Read the passage and answer the questions:
In today's fast-paced world, staying fit and healthy has become more important than ever. Regular exercise helps improve physical strength, mental well-being, and overall energy levels. A combination of cardio exercises, such as running or cycling, and strength training can help keep the body in good shape.
Apart from exercise, maintaining a balanced diet plays a crucial role in fitness. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods provides essential nutrients for the body. On the other hand, consuming excessive junk food can lead to health problems like obesity and heart disease.
Fitness is not just about physical health; it also impacts mental well-being. Regular workouts release endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood. Even simple activities like walking or stretching can make a big difference. Staying fit requires dedication and consistency, but the benefits are worth the effort.
Choose the correct article to complete the sentence:
'Eating ____ balanced diet is essential for good health.'
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
a
Explanation
The question asks to choose the correct article to fill in the blank for the sentence: 'Eating ____ balanced diet is essential for good health.'
The blank is followed by the singular, countable noun phrase 'balanced diet.' Since this is the first time the diet is being mentioned in a general sense (it is not a specific, previously discussed diet), we must use an indefinite article ('a' or 'an').
To choose between 'a' and 'an,' we look at the phonetic sound of the word immediately following the article, which is 'balanced.' Because 'balanced' begins with a consonant sound (/b/), the correct indefinite article to use is 'a.' Therefore, Option 1 is the correct choice.
The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:
an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., 'an apple,' 'an honest mistake'). Since 'balanced' starts with a consonant sound, 'an' cannot be used.
the is the definite article, used when referring to a specific or unique noun that the reader already knows about (e.g., 'The diet I followed last year'). Here, the sentence is stating a general fact about any healthy diet.
No Article is incorrect because a singular, countable noun like 'diet' requires a determiner or article when used in this singular context.
Key Points
When choosing between 'a' and 'an,' always rely on the spoken sound rather than the written letter. For example, we say 'a balanced diet' (consonant sound) and 'a university' (starts with a vowel letter but a consonant 'yoo' sound), but 'an hour' (starts with a consonant letter but a silent 'h' and vowel sound).