Complete the passage by filling in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley were among the first to develop complex societies, relying on agriculture as the cornerstone of their economies. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians created the first known form of writing, ____A____cuneiform, which was inscribed on clay tablets. This form of communication enabled the recording of important events, laws, and even trade transactions, ____B____ the foundation for future generations to understand their past.
In Ancient Egypt, the great pyramids stand as a testament to the engineering prowess of the civilization. The construction of these monumental structures required careful planning and ____C____ skilled workforce. However, much of the wealth generated through agriculture and conquest was concentrated in the hands of the elite, which led to the emergence of ____D____ between the ruling class and the common people.
Similarly, the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning, fell into decline for reasons that remain ____E____. Some scholars argue that environmental factors, such as shifts in river patterns, may have played a significant role in the civilization's collapse. Nevertheless, the achievements of these early societies paved the way for future innovations in science, technology, and governance.
Choose the appropriate article for blank (C).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
a
Explanation
The blank precedes the singular countable noun phrase 'skilled workforce' (where 'workforce' is the noun and 'skilled' is the modifying adjective). Because this workforce is being mentioned for the first time in a general sense, it requires an indefinite article. Since the adjective 'skilled' begins with a consonant sound (/s/), the correct indefinite article to use is 'a'.
The other options are incorrect based on standard article rules. Option 1 ('the') would imply a specific workforce already mentioned or known to the reader. Option 2 ('an') is only used before words starting with a vowel sound. Option 4 ('No article') is incorrect because a singular countable noun cannot stand alone without a determiner.
Key Points
When choosing between indefinite articles, always focus on the sound of the very next word. Since 'skilled' starts with a consonant sound, it pairs naturally with 'a,' while the singular nature of the noun rules out leaving the space blank.