From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words as it…

Analyze the question: The sentence is "The sport I like ____ is swimming." We need the word that fits correctly. This tests comparative and superlative forms.

Explain the concept:

• "The sport I like most" is a superlative construction. It means that of all sports, swimming is the one I like to the greatest degree.
• "Better" and "more" are comparatives. They need a comparison between two things, usually with "than" (e.g., "I like swimming more than football").
• "Much" is a plain adverb. "The sport I like much is swimming" sounds unnatural. "Much" normally appears in negatives, questions, or with "very" or "so" (e.g., "I don't like it much").

Step-by-step solution:

1. The phrase "The sport I like ___" picks one sport out of many.
2. Picking one out of many calls for a superlative, not a comparative.
3. The superlative of "much" (used as an adverb with "like") is most.
4. Testing it: "The sport I like most is swimming." This is correct and natural.

(Note: "The sport I like best is swimming" is also correct, but "best" is not among the options.)

Answer: C. most

Exam tip: When a sentence singles out one thing from a whole group ("the sport I like ___"), look for a superlative (most, best, least). Use comparatives (more, better) only when two things are compared, usually with "than".