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Writing Assignment: Driving a Car (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/27
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driving

1. What are the people in the picture doing?
The people are going for a drive in the car.

2. What do you call a car without a roof?
A car without a roof is called a convertible.

3. What kind of road do you suppose the car is driving on?
It looks like the car is driving on a country road, or perhaps on an interstate or expressway.

4. What do you call the person who controls the car?
The person who controls the car is called the driver.

5. What do you call a person who is not controlling the car?
Someone who is not controlling the car is called a passenger.

6. What is a driver’s license?
A driver’s license is a document which signifies that a person enjoys the legal privilege of being able to drive a car.

7. When you prepare to drive a car somewhere, what sort of things do you have to do?
When you prepare to drive a car, there are several things that you have to do. You have to put on your seatbelt, adjust the seat and mirrors if necessary, turn on the ignition, and put the car in gear. If you are parked in a driveway, you might have to back up the car in order to get it onto the road.

8. What does a seatbelt do?
A seatbelt restrains the driver and/or passengers in the event of a car crash.

9. What does the driver use mirrors for?
The driver uses the mirrors to view the traffic behind him, and to see where he is going if he has to drive the car in reverse.

10. Why is the dashboard important to the driver?
The dashboard is important to the driver because he is able to view the speedometer, the gas gauge, and other important instruments that let him know how the car is currently functioning.

11. What does the speedometer do?
The speedometer tells the driver how fast the car is going. It also usually tells the total number of miles the car has been driven.

12. How does the driver make the car go?
The driver makes the car go by putting the car in gear and stepping on the gas pedal (accelerator).

13. How does the driver steer the car?
The driver steers the car with the steering wheel.

14. What do wipers do?
The wipers clean the windshield of rain and snow, keeping it clear so the driver can see the road.

15. What do turn signals do?
Turn signals indicate to other drivers that the car is going to turn.

16. What does the driver use cruise control for?
The driver uses cruise control to keep the car at a constant speed, usually while driving on an expressway or interstate.

17. What part of the car is under the hood?
The engine is under the hood.

18. What is the trunk of a car?
The trunk of the car is where luggage and other parcels can be put. Often, a spare tire or other emergency equipment is also kept there.

19. Where is the fuel for a car stored?
The fuel for a car is stored in the car’s gas tank.

20. What sorts of road signs must a driver pay attention to?
The driver needs to pay attention to stop signs, speed limit signs, no passing zone signs, traffic lights, and direction signs.

Paragraph: Driving a Car

Have you ever driven a car? Are you learning how to drive? Do you like to drive? Write a brief paragraph about your driving experiences.

I remember when I got my driver’s license. I had turned sixteen several weeks earlier, but I decided to wait for several reasons. For one thing, all the cars in the driver’s ed course at school had automatic transmission, but all our family cars had manual transmission, and I was not especially confident in driving a stick shift. I felt I needed the extra time to become more proficient. Also, my birthday was in the winter, and I wasn’t too keen on trying to take my driver’s test on snowy roads.

So, one day during spring break, my mother took me to the driver’s license facility to get my driver’s license. I was very nervous, and my nervousness was made all the worse because I had to wait until a driver’s license examiner was available. At long last my turn came, and the examiner came out with me to my car. He observed me as I came out of the parking lot, and instructed me to turn onto the main road. I drove down the road, which had a stop sign at the end. I figured that the examiner would be picky about coming to a full stop, so I made sure that I completely stopped the car at the stop line.

However, when I went to make a turn at the stop sign, I had trouble with the car dying on me. I couldn’t understand what was wrong with the car until the examiner asked, “Why don’t you try putting the car into first?” When I had come to the stop sign, I had already gotten the car into third gear, and in my nervousness I completely forgot to go back to first gear after having stopped. I thought for sure the examiner was going to flunk me, but he must have had pity on me or something, because he passed me nonetheless. I was so glad to have the ordeal of a driving test behind me!

