Explanation:
We need to fill in the blanks with either
a or
an, depending on whether the next word starts with a consonant sound or a vowel sound.
Rule:
- Use
a before words that start with a
consonant sound (like b, c, d, f, g, etc.).
- Use
an before words that start with a
vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u — *but only if the word actually sounds like it starts with a vowel*).
Let’s go line by line:
1.
elephant → starts with /e/ (vowel sound) →
an elephant
2.
cat → starts with /k/ (consonant sound) →
a cat
3.
house → starts with /h/ (consonant sound) →
a house
4.
olive → starts with /o/ (vowel sound) →
an olive
5.
koala → starts with /k/ (consonant sound) — even though it starts with the letter *k*, the sound is /k/, so
a koala
6.
igloo → starts with /i/ (vowel sound) →
an igloo
7.
alien → starts with /æ/ (vowel sound) →
an alien
8.
mushroom → starts with /m/ (consonant sound) →
a mushroom
9.
umbrella → starts with /ʌ/ (vowel sound) →
an umbrella
10.
pumpkin → starts with /p/ (consonant sound) →
a pumpkin
Double-check tricky ones:
- *Koala*: even though “k” is a consonant letter, the sound is /k/, so
a — correct.
- *Umbrella*: starts with “u”, but pronounced /ʌ/ — vowel sound →
an — correct.
All are consistent with the rule.
Final Answer:
an, a, a, an, a, an, an, a, an, a
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of a or an worksheet.
