Topic: Degree of Comparison,

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

The correct answer to the sentence "She wanted to have __ of the two pieces of cake." is D) "the smaller."

To understand why "the smaller" fits best, we need to analyze the construction of the sentence. The context implies a comparison between two pieces of cake. In this scenario, "the smaller" serves as a superlative adjective that indicates one piece is less large compared to the other.

Option A) "smaller than bigger" is grammatically awkward and fails to provide a clear or concise comparison. It suggests a comparison without clearly identifying which piece is being referenced.

Option B) "smallest" is inappropriate because it implies a choice among three or more items instead of two, which would distort the intended meaning.

Option C) "the small" lacks a comparative element, making it inadequate for expressing preference in a comparative situation.

In contrast, "the smaller" is specifically designed to indicate a preference for the lesser of two options, making it the most fitting choice for this context. Thus, "the smaller" effectively conveys the intended meaning while adhering to grammatical standards.