Choose the most appropriate article for the given blank in a sentence.

‘Apartheid’ is ______ political system that separates people according to their race.

Correct option is C

Explanation:

In this context, "apartheid" is being described as one of many possible political systems that could exist. The indefinite article "a" is used before a singular, countable noun when referring to something that is not specific or previously known. It is used here to introduce "political system" as one example of the many political systems that could exist in the world. "A" is used because "political" starts with a consonant sound (/p/), and the phrase "a political system" refers to an unspecific system.
​
Information Booster:

Indefinite articles ("a" and "an"):

"A" is an indefinite article used before singular, countable nouns that refer to any member of a class or group. It introduces something new or general to the reader.

Example: "I want to adopt a dog." Here, "a dog" refers to any dog, not a specific one.

"An" is used before singular nouns starting with a vowel sound to ensure smoother pronunciation. For example, "an apple," "an umbrella," or "an honest person."
"A" is used when the noun starts with a consonant sound (e.g., "a political system"). The sound that follows the article, not the first letter of the word, determines whether you use "a" or "an."

When the next word begins with a consonant sound, "a" is used. In this case, "political" starts with the /p/ sound, which is a consonant, so we use "a".

Examples:
"She wants a good job."
"He needs a book."
"That is a beautiful painting."

Specific vs. non-specific:

The indefinite article "a" is used to refer to a non-specific item. It introduces something for the first time or something that is just one of many possibilities.
In this case, "apartheid" is being described as one type of political system in general. We are not talking about a specific or previously known political system but referring to it in a general way.
"Apartheid" is not a specific political system known in this context, so it is considered non-specific, which calls for the use of "a".

"The" vs "A":
"The" is a definite article used to refer to something specific or known to both the speaker and the listener. It would be used if we were referring to a specific system that both the speaker and the listener are already familiar with.
Example: "The political system in South Africa during apartheid was extremely discriminatory." Here, we are talking about the specific political system of apartheid, which is known and defined.
In contrast, using "a" in the sentence means we are introducing any political system of this type (a system that separates people based on their race), not referring to a specific one that has already been defined or is universally understood.