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Writing Assignment: Driving a Car

Posted on 2013/04/26
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On the open road

 

Vocabulary

Driver Passenger Seat belt Rear view mirror
Side mirror Dashboard Speedometer Steering wheel
Gas pedal Brake pedal Clutch Stick shift
Manual transmission Automatic transmission Wipers Turn signal
Cruise control Headlights Windshield Hood
Trunk Tires Gas tank In gear
Reverse Convertible Speed limit sign Stop sign
Traffic / stop light Driver’s license Road Highway
Interstate Expressway Toll road

 

1. What are the people in the picture doing?
2. What do you call a car without a roof?
3. What kind of road do you suppose the car is driving on?
4. What do you call the person who controls the car?
5. What do you call a person who is not controlling the car?
6. What is a driver’s license?
7. When you prepare to drive a car somewhere, what sort of things do you have to do?
8. What does a seatbelt do?
9. What does the driver use mirrors for?
10. Why is the dashboard important to the driver?
11. What does the speedometer do?
12. How does the driver make the car go?
13. How does the driver steer the car?
14. What do wipers do?
15. What do turn signals do?
16. What does the driver use cruise control for?
17. What part of the car is under the hood?
18. What is the trunk of a car?
19. Where is the fuel for a car stored?
20. What sorts of road signs must a driver pay attention to?

Paragraph: Driving a Car

Have you ever driven a car? Are you learning how to drive? Do you like to drive? Write a brief paragraph about your driving experiences.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 72 – Articles: go to work, go home, go to the movies (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/26
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Exercise. Look at the pictures and complete the following sentences. Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

 

 

 

 

 

1. She’s in bed.

1. She’s in bed.

2. They’re at the movies.

2. They’re at the movies.

3. He’s in prison.

3. He’s in prison.

4. She’s in the hospital.

4. She’s in the hospital.

5. He’s at the airport.

5. He’s at the airport.

6. He’s at home.

6. He’s at home.

 

Exercise. Choose words from the list to complete the following sentences. Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

Harry is studying chemistry in ______. (college) ==> Harry is studying chemistry in college.

1. Before we went on vacation, Father went to the bank to pick up some traveler’s checks.
2. Greg has to go to the doctor for a sports physical.
3. We’re going to have a company picnic at work this summer.
4. Instead of a big birthday party, Joan wanted to go to the movies with a few good friends.
5. Aren’t you going home? It’s nearly midnight.
6. Jack has the flu, so Mother told him to stay in bed and rest.
7. You’ll have to go to the post office to mail that package.
8. Martha had to go to school to pick up Jeremy. The school nurse said he’s come down with the chicken pox.
9. The punishment for that crime is five years in prison.
10. It’s about time you went to the dentist and had him take a look at that toothache.

Exercise. Complete the sentences, using the verb “go.” Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

If you want to study medicine, you ______. ==> If you want to study medicine, you go to college.

1. If you don’t want to stay at a party, you go home.
2. If you have appendicitis, you go to the hospital.
3. If you need to take a flight, you go to the airport.
4. If you are sick, you go to the doctor.
5. If you need to catch a train, you go to the station.
6. If you want to see a film, you go to the movies.
7. If you want to worship, you go to church.
8. If you have a toothache, you go to the dentist.
9. If you want to see a play, you go to the theater.
10. If you commit a crime, you go to jail.
11. If you have a job, you go to work.
12. If you are tired, you go to bed.
13. If you are a child, you go to school.
14. If you want to get an advanced degree, you go to college.
15. If you want to mail a letter, you go to the post office.
16. If you need some cash, you go to the bank.

Exercise. For the following sentences, write “the” where necessary. If the sentence needs no correction, write “OK.”

Example:

John went to movies on Saturday. ==> John went to the movies on Saturday.
Father served Mother with breakfast in bed. ==> OK.

