Meta-directing groups among the following are  

(a)–CN  

(b) –COR  

(c) –NHCOR  

(d)$–{\mathrm{SO}}_3\mathrm{H}$ 

(e) $–{\mathrm{OCH}}_3$

Because -CN is a meta director and because these groups strongly extract electrons in various ways. By resonance and induction, -CN removes electrons.
For similar reasons, $-{\mathrm{SO}}_3\mathrm{H}$ is likewise a meta-directing group.
$-{\mathrm{OCH}}_3$ is o,p directing group.
Thus, (A) is the correct answer.