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1. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Guayama Campus Title V Cooperative Project
Module: Articles A / An / The
Prof. Marisol Piazza Aguirre
2. Instructions Use the following buttons to navigate through
this module:
Use this button to move to the next slide.
Use this button to move to the previous slide.
Use this button to move to the last viewed slide.
Use this button to view the answer to the exercise.
3. Purpose This module proposes to expand the basic
teaching-learning activities of English included in
the Title V Cooperative Project: “Improving Academic
Outcomes Through a Teaching-Based Consortium
Program for the Core Curriculum”. The project is
integrated by the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto
Rico in Ponce from where it is directed, the Arecibo,
Mayagüez and Guayama Campuses, the School of
Plastic Arts of Puerto Rico and Inter American
University of Puerto Rico, Guayama Campus.
4. Introduction An important skill an ESL (English as a Second
Language) student should master to communicate
effectively in English orally as well as in written form is
the use of the Indefinite Articles “A” and “An” and the
Definite Article “The”.
This module has been designed for all college
students but specially for you students who are
registered in the basic English as a Second Language I,
GEEN 1101 course. In this module you will study and
review the rules of how to use the Articles “A”, “An” and
“The” correctly.
5. Objectives General Objective:
By the end of this module, the student will develop
confidence and demonstrate knowledge using the
Indefinite Articles “A” and “An” and the Definite Article
“The” in oral and written form according to the rules
presented.
Specific Objective:
At the end of this module, the student will learn how
to use the Indefinite Articles “A” and “An” and the
Definite Article “The” orally and in written form to talk
about different subjects.
6. Pre-Test Select the best answer.
___ 1. Most of my friends have ___ cell phone.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 2. ___ orange contains vitamin C.
(A) A (B) An (C) The
___ 3. Today is a beautiful day. ___ sky is blue and the sun is shining.
(A) A (B) An (C) The
___ 4. The Statue of Liberty is ___ historical monument in New York.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 5. ___ books are on the tea table in the living room.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
7. Pre-Test
___ 6. I do not need ____ expensive car. I just need a good car.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 7. Miguel didn’t say ____ word during or after class.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 8. ____ cash machine (ATM) at the Mall is out of order.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 9. Helen isn’t ____ honest person. She talks about everyone.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___10. The children didn’t eat ____ spinach.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
8. Pre-Test ___ 11. Do you have ____ savings account ?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 12. Could you please pass me ____ sugar?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 13. Does Henry have ____ interesting job at the hotel?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 14. Is there ____ letter in the mail for me?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 15. Can you please answer ____ telephone?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
9. Pre-Test ___ 16. A: Where is ____ nearest bank in this area?
B: The nearest bank is on Roosevelt Road.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 17. A: Who is Julia Roberts?
B: She is ____ American actress.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 18. A: Why is it important to have ____ passport?
B: A passport is required to go to almost every part of the world.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 19. A: When does ____ last flight to Orlando, Florida leave?
B: The last flight leaves at 9:45 pm.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 20. A: How much does ____ money order cost?
B: It depends on the amount of the money order.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
10. Pre-Test Answer Key
1. A 11. A
2. B 12. C
3. C 13. B
4. A 14. A
5. C 15. C
6. B 16. C
7. A 17. B
8. C 18. A
9. B 19. C
10. C 20. A
11. Pre-Test Evaluation Total Correct Answers:
20 Excellent: Go to the Post Test.
19 Very Good: Review the incorrect answer and go to the
Post Test.
18-12 Good: Review the incorrect answers, study the rules
presented in this module, do the practice exercises
and then go to the Post Test.
11 or You Need More Practice: Study the module, review the
less rules carefully and do the practice exercises. When
you improve your score, you may go to the Post Test.
12. Uses of Articles A / An / The
To make a generalization:
Singular: A dog has good hearing. An apple is a nutritious fruit.
Plural: Dogs have good hearing. Apples are nutritious fruits.
To introduce a new noun into the conversation:
Singular: I have a dog.
Plural: I have two dogs.
To talk about a previously mentioned noun:
Singular: I have a dog. The dog barks when the mail carrier arrives.
Plural: I have two dogs. I keep the dogs in the yard.
13. Uses of Articles A / An / The
To talk about specific items or people from our experience:
Singular: The janitor cleans the classroom every day.
Plural: The students have to organize their work area.
To talk about the only one:
Singular: The President lives in Washington, D.C.
Plural: The Statue of Liberty is in New York.
14. Rules for Indefinite Articles A / An Use articles a or an to classify or define the subject of the sentence.
Use articles a and an in front of a singular count noun.
Articles a and an mean “un” or “una” in Spanish.
Examples: a computer (una computadora)
an apartment (un apartamento)
When we classify a plural subject, we do not use articles
a or an.
15. Rules for Indefinite Articles A /An Use article a when the singular subject begins with a consonant.
Examples:
a student (un estudiante)
a house (una casa)
a lion (un león)
a car (un carro)
a river (un río)
a baby (un bebé)
a dollar (un dólar)
a magazine (una revista)
a friend (un amigo/una amiga) etc…
Use article an when the singular subject begins with vowels a, e, i or o.