1. Jack and Jill were married in church. ==> OK.
2. Grandmother took Grandfather to the doctor for his blood test.
3. The children are putting on a Thanksgiving play at school next week. ==> OK.
4. Helen has to go to the dentist for her six-month checkup.
5. Could you take this parcel to the post office for me?
6. Which bus goes to the airport?
7. I’ll go to the station and pick you up when your train comes in. Just give me a call.
8. Are you still in bed? It’s nearly 10 a.m. ==> OK.
9. I think I hear your mother calling you. You’d better go home now. ==> OK.
10. Uncle Steve broke his arm and had to go to the hospital.
11. Do you want to go out for a drink when you finish work? ==> OK.
12. We went to the theater for the opening of Julius’ new play.
13. I didn’t know that Uncle Clyde spent time in prison. ==> OK.
14. We go to the bank every payday and get some cash.
15. I don’t go to the movies much anymore.
16. George studied hard in college. ==> OK.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 72 – Articles: go to work, go home, go to the movies

Posted on 2013/04/25
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We’re going to look at some set phrases. Some of these phrases need the definite article “the,” and others do not use “the.”

The following phrases do NOT use the definite article “the”:

(go) to work, (be) at work, start work, finish work:

Father went to work early because he had so much to do.  (not to the work)
What time do you finish work?  (not finish the work)

(go) to school, (be) at school, (be) in school, start school, finish school, etc.:

John is having trouble at school.  (not at the school)
What did you learn in school today?  (not in the school)
The twins enjoy school.  (not the school)

(go) to college, (be) in college:

Marcus is planning to go to college after he graduates from high school.  (not to the college)
Shirley studied biology in college.  (not in the college)

(go) to prison/jail, (be) in prison/jail:

The judge sentenced the thief to five years in prison.  (not in the prison)
Tom was arrested for driving under the influence, and had to spend the night in jail.  (not in the jail)

(go) to church, (be) in/at church:

Charles hasn’t gone to church in ages.  (not gone to the church)

(go) to bed, (be) in bed:

“Are the children all in bed?  For it’s now eight o’clock.”  (not in the bed)
Mother wasn’t feeling well, so she went to bed early.  (not went to the bed)

(go) home, (be) (at) home, etc.:

It’s late.  Let’s go home.  (not go to the home)
Janice likes to spend quiet evenings at home.  (not at the home)

The following phrases DO use the definite article “the”:

(go to) the bank / the post office / the hospital / the station / the airport:

I have to go to the bank and make a deposit.
James went to the post office and bought a roll of stamps.
Uncle Mark had appendicitis, and had to go to the hospital.
Father’s coming  home from his business trip, so Mother went to the station to pick him up.
We went to the airport early, and wound up waiting three hours for our flight.

(go to) the theater / the movies:

Jack and Jill go to the movies every Friday for date night.

(go to) the doctor, the dentist:

I have a horrible stomach ache.  Do you suppose I should go to the doctor?
Mary broke her tooth eating some nuts, and had to go to the dentist.

Exercise.  Look at the pictures and complete the following sentences.  Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. She’s in ______.

1. She’s in ______.
2. They’re at ______.

2. They’re at ______.

3. He’s in ______.

3. He’s in ______.

4. She’s in ______.

4. She’s in ______.

5. He’s at ______.

5. He’s at ______.
6. He’s at ______.

6. He’s at ______.

 

Exercise.  Choose words from the list to complete the following sentences.  Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

Harry is studying chemistry in ______.  (college)  ==>  Harry is studying chemistry in college.

bank bed dentist doctor home
movies post office prison school work

1.    Before we went on vacation, Father went to ______ to pick up some traveler’s checks.
2.    Greg has to go to ______ for a sports physical.
3.    We’re going to have a company picnic at ______ this summer.
4.    Instead of a big birthday party, Joan wanted to go to ______ with a few good friends.
5.    Aren’t you going ______?  It’s nearly midnight.
6.    Jack has the flu, so Mother told him to stay in ______ and rest.
7.    You’ll have to go to ______ to mail that package.
8.    Martha had to go to ______ to pick up Jeremy.  The school nurse said he’s come down with the chicken pox.
9.    The punishment for that crime is five years in ______.
10.    It’s about time you went to ______ and had him take a look at that toothache.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences, using the verb “go.”  Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

If you want to study medicine, you ______.  ==>  If you want to study medicine, you go to college.

