What is an Article?
- The English language has definite and indefinite articles�a, an, and the.
- The primary function of an article is to signal to the audience whether the noun being referred to is new to the discussion or has already been mentioned in the writing. An article will also be used in cases for specific mention.
A is called the indefinite article. We use this article when we are introducing a is singular noun for the first time. Use A to describe something nonspecific.
A is replaced with
An if the word that follows begins with a vowel (a,e,i,o,u) or has a vowel sound.
EXAMPLES: I went to a store. NOT I went to store.
�Store� is not specific until it has been identified; therefore, we need an �a.�
I saw an awesome show. NOT I saw awesome show.
I ate a peach and an apple. NOT I ate an peach and a apple.
If the vowel is pronounced like a consonant, use a.
Example: a useful offer
The is the definite article. We use this article when we are naming something that has already been introduced in the writing or may already be familiar to the reader. The is also used to describe something specific.
EXAMPLE: I went to a store. The store was enormous.
The indicates the same store from the previous sentence. The store has now become specific and may be referred to by the definite article�The.
Example: I saw the Queen of England.
The school�s baseball game was boring.
The picture in the Milwaukee Journal was blurry.
! THREE main exceptions for the use of articles with nouns
1. Plural nouns do not have indefinite articles.
Example: I like dogs. NOT I like a dogs. However some plural nouns may need definite articles.
Example: I like the dogs at my grandma�s house.
2. Noncount nouns may not require articles. Noncount nouns identify a quality that cannot be counted.
Example: �Love conquers all,� NOT �A love conquers all.�
3. The use of the is sometimes necessary when working with proper nouns.
Examples: On vacation we saw the Mississippi River NOT We Mississippi River
Egypt has many pyramids NOT The Egypt has many pyramids.
FIVE principal ways to determine the correct article:
* The noun has been previously mentioned.
I saw a cat in the window [first mention, indefinite]. The cat looked like a dog. [second mention, definite].
* A superlative or ranking adjective makes the noun�s identity specific.
I was the smallest girl in the room. [There can only be one girl who is the smallest].
Today was the greatest day of my life. [There can only be one day that was the greatest].
* The noun describes a unique person, place, or thing.
The earth revolves around the sun. [There is only one earth and sun�therefore use the word the].
* A modifying word, phrase, or clause that follows the noun and makes it clear which specific person or thing you are referring to.
Did you see the girl with the bright pink hair in our room? [Using the implies that there was only one girl with pink hair in your room]
* And finally�The context or situation makes the noun�s identity clear.
Saying to someone, �Shut the door.� You would use the because it was undoubtedly clear to both of you which door you were referring to.
References
Kirszner, L., & Mandell, S. (Eds.). (2002). The Holt Handbook 6th Ed. Fort Worth: Harcourt College.
Kohl, J. R. (2000). An Overview of English Article Usage for Speakers of English as a Second Language. [30 paragraphs.] The Writing Center [Online serial]. Available http://www.rpi.edu/dept/llc/wrotecenter/web/text/esl.html
Bethany Hoeppner & Wendy Rissman (2002)
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Article Practice
- Specific
If the noun refers to a specific thing or things, use "the."
Ex. The cat attacked him. The cats attacked him.
- Nonspecific
If you cannot directly count whatever the noun is referring to, don�t use an article.
Ex. Electricity can be dangerous.
If you can directly count whatever the noun is referring to but it is plural, don�t use an article.
Ex. Cats can be dangerous, too.
If you can count whatever the noun is referring to and it is singular, use "a" or "an."
Ex. A cat attacked him with an electric shock.
Practice
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate article. Some blanks will not need articles. Use the flow chart and the above examples as a guide.