Examples:
an anecdote (una anécdota)
an elevator (un elevador)
an idea (una idea)
an orchestra (una orquesta)
16. Rules for Indefinite Articles A / An Use article an if a subject that begins with “u” has a vowel sound.
Examples:
an uncle (un tío)
an umbrella (un paraguas)
an umpire (un árbitro)
an undergraduate (un estudiante universitario)
an usher (un ujier)
an untruth (una mentira)
Use article a if a subject that begins with “u” has a long /yu/ sound.
Examples:
a university (una universidad)
a unit (una unidad)
a utensil (un utensilio)
a union (una unión)
a U-turn (un cambio de sentido, un viraje en U)
17. Rules for Indefinite Articles A / An In some words that begin with “h” the “h” is not pronounced.
Instead, the word begins with a vowel sound, in this case use an.
Examples:
an hour (una hora)
an honor (un honor)
In most words that begin with “h” the “h” is pronounced. Use a if the “h” is pronounced.
Examples:
a house (una casa)
a hamburger (una hamburguesa)
a hotel (un hotel)
a handbag (un bolso / una cartera)
a hospital (un hospital)
a hurricane (un huracán) etc…
18. Rules for Indefinite Articles A / An Use a if there is an adjective that begins with a consonant before
a singular subject. *Do not use a if the adjective begins with a vowel.
Example #1:
a man (man? singular subject that begins with consonant m )
a tall man (tall? adjective that begins with consonant t )
Exception:
an attractive man (attractive? adjective that begins with vowel a )
Example #2:
a dog (dog? singular subject that begins with consonant d )
a fierce dog (fierce? adjective that begins with consonant f )
Exception:
an obedient dog (obedient? adjective that begins with vowel o )
19. Rules for Indefinite Articles A / An Use an if there is an adjective that begins with a vowel before
a singular subject. *Do not use an if the adjective begins with a consonant.
Example #1:
an idea (idea? singular subject that begins with vowel i )
an excellent idea (excellent? adjective that begins with vowel e )
Exception:
a good idea (good? adjective that begins with consonant g )
Example #2:
an apartment (apartment? singular subject that begins with vowel a )
an immaculate apartment (immaculate? adjective that begins with
vowel i )
Exception:
a comfortable apartment (comfortable? adjective that begins with
consonant c )
20. Rules for Indefinite Articles A / An Use a with non-count nouns only to express a specific quantity.
Some Examples:
a glass of juice (un vaso de jugo)
a cup of coffee (una taza de café)
a piece of pie (un pedazo de pastel)
a slice of cheese (una rébanada de queso)
a gallon of milk (un galón de leche)
a bag of rice (una bolsa de arroz)
a pound of meat (una libra de carne)
a bar of soap (una barra de jabón)
a sheet of paper (una hoja de papel)
a meter of sand (un metro de arena)
etc…
21. Rules for Definite Article “The” The is the definite article. You can use the before singular count nouns, plural count nouns, and non-count nouns.
Examples:
The hat is red. (hat? singular count noun)
The hats are red. (hats? plural count noun)
The coffee is hot. (coffee? non-count noun)
Use the for specific things that the listener and speaker know about.
Examples:
A: How was the test?
B: It was easy.
A: Would you like to read the newspaper?
B: Yes, thanks.
22. Rules for Definite Article “The” Use the when the speaker and listener know there is only one
of the item.
Example:
A: Is there a cafeteria in this university?
B: Yes, the cafeteria is on the third floor.
Use the when you are talking about part of a group.
Example:
Meat is usually expensive, but the meat at Mike’s Butcher Shop
is cheap and delicious.
23. Rules for Definite Article “The” Use the when you talk about something for the second time.
Example:
A: What did you buy?
B: A pair of jeans and some blouses.
The jeans were on sale, but the blouses
were at regular price.
Use the before the plural name of a whole family.
Example:
The Johnsons live in San Francisco, California.
24. Rules for Definite Article “The” Use the before:
unique geographical points? the North Pole
places considered a union? the United States
place names? the Republic of China
sections of a piece of land? the Southeast of Puerto Rico
mountain ranges? the Rocky Mountains
collectives of islands? the Canary Islands
deserts? the Sahara Desert
oceans? the Atlantic Ocean
seas? the Caribbean Sea
rivers? the Mississippi River
canals? the Panama Canal
25. Rules for Definite Article “The”
collectives of lakes? the Great Lakes
the university of____? the University of Illinois
well-known buildings? the Empire State Building
statues? the Statue of Liberty
towers? the Eiffel Tower
bridges? the San Francisco Bridge
zoos? the San Diego Zoo
ships? the Titanic
titles without a name? the Pope, the Queen
newspapers? the San Juan Star
the day of (month)? the Fourth of July
etc…
26. Rules for Definite Article “The” Use the with phrases with of when there is only one of the
item that follows the.
Examples:
Paris is the capital of France.
I attended the University of Michigan.
Use the with certain familiar places and people when we refer
to the one that we usually use.
