The correct answer is (D). The statement is referring to a discrete number of students, so the word “fewest” should be used in place of the word “least.” The word “least” should be reserved for describing quantities (i.e. measures that do not involve count). For example, perhaps students demonstrate the least effective performance on the Critical Reading Section. Also note that the word “least” is appropriate in the above context because the test consists of more than two sections. However, suppose the test consisted of merely two sections. In such a case, “less” must be used in place of “least” because a comparison between two items is being made.
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