Once upon a time, there was ___ dog. He was not ___ ordinary dog. He was ___ magical dog. Whenever someone looked at ___ dog, ___ potatoes would grow from their ears. No one really wants ___ potatoes to grow from their ears, so everyone tried not to look at ___ dog. ___ dog was also able to look like any other dog that it wanted to. This was dangerous, because then people were scared to look at any dogs. Whenever someone thought that ___ dog was around, they would cross to ___ other side of ___ street. Dogs in ___ town were not used to being ignored like that, so they started to get sad. ___ saddest thing, however, was ___ magical dog. He wished that people would start to like him, and just forget about ___ potatoes. One day, ___ biggest circus in ___ world came to town. It was very exciting for ___ townspeople, because they could not worry about ___ potato thing for at least ___ night. ___ circus was especially exciting for them because there was ___ very special attraction. This attraction was ___ orange cat that could use electric shocks. Everyone went to ___ circus. Even ___ magical dog went, but he hid in ___ shadows. Everyone was having fun at ___ circus, but suddenly, tragedy struck. ___ electric cat suddenly went crazy, and started to shock everyone. ___ magical dog decided to save them all. He sneaked up behind ___ cat and waited for it to turn around. ___ cat attacked him with ___ electric shock. Then it turned around and looked at him. Suddenly, ___ potatoes grew from its ears. ___ cat tried to start another shock for ___ dog, but it was very difficult with ___ potatoes growing out of its ears. Finally, ___ cat got one last shock to come out. ___ shock hit ___ dog with full power, and ___ dog fell over. When he woke up, there was ___ group of people around him. They were all petting him and telling him what ___ good dog he was. "You�ve saved us all, magical dog! When you made potatoes grow out of ___ cat�s ears, he only had energy left for one last shock. Then, when she shocked you, it took away ___ ability to make people grow ___ potatoes from their ears. Now you�re ___ cute little dog again, and ___ cat is harmless! Hooray for ___ magical dog!"
By Brian Dooley 1999
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Using the Correct Preposition
?Prepositions introduce phrases that tell where, how, why, when, and to whom in relation to another noun. Using different prepositions in the context of a sentence can change the meaning of the sentence.
The rabbit ran through the hollow log.
The rabbit ran over the hollow log.
The rabbit ran around the hollow log.
The rabbit ran into the hollow log.
The rabbit ran on the hollow log.
The correct choice of words depends on what the rabbit did. Did it run in and then out of, jump over, circle, or enter the hollow log?
?Confusing Prepositions
To: Use with verbs that show movement such as go, come, and drive
-Tim is going to work
-I like going to Wisconsin in the fall.
For: Use with a period of time to express �how long� or the duration of something that has happened:
-I visited my grandma for three days.
-I left for a month.
For and To can also be used in relations of purpose:
-We are looking forward to the camp. NOT We are looking forward for
the camp.
- She is working hard for the money. ALSO She is working hard to earn
money.
-I am dieting to lose weight. ALSO I am dieting for my health.
In to earn and to lose, the preposition is being used as an infinitive with the verb.
Using At, In, and, On
-At for a location
I left my mom at the restaurant.
Leave your message at the beep.
-In for an enclosed space or defined place
I was in England over the summer.
My dog is in my car.
-On for a surface
The painting is on the wall at the museum.
I sat on the chair.
Traditionally English speakers use the preposition in when dealing with an enclosed space, and use the preposition on when dealing with mass transportation.
Examples:
-We go in a car. BUT
-We go on an airplane and on a train.
?Idiomatic use of Prepositions
You agree��to a proposal. We argue��for a principle.
with a person with a person.
on a plan. against an obstacle.
We part from (a person).
We part with (a thing).
Our family was rewarded for (something done).
with (a gift).
by (a person).
A manager differs with (a person) about (a question).
(a person) over (a question).
from (something or someone).
The teacher was impatient for (something desired).
with (someone).
Correct Incorrect
according to according with
authority on authority about
different from different than
unequal to unequal for
responsible for responsible on
in search of in search for
Practice Preposition Problems
Use in, on, and at to finish the sentences.
- Five books were ______ the shelf.
- She lives _____ Center Street _____ Watertown, WI.
- The radio broadcasts a moving story _____ Monday evening _____ 8:00 pm.
- I work out ____ my spare time.
- I bought two cookies _____ the fair.
Use to or for to finish the sentences.
1. I brought home a dog ____ my daughter.
2. I am going _____ the fair ____ my birthday.
3. I am going away ___ three months.
References
Kirszner, L., & Mandell, S. (Eds.). (2002) The Holt Handbook 6th Ed. Fort Worth: Harcourt College.