1.    If you don’t want to stay at a party, you ______.
2.    If you have appendicitis, you ______.
3.    If you need to take a flight, you ______.
4.    If you are sick, you ______.
5.    If you need to catch a train, you ______.
6.    If you want to see a film, you ______.
7.    If you want to worship, you ______.
8.    If you have a toothache, you ______.
9.    If you want to see a play, you ______.
10.    If you commit a crime, you ______.
11.    If you have a job, you ______.
12.    If you are tired, you ______.
13.    If you are a child, you ______.
14.    If you want to get an advanced degree, you ______.
15.    If you want to mail a letter, you ______.
16.    If you need some cash, you ______.

Exercise.  For the following sentences, write “the” where necessary.  If the sentence needs no correction, write “OK.”

Example:

John went to movies on Saturday.  ==> John went to the movies on Saturday.
Father served Mother with breakfast in bed.  ==>  OK.

1.    Jack and Jill were married in church.
2.    Grandmother took Grandfather to doctor for his blood test.
3.    The children are putting on a Thanksgiving play at school next week.
4.    Helen has to go to dentist for her six-month checkup.
5.    Could you take this parcel to post office for me?
6.    Which bus goes to airport?
7.    I’ll go to station and pick you up when your train comes in.  Just give me a call.
8.    Are you still in bed?  It’s nearly 10 a.m.
9.    I think I hear your mother calling you.  You’d better go home now.
10.    Uncle Steve broke his arm and had to go to hospital.
11.    Do you want to go out for a drink when you finish work?
12.    We went to theater for the opening of Julius’ new play.
13.    I didn’t know that Uncle Clyde spent time in prison.
14.    We go to bank every payday and get some cash.
15.    I don’t go to movies much anymore.
16.    George studied hard in college.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 71 – Articles: The (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/24
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Exercise.  Write “the” where necessary.  If “the” is not needed, write “OK.”

Example:

How far is it to library?  ==>  How far is it to the library?
My birthday was last week.  ==>  OK.

1.    If you are involved in a serious car accident, you should call the police.
2.    We didn’t have much snow last winter. ==>  OK.
3.    Mary has been playing the flute since she was in high school.
4.    Please turn down the radio – it’s too loud for me.
5.    Mr. Jones took his secretaries out to lunch last week for Secretaries’ Day. ==>  OK.
6.    Tom prefers to take the subway to work.
7.    Mars is nearly 228 million km from the sun.
8.    Mother is busy cooking dinner. ==>  OK.
9.    I’m bored – there are no good programs on television. ==>  OK.
10.    The students in the 10 o’clock class had the same test as those in the 8 o’clock class.
11.    The Browns are going camping in the mountains.
12.    Bill and Bob had complimentary tickets to the last basketball game of the season.
13.    When you take a photograph, you should not put your subject in the middle of the picture.
14.    Mark has to study for his English test next week. ==>  OK.
15.    Jack and Jill have a farm out in the country.

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Use “the same” with one of the words in the box.

Example:

Steve and John are twins.  They were born on ______. (day)  ==>  Steve and John are twins.  They were born on the same day.

1.    Mr. Smith takes the 7:45 train into the city.  Mr. Brown takes the 7:45 train into the city.  They take the same train.
2.    Susan is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Maggie is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Susan and Maggie are reading the same book.
3.    I arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  James arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  We arrived at the same time.
4.    Mack enjoys biking.  Sam enjoys biking.  Mack and Sam enjoy the same sport.
5.    I watched the movie “Casablanca.”  Edward watched the movie “Casablanca.”  We watched the same movie.

Exercise.  Look at the following pictures and complete the sentences, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

We have a cabin in ______. (forest) ==> We have a cabin in the forest.