Examples:
the bank
the supermarket
the beach
the park
the doctor
the teacher
the movies etc…
27. Practice Exercises Select the best answer.
___ 1. I’m thirsty. I would like ___ bottle of water.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 2. ___ governor of California is Arnold Schwarzenegger.
(A) A (B) An (C) The
___ 3. Sarah needs ___ hour to get ready for school.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 4. I bought a watch. ___ watch has a ten year warranty.
(A) A (B) An (C) The
___ 5. Mr. Betancourt works in ___ university in Chicago.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
28. Practice Exercises ___ 6. Mrs. Rivera is not a Spanish teacher; she is ___ English teacher.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 7. The children ate the fruit, but they did not eat ___ vegetables.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 8. There isn’t ___ parking space left at the football stadium.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 9. I do not have ___ checking account, but I have a savings account.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___10. Babysitting is not ___ easy job, moreover, it requires great responsibility.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
29. Practice Exercises ___ 11. A: Does Roger live in ___ apartment or in a house?
B: He lives in a studio apartment.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 12. A: Excuse me. Is there ___ gas station nearby?
B: Yes, there is a gas station two blocks from here.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 13. A: Did you order ___ pizza?
B: Yes, I did. You are invited to eat.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 14. A: Do ___ flowers look vivid and smell fresh?
B: Yes, they do. They arrived yesterday.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 15. A: Can you lend me ___ umbrella?
B: I’m sorry the only umbrella that I have is broken.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
30. Practice Exercises ___ 16. A: Where is ___ ladies room?
B: It is down the hall to the left.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 17. A: What do you do?
B: I am ___ architect.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 18. A: What does Alexandra do?
B: She is ___ teller at the bank.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 19. A: How much longer do you need to use ___ computer?
B: Just five more minutes, then you can use it.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 20. A: When will there be ___ opera at the theater?
B: Next Friday at 7:30 p.m.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
31. Practice Exercise Answer Key 1. A 11. B
2. C 12. A
3. B 13. A
4. C 14. C
5. A 15. B
6. B 16. C
7. C 17. B
8. A 18. A
9. A 19. C
10. B 20. B
32. Practice Exercise Evaluation Total Correct Answers:
20 Excellent: Go to the Post Test.
19 Very Good: Review the incorrect answer and go to the
Post Test.
18-12 Good: Review the incorrect answers, consult the module
again and then go to the Post Test.
11 or You Need More Practice: Study the module, review the
less rules carefully and do the practice exercises again.
When you understand the rules and improve your
score, you may go to the Post Test.
33. Post Test Select the best answer.
___ 1. Most of my friends have ___ cell phone.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 2. ___ orange contains vitamin C.
(A) A (B) An (C) The
___ 3. Today is a beautiful day. ___ sky is blue and the sun is shining.
(A) A (B) An (C) The
___ 4. The Statue of Liberty is ___ historical monument in New York.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 5. ___ books are on the tea table in the living room.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
34. Post Test
___ 6. I do not need ____ expensive car. I just need a good car.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 7. Miguel didn’t say ____ word during or after class.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 8. ____ cash machine (ATM) at the Mall is out of order.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 9. Helen isn’t ____ honest person. She talks about everyone.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___10. The children didn’t eat ____ spinach.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
35. Post Test
___ 11. Do you have ____ savings account ?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 12. Could you please pass me ____ sugar?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 13. Does Henry have ____ interesting job at the hotel?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 14. Is there ____ letter in the mail for me?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 15. Can you please answer ____ telephone?
(A) a (B) an (C) the
36. Post Test ___ 16. A: Where is ____ nearest bank in this area?
B: The nearest bank is on Roosevelt Road.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 17. A: Who is Julia Roberts?
B: She is ____ American actress.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 18. A: Why is it important to have ____ passport?
B: A passport is required to go to almost every part of the world.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 19. A: When does ____ last flight to Orlando, Florida leave?
B: The last flight leaves at 9:45 pm.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
___ 20. A: How much does ____ money order cost?
B: It depends on the amount of the money order.
(A) a (B) an (C) the
37. Post Test Answer Key A 11. A
B 12. C
C 13. B
A 14. A
C 15. C
B 16. C
A 17. B
C 18. A
B 19. C
C 20. A
38. Post Test Evaluation Total Correct Answers:
20 Excellent: Congratulations! You have successfully
completed this module. You may work with a different
module if necessary.
19 Very Good: Review the incorrect answer. You may work
with a different module if necessary.
18-12 Good: Review the incorrect answers, review the areas of
difficulty and take the Post Test again.
11 or You Need More Practice: I recommend that you review
less the complete module and take the Post Test again.
39. Letter to the Student Congratulations ! You have completed the module on
Indefinite Articles “A” and “An” and Definite Article “The”. If
you really understand all of the rules and examples presented,
you can work with a different module depending on your needs.
However, if you still have some questions concerning
the rules, I advise you to review this module again or visit
the Language Laboratory, Room B-6 and ask for help before
studying a different module. Remember you learn by practicing,
therefore use the Indefinite and Definite Articles in your daily
conversations and written work.
