Choose from the options lettered A - E the one that most appropriately completes the sentence Last night…

Analyze the question: We need the word that correctly completes the noun "break-___" in the context of robbers trying to get into a shop.

Explain the concept: "Break-in" is a noun (from the phrasal verb break in) meaning an illegal forced entry into a building, usually to steal. Other options form different words with different meanings:

• Breakout: an escape (e.g., from prison)
• Breakdown: a failure or collapse (e.g., of a machine or talks)
• Breakthrough: a major discovery or advance
• Breakup: the end of a relationship or the splitting of something

Step-by-step solution:

1. The sentence says robbers "attempted a break ___ at the shop."
2. Robbers trying to force their way into a shop is a forced entry.
3. The noun for forced entry is "break-in."
4. Check: "Last night robbers attempted a break-in at the shop down the road." This is natural and correct.

The other options don't fit: "break-out" suggests escaping, "breakdown" suggests failure, "breakthrough" suggests progress, and "break-up" suggests ending or splitting.

Answer: C (in)

Tip: Link the particle to the action. In means entering (break-in, burglary), out means escaping (breakout), and down means failing (breakdown). When you see robbers and a shop, think "break-in."