Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the correct tense: The unpleasant feeling (passes) and she glanced guardedly up at him.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests tense consistency within a narrative sentence. The sentence describes events that happened in the past: an unpleasant feeling came and then went away, and she looked up at him. We must ensure that all verbs properly reflect the same time frame.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The second verb "glanced" is clearly in simple past tense.
• The bracketed verb is "passes," which is in simple present tense.
• The sentence describes a sequence of actions that occurred at one moment in the past.
• We need to bring the first verb into harmony with the second.

Concept / Approach:
When a sentence narrates a sequence of actions that took place in the past, the verbs are usually in simple past tense. The progression here is that the unpleasant feeling went away and then she glanced up. Therefore, "passed" is the correct form for the first action, matching "glanced" in tense and giving a smooth, chronological flow. Using present or present perfect would disturb this consistency.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the two main verbs: "passes" (bracketed) and "glanced." Step 2: Note that "glanced" is in simple past, indicating that both actions belong to a past narrative. Step 3: Change "passes" to its simple past form "passed" so that both actions share the same tense. Step 4: Insert "passed" in the sentence: "The unpleasant feeling passed and she glanced guardedly up at him." Step 5: Check that the sequence now reads smoothly, showing first the disappearance of the feeling and then her action of looking up.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare with similar constructions: "The pain subsided and he relaxed," or "The storm ended and the sun came out." In each example, both verbs are in simple past, reflecting a completed sequence. Similarly, "The unpleasant feeling passed and she glanced..." correctly follows this narrative pattern. Using present tense "passes" would sound as if we are describing a habitual or general truth, which does not match the context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "passing" would require a different structure such as "the unpleasant feeling, passing quickly, left her calm," and is not suitable in this straightforward narrative. Option B: "has passed" is present perfect, which typically links the past to the present moment. It is not appropriate in a simple past narrative that is clearly located completely in the past. Option D: "No improvement" is incorrect because "passes" in present tense clashes with the past tense "glanced."

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes mix tenses within one sentence, especially when focusing more on meaning than on form. A useful rule is that, in a simple past narrative, all main actions should normally be in simple past unless there is a specific reason to shift tense. Maintaining tense consistency helps the reader follow the timeline of events clearly.

Final Answer:
The correct improvement is "passed," so the sentence should read: The unpleasant feeling passed and she glanced guardedly up at him.