English Grammar. 21 October 2002http://grammar.englishclub.com/prepositions-at-on-place.htm
By Bethany Hoeppner 2002
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Confusing Slang Terms for ESL Students
All right � Something is under control, �It�s all right; it was a false alarm.� Also can be used to respond �yes� to someone.
Blog � An online website forum, used to display the host�s freethinking ideas, on any number of topics.
Break up � A verb used to describe a couple that stops dating. �Jenny and I broke up last night�
Bite me � An insulting retort if someone says something bad about you. Usually said with emphasis.
Bubbler � A Wisconsin term, other parts of America call this a �drinking fountain� or a �water fountain�
Bugs me � Something is bothersome, �That noise my car started making bugs me.�
Cheap � Can refer to something being low priced, �6 cents for Ramen Noodles is cheap,� Can also be an insult, �I�ve only had these cheap shoes for a week, and they�re already worn out.�
Chill out. � A phrase meaning calm down or stop worrying. �Chill out man.� �Chill� by itself can also mean �wait here,� as in �We�ll chill until he gets back.�
Cool � Can be used in many situations. �That�s cool.��that�s good or great. �Cool.��agreement with something that was said. �It was cool.��given situation was enjoyable. �It is cool out.��the weather is chilly.
Close call � Something unpleasant, possibly even dangerous, was narrowly avoided. �That was a close call; that car almost hit me!�
Crazy � Often used to describe someone who�s acting in a foolish or unusual manner, �He was acting crazy at the party.� In addition �That�s crazy.� which might describe some weird or strange course of action.
Duh � A retort meaning what was just said was terribly obvious and unnecessary. �Well, duh!�
Ditched � To be left behind, usually on purpose, �My friends ditched me at the mall.�
Drained � Used to replace the word tired, for instance, �I didn�t get any sleep last night, I�m really drained.�
Drinking � Similar to �to have a drink,� when used alone often refers to an alcoholic beverage. Context clues are required to be certain of meaning.
Freaky � Something is unusual or weird. �That guy was freaky.�
Frick � A somewhat non-offensive expletive used in an unpleasant situation. �Oh, Frick!�
Get over � To recover from an ended relationship. �He got over her.� Also, to forget insult. �He got over the embarrassment.�
Hang Out �To get together with your friends. �I was hanging out with my friends Friday night.�
Hey � Can be a greeting, like �hi,� or an exclamation like �Hey! Get back here.�
How�s it going? � Another common hallway greeting, also typically answered with something similar to �good,� �ok,� �bad.�
Iffy � Something or someone is unreliable or uncertain. �That bridge looks iffy to me. We should find another way around.�
Later � Short for �See you later,� a farewell. Also �C�ya� or �C�ya later.�
Long shot � Little chance of something being successful, possibly also a desperate, final attempt at something, �Winning the lottery is always a long shot.�
Loser � Derogatory term for someone �He is a loser. He�s going no where in life.�
Messed up � Either a situation or a person is unusual, �This is messed up.� Also if a person is hurt or possibly under the influence of illegal substances. �He was messed up.�
Messing with you � Fooling around, joking, being sarcastic, �I wasn�t serious; I was messing with you.�
Morning � Short for good morning, sometimes also �g�morning�.
My Bad � A saying used in conversations to relay responsibility for an incident or accident to one�s self.
Night � Short for good night, sometimes also �g�night�
No way � An emphatic no, �There�s no way I�m going parachuting.�
O.C. � An abbreviation spoken to replace the term �Out of Control�
O.K. � An abbreviation to replace okay, which when used in a conversation, displays agreement with one another.
Out of it � Not aware of surroundings, not feeling well and therefore not able to pay attention. �I was out of it today in class because I felt sick.�
Peace � A phrase originating in the 60�s, it has a very similar meaning to �Cool�, is also a stereotyped catchphrase of the Hippie movement. �Peace out, man.�
Rocks � Used to describe an enjoyable situation or occurrence. �This rocks! I got an A.�
Shut up � A minor offensive term used to cut off another persons conversation. Usually conveys disagreement or disbelief with the person to whom you speak it, but can also be used between friends jokingly.
