Sentence improvement (quantifier with singular/uncountable noun): Choose the best replacement for the underlined word. Original sentence: "The world has seen small real attempt at population and resource planning." Pick the correct determiner.

Given data

• Head noun: "attempt" used in a mass/abstract sense (lack of effort).
• Intended meaning: hardly any real attempt.

Concept/Approach
Little modifies uncountable or abstract singular nouns to mean "hardly any".Few/a few require the plural "attempts".

Step-by-step
Replace "small" with the quantifier "little".Corrected: "The world has seen little real attempt …"

Option analysis
B matches the singular/uncountable use and intended sense. A/D need plural; C ("less") is comparative without a standard of comparison; E leaves an awkward/incorrect adjective.

Final Answer
little