Which of the following phrases given below the sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold letters to make the sentence grammatically correct? Choose the best option among the five given alternatives that reflect the correct use of phrase in the context of the grammatically correct sentence. If the sentence is correct as it is, mark “No correction required” as the answer.

The UN resolution proposed that the country improves its human rights record before further aid is granted.

The correct answer is "the country improve its".

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understand the Grammatical Context:
The original sentence contains the verb "proposed" followed by a "that"-clause: "The UN resolution proposed that the country improves...".

2. Identify the Subjunctive Mood:
In English grammar, certain verbs that express a demand, recommendation, suggestion, proposal, or necessity (such as propose, suggest, recommend, demand, insist, advise) require the use of the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause that follows them.

3. Rule for forming the Subjunctive Mood:
The subjunctive clause is structured as: [subject] + [base form of the verb] (the bare infinitive without "to"). The base form of the verb is used regardless of the subject's number (singular or plural) or the tense of the main verb.
Therefore, even though "the country" is a singular noun, it must be paired with the base verb "improve" rather than the singular present indicative form "improves".

4. Evaluate the Options:
• "the country will improve its": Incorrect, as future tense ("will") is not used in the subjunctive clause following "proposed".
• "the country should improves its": Grammatically incorrect, as the modal verb "should" must be followed by the base verb "improve", not "improves".
• "the country improve its": Correct, as it uses the subjunctive base verb "improve".
• "the country had improved its": Incorrect, as the past perfect tense does not fit the subjunctive requirement after a proposal.

Thus, the grammatically correct sentence is: "The UN resolution proposed that the country improve its human rights record before further aid is granted."