Article Usage Explained: MCQ Solution

This question tests the correct usage of English articles: 'a', 'an', and 'the'. Let's break down the sentence and the rules for choosing the right article.

Article Rules Overview

• 'a' is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.
• 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
• 'the' is used to refer to specific or previously mentioned nouns.

The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound the word begins with, not just the letter.

Step-by-Step Analysis

Let's look at each blank in the sentence: "Ravi had ______ younger brother who taught at ______ university. He was widely regarded as ______ honorable man."

1. First Blank: "Ravi had ______ younger brother..."
   • The word following the blank is "younger".
   • "Younger" begins with the consonant sound /j/ (like in "yes").
   • Therefore, the correct article is 'a'.
   • Sentence part: "Ravi had a younger brother..."
2. Second Blank: "...who taught at ______ university."
   • The word following the blank is "university".
   • Although "university" starts with the vowel letter 'u', it begins with the consonant sound /juː/ (like "you").
   • Rule reminder: We use 'a' before consonant sounds.
   • Therefore, the correct article is 'a'.
   • Sentence part: "...taught at a university."
3. Third Blank: "He was widely regarded as ______ honorable man."
   • The word following the blank is "honorable".
   • "Honorable" starts with the letter 'h', but the 'h' is silent. It begins with a vowel sound /ɒ/ (like in "on").
   • Rule reminder: We use 'an' before vowel sounds.
   • Therefore, the correct article is 'an'.
   • Sentence part: "...as an honorable man."

Conclusion

Combining the correct articles for each blank, the sequence is 'a', 'a', 'an'. This matches the first option provided.