Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the correct verb phrase: She dithered every time she (make) a decision about her career.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests tense consistency and the correct choice of verb phrase in a past time context. The sentence talks about a repeated situation in the past where she hesitated whenever a decision was required. The bracketed part "make" must be adjusted so that it fits naturally with "dithered" and clearly indicates a repeated requirement to take a decision.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The main verb is "dithered," which is in the simple past tense.
• The clause introduced by "every time" refers to each occasion when a decision was needed.
• The bracketed verb is "make," which is in base form.
• We need a structure that is consistent with the past and shows obligation or necessity at those times.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase "every time she had to make a decision" is a natural way to talk about repeated situations in the past where an obligation arose. The expression "had to" is the past form of "have to," which expresses necessity. Using "had to make" clearly indicates that on each occasion in the past when a decision was necessary, she hesitated. This matches well with "dithered," which also describes a past habit or repeated action.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that "dithered" is in the simple past tense and describes a repeated pattern of behaviour. Step 2: Recognise that the clause with "every time she ..." should also refer to those past occasions. Step 3: Choose a past time structure that reflects necessity each time. "Had to make" is the natural past form of "has to make." Step 4: Replace the bracketed "make" with "had to make." Step 5: Read the complete sentence: "She dithered every time she had to make a decision about her career." This is now grammatically correct and semantically clear.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider parallel sentences: "He panicked every time he had to speak in public" or "They hesitated every time they had to sign a contract." In each, the combination "had to" plus base verb describes necessity in past repeated events. Applying this pattern here confirms that "had to make" is the right choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "makes" is in the simple present tense and does not match "dithered," which is past. It would fit better in a sentence like "She dithers every time she makes a decision." Option C: "will make" refers to the future and is incompatible with the past tense "dithered." Option D: "No improvement" is incorrect because leaving "make" in base form after "she" gives an ungrammatical structure. It should be "she makes" or "she had to make," not "she make."

Common Pitfalls:
Students often forget to maintain tense consistency when there are multiple clauses in a sentence. Another common problem is using base verbs directly after subjects in the past without an auxiliary. Remember that if the sentence is clearly about past repeated situations and expresses obligation, "had to" is the usual choice. Matching the tense of the main clause and the subordinate clause makes the sentence clear and correct.

Final Answer:
The correct improvement is "had to make," so the sentence should read: She dithered every time she had to make a decision about her career.