Concept:The structure "would rather ... than ..." is used to express preference between two actions, and both verbs must be in the base form.
Explanation:After "would rather", the verb is used without "to" and without an "-ing" ending.
The same base form is required after "than" to keep the two actions parallel.
In the pattern "would rather (verb) than ___", the blank needs the bare infinitive "take".
The option "than taking" uses an "-ing" form, so it is incorrect.
The option "than takes" uses an "-s" form, so it is also incorrect.
"Instead of taking" changes the required parallel structure completely.
Therefore, the only correct completion is "than take".
Answer:D. than take