "as" is used to denote continuity. For e.g. "I was in shock as the results started pouring in". In this example "I" was in shock when the results started pouring in but continued to remain in shock till all the results were out.

This is just my understanding. I could be wrong. Btw what is the OA?

On a second thought, if my knowledge of what Kasia's explanations is right,
I'd rather go with "as" because the two events - (i) the shocking and (ii)
when the information started manifesting- happened simultaneously, though in the past.

Also in retaining the original meaning of the sentence, I think D would be a
better candidate.

Kasia, what do you think?

Am sorry, there is no OA.

i thought obviously shocked would be redundant..and took E..on first
but now seems B..... when....gerund seems fine
correct me..

IMO - D. What is the OA?

IMO itz B what is OA

Now there are many differing opinions;
Even though no OA, can't we get an expert view on this question
as to why a particular choice is the best response?

Kasia has made her contribution, but it doesn't seem to help much.

wts OA??