We have a cabin in ______. (forest)
==> We have a cabin in the forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. She’s playing the flute.

1. She’s playing the flute.

2. They’re having dinner.

2. They’re having dinner.

3. They’re watching TV.

3. They’re watching TV.

4. The sun is setting.

4. The sun is setting.

5. He’s surfing in the ocean.

5. He’s surfing in the ocean.

6. She’s studying at the library.

6. She’s studying at the library.

 

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Choose a word from the list, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

Father and Mother went out for ______ to celebrate their anniversary. (dinner)  ==>  Father and Mother went out for dinner to celebrate their anniversary.

1.    In the beginning of “The Wizard of Oz”, Dorothy runs away so Miss Gulch will not take Toto away.
2.    What is the name of your puppy?
3.    Tell me about the time you lost your dog.
4.    Mark listens to the radio when he exercises.
5.    Astronauts landed on the moon in 1969.
6.    Paris is the capital of France.
7.    The bank manager notified the police of the attempted robbery.
8.    The doctor’s office is on the fifth floor.
9.    Tom joined the Navy so he could see the world.
10.    Our family reunion was in Texas last summer.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 71 – Articles: The

Posted on 2013/04/23
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The definite article “the” is used in a number of different situations:

We use “the” when it is clear which person, place, or thing is meant.

The telephone was invented in 1876.   (It is clear which invention we are talking about.)
We’d better get back to work – the boss is coming.  (There is only one boss.)
Pardon me, but do you have the time?  (= the time now)
Don’t forget to turn on the dishwasher before you leave for work.  (We have only one dishwasher.)

We use “the” in the phrase “the same ____”:

Helen and Marlene had the same kind of dress. (not had same kind of dress)
This is the same movie that the Watsons told us about.  (not is same movie)
Is this accounting course different than the one in the catalog? —No, they’re the same. (not they’re same)

We use “the” in the following phrases:
the sun / the moon / the world / the sky / the ocean / the sea / the country:

The sun is really a big star.
Wolves howl at the moon.
The sky was filled with colorful fireworks.
We’re going to vacation at the ocean this year.

the police:

By the time the police arrived, the suspect had already fled the scene.

the top / the bottom / the beginning / the end / the middle / the left / the right, etc.:

There is a box of biscuits on the top of the refrigerator.
Look at the question at the bottom of page 3.
Jack is standing on the left in that picture.

play the piano / the guitar / the violin / the clarinet, etc.:

Susannah is learning to play the guitar.
Mark is good at playing the trumpet.
I wish I had learned how to play the violin when I was younger.

the radio:

Keith listens to the radio when he drives to and from work.

Note:  There are certain situations where “the” is NOT used!

television / TV:  

Kids nowadays watch too much TV.  (not the too much TV)
But:  Turn off the TV if you’re not going to watch it.  (= the TV set)

breakfast / lunch / dinner:

Jack was too sick to eat breakfast.  (not the breakfast)
Let’s meet for lunch sometime.  (not the lunch)
Don’t eat a snack – it’ll be time for dinner soon.  (not the dinner)

Next / last + week / month / year / spring, etc. / Sunday, etc.:

We are going to have a test next week.  (not the next week)
Last summer Grandmother came to visit us.  (not the last summer)
Jim’s having a party next Saturday – are you going?  (not the next Saturday)

Exercise.  Write “the” where necessary.  If “the” is not needed, write “OK.”

Example:

How far is it to library?  ==>  How far is it to the library?
My birthday was last week.  ==>  OK.

1.    If you are involved in a serious car accident, you should call police.
2.    We didn’t have much snow last winter.
3.    Mary has been playing flute since she was in high school.
4.    Please turn down radio – it’s too loud for me.
5.    Mr. Jones took his secretaries out to lunch last week for Secretaries’ Day.
6.    Tom prefers to take subway to work.
7.    Mars is nearly 228 million km from sun.
8.    Mother is busy cooking dinner.
9.    I’m bored – there are no good programs on television.
10.    The students in the 10 o’clock class had same test as those in the 8 o’clock class.
11.    The Browns are going camping in mountains.
12.    Bill and Bob had complimentary tickets to last basketball game of the season.
13.    When you take a photograph, you should not put your subject in middle of the picture.
14.    Mark has to study for his English test next week.
15.    Jack and Jill have a farm out in country.

