In the following sentence improvement question, choose the best phrase or select the no improvement option: Not having practised his lines, he cut an angry figure on the stage.

Introduction / Context:
This item tests knowledge of a set phrase in English: to cut a sorry figure. The original sentence describes someone who did not practise his lines and therefore did not perform well on stage. The phrase an angry figure is not standard in this context. The aim is to see whether candidates recognise the conventional expression that conveys a poor or pitiable impression.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The original sentence is: Not having practised his lines, he cut an angry figure on the stage.

The context implies that his performance was weak or embarrassing.

The underlined part concerns the phrase following cut.

We need the most natural and idiomatic English expression.

All options keep the same basic structure but change the descriptive phrase.

Concept / Approach:

In English, the phrase cut a sorry figure means present an unhappy, pathetic, or unimpressive appearance, especially in public. This fits a situation where someone has not prepared and therefore performs badly. The use of angry figure is unusual and does not convey the idea of failure or embarrassment. Similarly, cut a sorry face is not a standard idiom. Therefore, the correct improvement is the well known phrase cut a sorry figure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the context: because he did not practise his lines, his performance likely looked poor or pitiable. Step 2: Examine option a: cut a confused figure on the stage. This expresses confusion but is not a recognised set phrase. Step 3: Examine option b: cut a sorry face on the stage. This is also not the standard idiom and sounds awkward. Step 4: Examine option c: cut a sorry figure on the stage. This is a common expression in English and means he presented a pathetic or unimpressive image. Step 5: Examine option d: No improvement is needed. This would keep angry figure, which does not match standard usage. Step 6: Examine option e: cut an upset figure on the stage. This again is not an established idiom. Step 7: Select option c as the best and most idiomatic choice.

Verification / Alternative check:

Consider example sentences: After forgetting his speech, he cut a sorry figure in front of the audience or The team cut a sorry figure in the final match after making many mistakes. In all such examples, cut a sorry figure is used to describe a poor impression. This is exactly the effect created by not practising lines before a stage performance. Therefore, the phrase matches the context and typical usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option a introduces confused figure, which may describe his state but does not reflect a common idiom.

Option b uses sorry face, which is not the usual collocation with cut.

Option d claims that angry figure is acceptable; however, cut an angry figure is not standard in describing poor performance.

Option e uses upset figure, which again is not a recognised phrase and sounds forced.

Common Pitfalls:

Learners sometimes ignore fixed expressions and try to interpret each word literally. Because sorry and figure might appear strange together, they may wrongly reject the correct idiom. The safest method in sentence improvement questions is to recall frequent combinations used in reading and listening practice. Recognising patterns like cut a sorry figure, bear in mind, and bring to light is vital for success.

Final Answer:

The improved sentence should be: Not having practised his lines, he cut a sorry figure on the stage.