Question

Fill in the blank [3] with a suitable article:

• A. the
• B. a
• C. an
• D. no article required

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

no article required

Option D: The proper noun in the given sentence 'Mount Everest' is unique, it refers to something (a mountain peak) that is only one in the world. When we refer to a unique noun, we generally do not require an article. Hence option D is correct.
Option A: 'The' is a definite article that refers to a specific noun. We generally use 'the' in front of proper nouns in cases where the noun refers to a plural names (the Himalayas) or an establishment or organization. Since the noun here is neither, option A is incorrect.
Options B and C: 'A' and 'an' are both indefinite articles. They refer to nouns that are not specific. This means that we do not know the identity of the noun. For example, 'a book', 'an elephant', etc.
(The only difference between 'a' and 'an' is that 'a' is used for nouns that begin with a consonant, like 'b' in book', and 'an' is used for nouns beginning with a vowel, like 'e' in 'elephant'.)
The noun here is a specific one. Hence B and C are incorrect.