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Use “the same” with one of the words in the box.

Example:

Steve and John are twins.  They were born on ______. (day)  ==>  Steve and John are twins.  They were born on the same day.

book movie sport time train

 

1.    Mr. Smith takes the 7:45 train into the city.  Mr. Brown takes the 7:45 train into the city.  They take ______.
2.    Susan is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Maggie is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Susan and Maggie are reading ______.
3.    I arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  James arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  We arrived at ______.
4.    Mack enjoys biking.  Sam enjoys biking.  Mack and Sam enjoy ______.
5.    I watched the movie “Casablanca.”  Edward watched the movie “Casablanca.”  We watched ______.

Exercise.  Look at the following pictures and complete the sentences, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

We have a cabin in ______. (forest) ==> We have a cabin in the forest.

We have a cabin in ______. (forest)
==> We have a cabin in the forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

dinner flute library
ocean sun TV

 

1. She’s playing ______.

1. She’s playing ______.

2. They’re having ______.

2. They’re having ______.

3. They’re watching ______.

3. They’re watching ______.

4. ______ is setting.

4. ______ is setting.

5. He’s surfing in ______.

5. He’s surfing in ______.

6. She’s studying at ______.

6. She’s studying at ______.

 

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Choose a word from the list, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

Father and Mother went out for ______ to celebrate their anniversary. (dinner)  ==>  Father and Mother went out for dinner to celebrate their anniversary.

beginning capital fifth floor last summer moon
name police radio time world

1.    In ______ of “The Wizard of Oz”, Dorothy runs away so Miss Gulch will not take Toto away.
2.    What is ______ of your puppy?
3.    Tell me about ______ you lost your dog.
4.    Mark listens to ______ when he exercises.
5.    Astronauts landed on ______ in 1969.
6.    Paris is ______ of France.
7.    The bank manager notified ______ of the attempted robbery.
8.    The doctor’s office is on ______.
9.    Tom joined the Navy so he could see ______.
10.    Our family reunion was in Texas ______.

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Crossword – Irregular Verbs 15 (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/22
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Irregular Verbs Crossword Solution

 

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Grammar Basics: Unit 70 – Articles: A/An and The (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/19
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Exercise.  Write a/an or the.

Example:

Take ______ piece of paper and write your name at ______ top.  ==> Take a piece of paper and write your name at the top.

1.    For our vacation we took a plane to Florida and stayed at Disneyworld.   The hotel was very comfortable.
2.    You ought to exercise for an hour every day.
3.    I picked up a pair of cowboy boots and three books at a garage sale.  The boots were like brand new, but the books were practically antique.
4.    Mother forgot to bring the can opener on our camping trip, so we had to buy a new one.
5.    I put a bandage over the cut on my leg.
6.    The children always imagine that a monster hides under the bed at night.
7.    Do you have a pencil I could borrow?  The lead in mine broke.
8.    Jack is planning to take a course in accounting at the local college in the spring.
9.    The garbage truck had a flat tire.
10.    The strong wind blew down an old tree down the street in our neighborhood.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences.  Use a or the with one of the words below.

Example:

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Father is mowing the lawn.

1. Father is mowing the lawn.

2. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?

2. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?

3. Could you please close the curtains?

3. Could you please close the curtains?

4. Teacher, I have a question.

4. Teacher, I have a question.

5. Every morning I read the newspaper at breakfast.

5. Every morning I read the newspaper at breakfast.

6. We’d like to order a salad, please.

6. We’d like to order a salad, please.

 

Exercise.  Write a/an or the where necessary.

