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    LESSON 4

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    LESSON 4

    Uploaded by

    paul
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    LESSON 4

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    of 5

    Dr Acho

    Lesson IV

    Definite and lndefinite Articles

    The Definite Article (the) is used before a noun to indicate that the identity of the noun is
    known to the reader. The Indefinite Article (a, an) is used before a noun that is general or
    when its identity is not known.

    English has two articles: the and a/an. The is used to refer to specific or particular

    nouns; a/an is used to modify non-specific or non-particular nouns.

    the : definite article:

    For example, if I say, "Let's read the book," I mean a specffic book.

    alan = indefinite article

    If I say, "Let's read a book," I mean anybookrather than a specific book.

    Here's another way to explain it: The is used to refer to a specffic or particular member of a

    group.

    For example: "I just saw the most popular movie of the year."

    There are many movies, but only one particular movie is the most popular

    " Alan" is used to referto a non-specific ot non-particular member of the group

    For example: "I would like to go see a movie."

    Here, v/e're not talking about a specific movie. We're talking about any movie. There are

    many movies, and I want to see any movie.I don't have a specific one in mind.
    REMEMBER, USING A OR AN DEPENDS ON THE SOUND THAT BEGINS THE
    NEXT WORD. SO...

    . a + singularnoun beginningwith aconsonant: u boy; a car; u bike; u zoo; u dog

    . an * singular noun beginning with a

    vowel: an elephant; an egg; an apple; un idiot; an orphan


    . â * singr,rlar noun beginning rvith a consonant sound: tt u,\er (sor"rnds like 'yoo-zer,' i.e.

    begins u,ith a consonant 'y' sound, so 'a' is used); u unittersily; u unicycle

    ' an + nouns starting with silent "h"'. an hour, an. honor


    . a * nolrns starling with a pronounced "h": a horse, a house, a host

    Remember, too, that in English, the indefinite articles are used to indicate membership in a

    groLlp:

    For Example

    o I am a teacher. (l am a member of a large groLlp l<nown as teachers.)

    a Brian is an Irishman. (Brian is a member of the people hnown as Irish.)

    Seiko is a practicing Buddhist. (Seiko is a member of the grollp of people known as

    Buddhists.)

    COUNT AND NONCOUNT NOUNS

    The can be used with noncount nouns, or the article can be omitted entirely.

    X'or example:

    a "l love to sail over the water" (some speciïic body of water) or "l love to sail over

    water" (any water).


    ',i

    a "He spilled the milk all over the floor" (some specifrc milk, perhaps the milk you

    bought earlier that day) or "He spilled milk all over the floor" (any milk).

    "A/an" can be used with countable nouns

    o "I need a bottle of water."


    "I need a new glass of milk."

    The deleLmiuers a/an andthe arc called "articles". They are the most common of all
    detetminers. They come at the very beginning of a noun phrase. We divide them into
    "indefinite" and "definite" like this:

    indefinite defïnite
    articles article

    a/un the

    use singular countable nouns only all nouns


    vtith

    use for a non-specific person or thing specific people or things (singular or


    (singularl plurall

    We use indefinite to mean non-specific. Indefinite is general. We use definite to mean


    specific. Definite is particular. When we are talking about something in general, we
    use .I or an. When we are talking about something in particular, we use the.

    Look at some more examples:

    a/an the

    I was born in a town The capital of France is Paris.

    John had an omelette for lunch. I have found the book that I lost.
    a/an the

    James Bond ordered a drink. Have you cleaned the car?

    We want to buy an umbrella. There are six eggs in the fridge.

    Have you got a pen? Please switch off the TV when you finish.

    Essoy Topics

    ' Your l'avourite childhood memory.

    " Most recent travel experience.

    . The death of a friend or relative tliat influenced vou.

    . The loss of a pet that cl-ranged your life.

    ' Your best friend and how you met.

    . Your first time on a plane.

    ' The flrst book you read.

    . The worst memory you have.

    Arg u mentative Essoy Topics

    o Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

    o Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

    o Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?


    û ÿ !l

    r Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

    r Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

    o Should abortion be legal?

    r Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

    r Should patients who lead unhealthy lilestyles be denied organ transplants?

    Formal and lnformal Letters

    Examples of Formal Letters

    I Order Letter.

    a Letter of Enquiry

    a Letter of Complaint.

    a Reply to a Letter of Complaint.

    a Promotion Letter.

    a Sales Letter.

    o Recovery Letter.

    Examples of Informal Letters


    . Share gossip. You might want to share the latest gossip in your workplace,

    neighbourhood, state, or school. ...

    . Thank you note. You might just want to write a thank-you note. ...

    . Wishing well. ...

    . Giving an invitation. ...

    . Sending apologies. ...

    . Congratulate someone. ...

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