Correct Answer:
C. little
The correct answer is C: little. This question tests your knowledge of quantifiers, specifically the distinction between "a little" and "little," and their usage with uncountable nouns. The noun "hope" is an uncountable noun; you cannot count individual "hopes." Therefore, we must use quantifiers appropriate for uncountable nouns, which are "a little" or "little."
- C: little means "almost none" or "not much." It carries a negative connotation, implying a scarcity or lack of something. In the context of "hope of his recovery," "little hope" suggests that there is very minimal or almost no chance of him recovering, which is a common and often somber expression.
- D: a little means "some" or "a small amount." It implies a positive quantity, suggesting there is some hope, however small. While grammatically correct, "a little hope" would convey a more optimistic outlook than "little hope."
- A: a few and B: few are incorrect because they are used with countable nouns (e.g., "a few chances," "few doctors"). "Hope" is uncountable.
Given the options and the common usage in such contexts, "little hope" is the most fitting choice to express a very low probability of recovery.