Example:

Could you please turn down radio?  ==> Could you please turn down the radio?

1.    We went to the beach every day on vacation.
2.    I took the train into the city.
3.    Do you know how far the museum is from the library?
4.    New York is the largest city in the United States.
5.    What is the largest country in the world?
6.    Mother is in the kitchen baking a cake.
7.    I thought the bed at the hotel was uncomfortable.
8.    It is a five-minute walk from the train station to the bus stop.
9.    We need to replace the doorknob on the front door.
10.    Do you remember the name of the author of that book?

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Grammar Basics: Unit 70 – Articles: A/An and The

Posted on 2013/04/18
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The words “a/an” and “the” are called articles.  They come before nouns.  If there are any adjectives describing the noun, the articles come before the adjectives:

Pattern: indefinite article:  a/an + (adjective/s) + N
or
definite article:  the + (adjective/s) + N

The trick is knowing when to use the indefinite article a/an, and when to use the definite article the.

Use the indefinite article a/an when you are speaking about one of many:

Examples:

Pick up a loaf of bread from the bakery on your way home. (There are several loaves of bread at the bakery, but we are only getting one.)
I have a bicycle.  (There are many bikes, and I have one.)
Uncle John got a new camera for his birthday.  (There were many cameras at the store.)
Do you know if there’s a gas station nearby?  (There are many gas stations.  Is there one near here?)
Michigan is a beautiful state.  (There are fifty states, but I’m talking about one of them.)
Mr. Smith is a teacher.  (There are many teachers, and Mr. Smith is one.)

Use the definite article the when you are speaking about only one thing, a specific thing:

Examples:

The bread was freshly baked.  (= the bread from the bakery)
I had to get a new tire for the bicycle.  (= for my bicycle)
The camera has a good lens.  (= Uncle John’s new camera)
The gas station is about five blocks from here.  (= the closest one)
The state of Michigan borders three great lakes.  (= a specific state)
Mr. Smith is the math teacher.  (There is only one math teacher.)

Note:  When we introduce a thing, we use “a.”  After it’s been introduced, we use “the”:

I ordered a soup and a salad for lunch.  (introducing “soup” and “salad”)
The soup was delicious, but the salad was not fresh. (we have already been introduced to “soup” and “salad”: “soup” and “salad” are specific – the ones I ordered.)

Note:  We also use “the” when it is clear which person or thing is being referred to.

The door, the floor, the ceiling, the light, etc. (of a room)
The kitchen, the bathroom, the basement, etc. (of a house)
The bank, the post office, the library, the train station, etc. (of a city)

 

Examples:

Please close the door.  (= the door of the room we are in)
Mother is in the basement washing clothes. (= the basement of the house we are in)
Do you know if the library is open today?  (= the library of our town)
If you don’t behave, you’ll get sent to the principal.  (= the principal of our school)

Exercise.  Write a/an or the.

Example:

Take ______ piece of paper and write your name at ______ top.  ==> Take a piece of paper and write your name at the top.

1.    For our vacation we took ______ plane to Florida and stayed at Disneyworld.   ______ hotel was very comfortable.
2.    You ought to exercise for ______ hour every day.
3.    I picked up ______ pair of cowboy boots and three books at a garage sale.  ______ boots were like brand new, but ______ books were practically antique.
4.    Mother forgot to bring ______ can opener on our camping trip, so we had to buy ______ new one.
5.    I put ______ bandage over ______ cut on my leg.
6.    ______ children always imagine that ______ monster hides under ______ bed at night.
7.    Do you have ______ pencil I could borrow?  ______ lead in mine broke.
8.    Jack is planning to take ______ course in accounting at ______ local college in ______ spring.
9.    ______ garbage truck had ______ flat tire.
10.    ______ strong wind blew down ______ old tree down ______ street in our neighborhood.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences.  Use a or the with one of the words below.

