In the following sentence, a blank has been given to be filled with the most appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four options. Riya _____ her matriculation examination in 2016.

Introduction / Context:
This cloze style question checks your knowledge of natural verb collocations with the word 'examination'. In English, certain verbs typically go together with certain nouns, and using the wrong verb can sound unnatural even if it is grammatically possible. The sentence 'Riya _____ her matriculation examination in 2016.' requires the verb that native users most commonly use to describe successfully clearing an exam.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: 'Riya _____ her matriculation examination in 2016.'
- Options: 'completed', 'passed', 'obtained', 'gathered'.
- 'Matriculation examination' refers to a board or school leaving examination.
- The intended meaning is that Riya successfully cleared that exam in 2016.

Concept / Approach:
The standard and most natural verb in English to show success in an exam is 'pass': we say 'pass an exam', 'pass the test', 'pass matriculation'. The verb 'complete' is used with courses, training or projects rather than with individual examinations. 'Obtain' is usually followed by 'marks', 'a degree' or 'a certificate', not directly by 'examination'. 'Gather' is used for collecting things such as information, data or objects and does not collocate with 'examination' in this context. So we must choose the verb that forms the correct and idiomatic phrase with 'matriculation examination'.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the required meaning: Riya successfully cleared or was successful in her matriculation examination. Step 2: Test 'completed': 'Riya completed her matriculation examination in 2016.' sounds possible but focuses more on finishing writing the exam rather than success. Step 3: Test 'passed': 'Riya passed her matriculation examination in 2016.' clearly says she succeeded and is the common natural expression. Step 4: Test 'obtained': we would normally say 'obtained a degree' or 'obtained 80% marks', not 'obtained her examination'. Step 5: Test 'gathered': this does not combine logically with 'examination' in this meaning and sounds incorrect.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare how these collocations are used in textbooks and everyday speech: we say 'students who passed the examination', 'she completed a course in 2016', and 'he obtained his degree last year'. The question clearly concerns success in the exam, not just finishing writing it or receiving a degree later. Therefore 'passed her matriculation examination' is the best match for typical exam English and for the intended meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
'Completed' is not completely impossible, but it normally describes finishing a process or course, not necessarily succeeding in a single exam. 'Obtained' is wrong here because one obtains a thing such as a degree or marks, not an examination itself. 'Gathered' is wrong because you gather information, people or things, and it does not fit at all with 'examination' in this structure.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners overuse 'complete' because they translate directly from their mother tongue, where one might say 'completed the exam'. However, in standard English exam language, 'pass an exam' is the accepted phrase to express success. To avoid similar mistakes, always remember common combinations such as 'pass an exam', 'take an exam', 'sit for an exam', and reserve verbs like 'complete' for courses and long term programmes.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is passed, as in 'Riya passed her matriculation examination in 2016.'