Definite and Indefinite Articles Test

Zahimar saw ___ elephant at the zoo.

• a

• an

• no article

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'an' because 'elephant' starts with a vowel sound. In English, 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while 'a' is used before consonant sounds.

Rayhana said, 'I have to find _____ glasses.'

• a

• an

• no article

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'no article' because 'glasses' is a plural noun that does not require an article. In this context, Rayhana is referring to glasses in general, not a specific quantity.

Farishta wants to be ___ FBI agent when she grows up.

• a

• an

• no article

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'an' because 'FBI agent' starts with a vowel sound. In English, 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while 'a' is used before consonant sounds.

Rayhana is ___ honest person.

• a

• an

• no article

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'an' because 'honest' starts with a vowel sound. In English, we use 'an' before words that begin with a vowel sound to ensure smooth pronunciation.

Answer the question. Choose the reason or justification. CHECK TWO BOXES! Farishta asked, "Can you give me _____ water?"

• no article

• water is an uncountable noun

• a

• an

• the w in water makes a consonant sound

Answer explanation

The correct choices are 'no article' and 'water is an uncountable noun' because 'water' is uncountable and does not require an article in this context.

Sohail and Rayhana were discussing why ___ sun rises in the east.

• the

• no article

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'the' because it specifies a particular sun that is universally recognized. In English, we use 'the' before unique nouns, such as 'the sun', to indicate that we are referring to a specific entity.

Have you been to _______ Houston yet, Rayhana?

• the

• no article

Answer explanation

In English, city names like 'Houston' do not require an article when used in this context. Therefore, the correct choice is 'no article'.

Farishta loves to read ___ books.

• the

• no article

Answer explanation

In this context, 'no article' is correct because 'books' is a plural noun referring to books in general. Using 'the' would imply specific books, which is not intended here.

Noorullah and Rayhana enjoyed visiting ______ Pyramids in Egypt.

• the

• no article

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'the' because it specifies the particular Pyramids in Egypt that Noorullah and Rayhana visited, indicating they are known and unique landmarks.

Answer the question. Choose the reason or justification. CHECK THREE BOXES! Machu Picchu proves ______ Incan civilization was advanced in engineering.

• the

• it is a proper noun that is a collective noun

• it is specific

• no article

• it is a proper noun that is not a collective noun

Answer explanation

The correct choices are 'the' because it specifies the noun, 'it is a proper noun that is a collective noun' as Machu Picchu represents a specific place, and 'it is specific' since it refers to a unique historical site.