Example:

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

airport curtains lawn
newspaper question salad

 

1. Father is mowing ______.

1. Father is mowing ______.

2. Could you tell me how to get to ______?

2. Could you tell me how to get to ______?

3. Could you please close ______?

3. Could you please close ______?

4. Teacher, I have ______.

4. Teacher, I have ______.

5. Every morning I read ______ at breakfast.

5. Every morning I read ______ at breakfast.

6. We’d like to order ______, please.

6. We’d like to order ______, please.

 

Exercise.  Write a/an or the where necessary.

Example:

Could you please turn down radio?  ==> Could you please turn down the radio?

1.    We went to beach every day on vacation.
2.    I took train into city.
3.    Do you know how far museum is from library?
4.    New York is largest city in United States.
5.    What is largest country in world?
6.    Mother is in kitchen baking cake.
7.    I thought bed at hotel was uncomfortable.
8.    It is five-minute walk from train station to bus stop.
9.    We need to replace doorknob on front door.
10.    Do you remember name of author of that book?

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Grammar Basics: Unit 69 – Countable & Uncountable Nouns, Part 2 (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/17
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Exercise.  Use the pictures to write sentences using the phrase “I bought ______.”

Example:

==> I bought a tie, a belt, and some sunglasses.

==> I bought a tie, a belt, and some sunglasses.

 

 

 

 

1. I bought a shirt, a watch, and some shoes.

1. I bought a shirt, a watch, and some shoes.

2. I bought a doughnut, some newspapers, and some coffee / a cup of coffee.

2. I bought a doughnut, some newspapers, and some coffee / a cup of coffee.

3. I bought a comb, some soap and a brush, and some toothpaste.

3. I bought a comb, some soap and a brush, and some toothpaste.

4. I bought some perfume, some jewelry, and some flowers.

4. I bought some perfume, some jewelry, and some flowers.

 

Exercise.  Write sentences using the phrase “Would you like a ______?” or “Would you like some ______?”

Example:

==> Would you like some hors d’oeuvres?

==> Would you like some hors d’oeuvres?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Would you like some grapes?

1. Would you like some grapes?

2. Would you like some ice cream and cookies?

2. Would you like some ice cream and cookies?

3. Would you like some bread and wine?

3. Would you like some bread and wine?

4. Would you like a cup of coffee / some coffee?

4. Would you like a cup of coffee / some coffee?

5. Would you like some popcorn / a bag of popcorn?

5. Would you like some popcorn / a bag of popcorn?

6. Would you like some soup / a bowl of soup?

6. Would you like some soup / a bowl of soup?

 

Exercise.  Complete the sentences, using “a/an” or “some.”

Example:

I sat under ______ tree and drank ______ lemonade. ==>  I sat under a tree and drank some lemonade.

1.    I’m really tired.  I need to get some sleep.
2.    Jack likes to have some crackers when he has tomato soup.
3.    Mother usually relaxes by reading a book or listening to some music.
4.    We didn’t do anything last night except watch some TV.
5.    Tom needs to find some work.  He hasn’t has a job for several months.
6.    Swimming and walking are great ways to get some exercise.
7.    The car needs some gas.  Is there a gas station nearby?
8.    The bride’s mother gave her some advice for the wedding.
9.    Sam ordered a cup of coffee and some pie.
10.    If you’re going to write a letter, you’ll need some stationery, an envelope, and some stamps.

Exercise.  Select the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence.

Example:

I need to get my (hair/hairs) cut.  ==> I need to get my hair cut.

1.    Give me two slices of bread, so I can make a sandwich.
2.     I don’t want to get lost.  Let’s ask the concierge for information about the art museum.
3.    We’re supposed to have nice weather for our picnic this weekend.
4.    Kevin is stubborn, and won’t ask for advice.
5.    Mother has been sad ever since she read Uncle Paul’s letter – I think it must have contained bad news.
6.    Joan and Dave finally got some new furniture for their apartment.
7.    Steve is looking for a job.
8.    If you’re going to the store, can you get some toothpaste for me?

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