In the following sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that best replaces the underlined verb phrase so that the sentence is correct: "I did not give at the examination as my circumstances are bad."

Introduction / Context:
This question tests correct verb usage in the standard expression used for taking an examination. In Indian and many other exam contexts, certain verbs collocate naturally with "examination," and competitive questions often check whether you can recognise the proper idiomatic verb choice.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Original sentence: "I did not give at the examination as my circumstances are bad."
• The underlined part is "give at the examination."
• The speaker wants to say that he or she did not take or sit the exam due to bad circumstances.
• We need a verb that correctly expresses taking an exam.

Concept / Approach:
In standard exam English, we do not say "give an examination" when we talk about the candidate. Instead, we say "appear in an examination" or "sit for an examination." The verb "appear" collocates very strongly with "in the examination" in formal Indian English, especially in exam notifications and question papers. Therefore, "appear" is the best verb to replace "give."

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand intended meaning: the candidate did not take the exam. Step 2: Recall correct verbs: "appear in the examination" or "sit for the examination." Step 3: Look at the options and identify "appear" as the formal exam verb. Step 4: Rewrite: "I did not appear at the examination as my circumstances are bad." Step 5: Check for overall correctness and clarity of the sentence.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official notifications often say "Candidates who do not appear in the examination will not be considered." This shows the preferred verb is "appear." Although "sit for the examination" is also correct in British English, the option "sit" alone without a suitable preposition does not immediately fix the sentence. Given the choices, "appear" is the most precise and widely accepted usage for competitive exam English.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• write: While some regions informally say "write the exam," the sentence "I did not write at the examination" is grammatically awkward and incomplete without an object.
• sit: On its own, "sit" is not enough. The usual phrase is "sit for an examination," which is not what the option provides.
• No improvement: "Give at the examination" is incorrect usage. Examiners or institutions "give" an examination; candidates "appear in" or "sit for" it.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often translate directly from vernacular expressions such as "give exam," which leads to errors in formal English. Another problem is to choose a verb that sounds familiar without checking whether it fits grammatically with the rest of the sentence. Always remember standard collocations like "appear in the exam," "sit for the exam," and "take an exam" when dealing with such questions.

Final Answer:
The correct improvement is appear, giving the sentence: I did not appear at the examination as my circumstances are bad.