In reality, the energy saved by sleeping for eight hours is minimal - about ________ same as that obtained from eating a piece of toast.

In reality, the energy saved by sleeping for eight hours is minimal - about ________ same as that obtained from eating a piece of toast.

• A. a
• B. the
• C. one
• D. this

Answer: (B)

This item tests using the definite article before the fixed phrase “the same as” in a comparison. When you say something is “the same as” something else, you’re referring to a specific, known quantity, so the definite article is required after “about.” Here, the energy saved is being compared to the energy obtained from toast, so we say “about the same as that obtained from eating a piece of toast.” Using another article doesn’t fit the expression: “about a same as” is ungrammatical, “about one same as” is also wrong, and “about this same as” doesn’t follow the standard structure.

This item tests using the definite article before the fixed phrase “the same as” in a comparison. When you say something is “the same as” something else, you’re referring to a specific, known quantity, so the definite article is required after “about.” Here, the energy saved is being compared to the energy obtained from toast, so we say “about the same as that obtained from eating a piece of toast.” Using another article doesn’t fit the expression: “about a same as” is ungrammatical, “about one same as” is also wrong, and “about this same as” doesn’t follow the standard structure.