Extension Exercises

Index | Chapter 4 - Articles | Possible Answers

Exploring English

Select a short passage of written English or of transcribed speaking (for example, a magazine interview). Look at how articles are used and not used. In each instance, try to account for the choice that has been made.

1. how many of these indicate whether or not there is or isn't 'common ground' with the intended reader or audience?
2. How many of these are determined by fixed expressions?

Exploring how learners use English

Select a short passage written by a learner of English or, if possible, record and transcribe their speech. Analyse how they use or don't use articles and try to explain any mistakes or examples of non-standard use.

Course materials

Select a coursebook and consider:

1. How much attention is paid to the use of articles?
2. How accurate, comprehensive, clear and useful are the rules provided?
3. To what extent are the learners directed to explore how articles are used in texts?
4. What are the objectives of any practice activities and how well are these achieved? (For example, do practice activities and exercises encourage learners to internalise rules or practise making appropriate choices?)

Possible Answers