Grammar: articles

ARTICLES

COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE
Common uncountable nouns:
Single: advice, coffee, furniture, glass, hair, homework, information, knowledge, luggage, money, news, paper, work
Plural: clothes, scissors, jeans, spectacles, trousers, groceries, etc. With these words, we use a plural verb.
Some nouns are countable with one meaning and uncountable with another meaning.
✓ Do you think you could bring me a clean glass? (countable)
✓ We should make computer monitors out of recycled glass. (uncountable)

HOMEWORK

Write an article in each gap where necessary. If an article is not necessary, write a dash
Being in the news
Every day on TV we see stories about famous actors, singers or politicians. However, (1) ............ lots of ordinary people also find themselves in (2) ............ news because of something dramatic that happens in their lives. Suddenly becoming well-known at such a stressful time can have (3) ............ enormous effect on you. This is especially the case when you are the victim of a serious crime or a tragedy. It helps to have to have (4) ............ few close who you can trust and who can advise you. With (5) ............ little patience, you will find that the reporters soon move on to (6) ............ next story. There isn't much you can do but try to get on with your life as well as you can.

1 Oh, I didn't tell you! We've got .......... new English teacher.
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
2 Here's DVD you asked to borrow.
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
3 We're out of ......... coffee, so could you get some from the supermarket?
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
4 The prize is ......... unique opportunity to travel the world!
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
5 It looks like .......... glass in your bedroom window is cracked.
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
6 It's honour to be here this evening to speak to you.
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
7 There's good chance we'll be late for the meeting.
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
Reports are coming in of a major oil spill in Mediterranean.
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
I went to see the doctor because I'm finding it difficult to sleep at .......... night.
А) а B) an C) the D) no word
10 Do you think that they'll ever send a manned mission to Venus?
А) а B) an C) the D) no word

Rewrite the sentences correctly, adding articles where necessary.
We went to theatre last night and saw great play, although some of acting was bit poor.
Give me ring tomorrow before I go to work and we'll arrange to meet at office.
Prime minister told reporter that government wanted to pass law banning hunting.
I asked hotel manager where pool was and she directed me to to seventh floor.
They said on news on radio that Mount Vesuvius, volcano that destroyed Pompeii, could erupt again.
Car has revolutionised transport and is absolutely vital to economy of most countries.
Judge read jury's verdict aloud and then sentenced accused to five years in prison.
Job in media can be quite stressful because of pressure you are under to do things on time.
Very few people in 19th century went to school or university and most started work at very young age.
I have little free time since I gave up karate, so I'm thinking of trying new hobby, like learning a musical instrument.