He always gives … for coming late to school.

Analyze the question: This tests your knowledge of the correct fixed expression and the proper use of "another" versus "the other."

Explain the concept:

• The idiom meaning "this excuse or that excuse, no particular one" is "one ... or another", as in "one excuse or another," "one way or another," "one reason or another."
• "The other" refers to a specific, known remaining item, usually when there are only two (e.g., "one is red, the other is blue"). It does not fit here because the excuses are unspecified and unlimited.
• "Another" is used for an indefinite additional item.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The sentence says he always gives excuses, so the excuses are many and vary each time, and none is specific.
2. This requires the indefinite form "another," which eliminates B and D ("the other").
3. Between A and C: the established idiom is "one excuse or another." "Some excuse or another" is not the standard fixed phrase in this context, and "some excuse or other" would be the more usual alternative form. So C is not the best choice.
4. "He always gives one excuse or another for coming late to school" is correct and idiomatic.

Answer: A. one excuse or another

Tip: Remember the pattern "one ... or another" (one way or another, one reason or another, one thing or another). If you see "the other" in a phrase describing vague or unlimited things, be suspicious. "The other" is only for specific, known items.