Why do Korean students say 'I went to station' without 'the'?

Article Practice: A or The?

Name: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________

The Rule

Before you use a noun, ask: Does the listener already know which one I mean?

• If YES → use the
• If NO and the noun is singular and countable → use a or an
• If NO and the noun is plural or uncountable → use no article

Practice A: Choose a or the

The first sentence gives you information. Use that information to choose the article in the second sentence.

1. I bought \_\_\_ book yesterday. \_\_\_ book is about Korean history.

1. She saw \_\_\_ cat in the street. \_\_\_ cat was very small.

1. We need \_\_\_ computer for the office. \_\_\_ computer should have a big screen.

1. He met \_\_\_ girl at the party. \_\_\_ girl was from Canada.

1. They opened \_\_\_ restaurant in Gangnam. \_\_\_ restaurant serves Italian food.

Practice B: Fix the mistakes

Each sentence has one article error. Find it and correct it.

1. I go to school by a subway every day.

1. She is teacher at middle school.

1. He bought the new phone and phone was very expensive.

1. The honesty is important in friendship.

1. I went to a station near my house.

Practice C: Write your own

Write two sentences. The second sentence should refer back to something in the first sentence.

Example: I visited a museum last week. The museum had many old paintings.

Your sentences:

1. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

1. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_