For learners of English knowing when and when not to use the definite article ‘the’ is especially problematic. Let’s begin by looking at cases that do not have definite articles and then go on to cases that do.
The Zero Article
Exercise 1
The following categories of things take no definite articles before them. Give three examples of each, and then use them in three sentences:
-generalities : .
-disciplines : I used to study biology before I became an English teacher
-concepts:
-games :
-meals:
-plural countable nouns:
-uncountable nouns:
The Definite Article
The use of the definite article ‘the’ is a little complicated but here are a few cases where the rules are clear. The following categories of nouns always take a definite article. Think of three examples of each, and put them in three sentences.
-nationalities: "The French don't care what they do actually, as long as they pronounce it properly"(Alan Jay Lerner, 1959 -My Fair Lady)
-countries that have plural names:
-when there is something in a category by itself:
Exercise 2
Some of the sentences below are incorrect, identify them:
What did you have for the breakfast?
My sister lives in United States.
My brother lives in the Netherlands.
The Italian food isn’t as fattening as people think.
I play the rugby.
Evolution is a controversial topic.
Left-movers are more susceptible to hypnosis than right-movers.
“It’s cool for cats.”
Reading and discussion
What is France’s problem?
- Watch the film Indigenes and describe how the native Algerian fighters were treated by the French army and residents. Explain your answers.
- According to the film what did the Algerian forces contribute to the liberation of France during the Second World War.
- List the victories.
- What was the French attitude towards the Algerian fighters?
Reading 1)
Read the article below and explain what the grievances of the youth in the French suburbs. We hate France and France hates us
Reading 2)
Read the following Letter to the Editor and find out. Once you have finished answer the questions below.
French Riots
No-one should come to France to change the French. Immigrant populations will always be rejected if they do not integrate.
Effectively, 'integration' translates as becoming French. Above all this means abandoning one's ostensible cultural identity and conforming to the French way of life.
In general, it is a mistake to label the French as racist. They are instead anti-pluralist and are showing themselves to be unready for the Europe they championed.
Those attracted to France because of its utopist ideals of 'Liberty, Fraternity and Equality' will often be disappointed because they are just that: ideals. If one does not realize this, France is a country of irony, contradiction and injustice. It becomes a place to be visited, not a place to make one's home.
A Resident (Paris, France) 14/11/05
Questions
In groups discuss the meaning of the following key words in the text:
-Immigrant populations
-Integration
-Racism
-Ostensible
-To label
-Pluralism
-Anti-pluralism
-To champion
-Ideals
Comprehension Questions
1) What does writer think is wrong with France?
2) What is their solution?
Discussion
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the writer of the letter?
Nature, Art & Language
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