In the same passage about an ideal policeman, choose the correct article or determiner to complete the final phrase: “and ________ inadequate system”. Select the alternative that makes the noun phrase grammatically correct in standard English.

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the correct use of articles in English. The passage talks about having to accept “an imperfect policeman and ________ inadequate system” in a chaotic world. To fill the blank, you must choose the correct word that fits both grammatically and logically. Article usage, especially “a” versus “an”, is a frequent topic in English grammar questions in competitive examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase to complete is “and ________ inadequate system”.
• The options are “a”, “an”, “this”, and “our”.
• The noun is “system”, which is being qualified by the adjective “inadequate”.
• The structure “an imperfect policeman and an inadequate system” suggests parallelism.

Concept / Approach:
In English, the choice between “a” and “an” depends on the initial sound of the following word, not simply on the letter. “An” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. The adjective “inadequate” begins with a vowel sound, so the correct article before it is “an”. Additionally, the sentence is describing a general type of system, not a specific one, so a simple indefinite article is most appropriate rather than “this” or “our”.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on pronunciation. “Inadequate” begins with the sound “i”, which is a vowel sound. Step 2: Rule out “a” because we normally say “an inadequate system”, not “a inadequate system”. Step 3: Consider “this inadequate system”. Although grammatically possible, this would suddenly make the reference very specific, which breaks the general and abstract style of the passage. Step 4: Consider “our inadequate system”. This again introduces specificity, suggesting a particular national or institutional system, which the passage does not explicitly define. Step 5: Notice the parallel structure: “an imperfect policeman and an inadequate system”. The repetition of “an” gives good rhythm and makes the sentence balanced. Step 6: Therefore, the best choice that respects both grammar and style is “an”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the full combined sentence: “This is why, in what is a chaotic world, we have to reluctantly settle for an imperfect policeman and an inadequate system.” This sounds natural and is consistent with common usage found in newspapers, essays, and exam passages. In comparison, “this inadequate system” or “our inadequate system” would unnecessarily narrow the meaning, while “a inadequate system” is clearly incorrect pronunciation-wise.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• a: Incorrect before a vowel sound, and “a inadequate system” does not follow the standard rule for article usage.
• this: Changes the sense to a specific system which has already been identified, whereas the passage is speaking in a more general, abstract manner.
• our: Refers to a specific group’s system, again adding a layer of specificity that is not present in the original passage.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes apply a simple “a before consonant, an before vowel” rule based only on letters, and then become confused by words like “university” or “hour”. The correct rule is based on sound. Here, “inadequate” clearly begins with a vowel sound, so “an” is required. Another pitfall is ignoring the parallel structure of paired noun phrases in a sentence. Recognising such patterns can often guide you to the correct article quickly.

Final Answer:
The correct completion is an, giving the phrase “an inadequate system”.