To solve the problem, we need to determine whether to use
a,
an,
the, or
no article in each sentence. Here's a breakdown of the rules for articles:
1.
"a" or "an": Used before singular count nouns when referring to something for the first time or in a general sense. Use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds.
2.
"the": Used before singular or plural nouns when referring to something specific or already mentioned.
3.
No article: Used with plural count nouns, mass nouns (uncountable nouns), or abstract concepts when they are general.
Now, let's complete each sentence:
---
1. "Where is ________ pen you borrowed from me yesterday?"
- The pen is specific because it is the one borrowed from the speaker.
-
Answer:
the
---
2. There is a blue shirt on sale. Unfortunately, ________ shirt is not my size.
- The shirt is specific because it is the one mentioned in the previous sentence.
-
Answer:
the
---
3. "I need ________ new desk for my work."
- A new desk is being referred to for the first time, so use "a."
-
Answer:
a
---
4. Mike has ________ old bike. His bike doesn't ride well.
- An old bike is being referred to for the first time, so use "an."
-
Answer:
an
---
5. ________ water is important for life on the Earth. We must keep it clean.
- Water is a mass noun (uncountable) and is used in a general sense.
-
Answer:
no article
---
6. Lisa has ________ exercise book on her desk. The exercise book is blue.
- The exercise book is specific because it is the one on her desk.
-
Answer:
the
---
7. I am reading ________ old magazine now. It's very interesting for me.
- An old magazine is being referred to for the first time, so use "an."
-
Answer:
an
---
8. We saw ________ little bears in the zoo. The bears were funny.
- Little bears are plural and specific because they are in the zoo.
-
Answer:
the
---
9. You have only half ________ hour for lunch. Hurry up!
- "Hour" is a singular count noun, and "half an hour" is a common phrase.
-
Answer:
an
---
10. I bought a book and put it in my bag. ________ book is very heavy.
- The book is specific because it is the one just mentioned.
-
Answer:
the
---
11. I am sure ________ man at the corner is waiting for you. He is looking at us.
- The man is specific because he is at the corner.
-
Answer:
the
---
12. He was wearing ________ ugly shirt when I first met him.
- An ugly shirt is being referred to for the first time, so use "an."
-
Answer:
an
---
13. Robert is ________ driver. He drives big trucks.
- A driver is being referred to for the first time, so use "a."
-
Answer:
a
---
14. I believe that ________ friendship plays an important role in people's lives.
- Friendship is an abstract concept and is used in a general sense.
-
Answer:
no article
---
15. Laura is ________ pretty girl. She looks very smart, too.
- A pretty girl is being referred to for the first time, so use "a."
-
Answer:
a
---
Final Answers:
1.
the
2.
the
3.
a
4.
an
5.
no article
6.
the
7.
an
8.
the
9.
an
10.
the
11.
the
12.
an
13.
a
14.
no article
15.
a
---
Boxed Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{
\text{1. the, 2. the, 3. a, 4. an, 5. no article, 6. the, 7. an, 8. the, 9. an, 10. the, 11. the, 12. an, 13. a, 14. no article, 15. a}
}
\]
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of esl articles worksheet.