Sick � Said as an adjective, it can describe something that was exciting, �Snowboarding is Sick.� It can also apply to somewhat who is insane, demented, or mentally instable.
Soda � A regionalism for carbonated beverages, is also �Pop� or �Coke� in other areas of America.
Space out � Not pay attention to your surroundings, also �stare off into space�, as in �The class was very boring, and I started to space out while the teacher was talking.�
Spiced up �Used in reference to making something more interesting, �Since he showed up things really spiced up� Geared up or fired up can be used in roughly the same manner.
Sup? � Short for �what�s up?,� a greeting, means �How�s life?,� can be answered with either a returned �sup� or possibly �not much,� is often very slurred and can be difficult to understand. A response is not always necessary.
Sucks � As in �that sucks,� means this situation is negative or unpleasant.
Take it Easy � Normally used to calm down an excited person, or as a departing phrase to replace goodbye.
Tight � A substitute for cool, normally used to describe someone�s actions, �Casey that shot was tight�
Uptight � Describes a person who is overly sensitive about a subject or easily annoyed. �She was very uptight about her car.�
Wicked � Refers to something exciting, for instance, �That movie was wicked awesome�
Word � A one-word affirmation, used to support or agree with something that has just been said.
Y�all � A southern regionalism, short for �you all� or, more grammatically correct, �all of you�
Yo � Can be a greeting similar to �hi�, is also sometimes used to mean �yes�, but only in casual situations.
William Stone, 2002
Revised � David Rindt, 2004
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ESL Study Tips
1. Time Management Tips
- Effective time management is essential to your success as an International student! So�
- Make a schedule, and stick to it!
- Study regularly � being a non-native English speaker, it takes you twice as long to do what native students do; don�t fall behind!
- Attend all classes regularly.
- Write down due dates, appointments, test dates, and any important upcoming events in an agenda or electronic device (if you have one), and keep a calendar on your desk or wall.
2. Prepare for Class
- Glance over your syllabus, if one is provided, in order to know in advance what areas will be covered that week.
- Read ahead: this is critical! Do assigned readings before class, and you�ll be ready for the lectures.
- NOTE: Headings, BOLD and Italic fonts, and Roman numerals (I, II, III�) in your textbook and lecture notes point out the main ideas to be learned in the course.
- Be sure to study that information, because it usually appears on quizzes and tests!
3. Note-taking Tips
Taking notes in a second language can be difficult, but some International students have found these tips very helpful:
- Listen for repeated phrases and ideas, and be sure to write those down: they are important points.
- Talk to other students in your class: they might agree to give you a photocopy of their notes.
- After class, form a group of students and compare your class notes together.
4. �My professor speaks too quickly!�
- If this is the case, talk to your professor after class: it may be possible for you to get copies of any overheads used in the lecture.
- If it�s ok with your professor, tape-record a lecture every now and then, and give your note-taking hand a rest!
- Try simply asking the professor to slow down.
5. Need more help?
- Talk to your professor as soon as class is over: sometimes professors post lecture notes and other class information on a course website or on WebCT.
- Consider these:
- Join a Study Group
**SEE #6 BELOW!**
- Meet with a Tutor
- Take your writing assignments to the Writing Center
- Visit the Learning Resource Center in LU202.
- If you are really struggling to keep up with classes, talk about it with your Academic Advisor: you may decide to drop a class or change your schedule.
6. Study Group Tips:
When you study with a group of other International students, follow these guidelines:
- Do not translate readings word for word.
- Instead, look over paragraphs quickly and find the main ideas.
- Discuss the main ideas as a group: does everyone understand how all the information in the chapter fits together?
7. Test-taking Tips
- Get some sleep the night before the test!
- Eat a good breakfast: proteins (from eggs and meats), carbohydrates (from bread and cereal), and sugars (from juice and fruit) help the brain function well.
- Go to class a little early on test days so you don�t feel rushed.
- If you are worried, breathe deeply and sit up straight; keeping calm will help you recall information you learned.
- Bring a watch so you can limit the time you spend on each question.
- Before class, ask your professor if you may use an electronic translating device.
- If you think you will need more time to complete the test, ask if you may be allowed to stay longer.
8. In general: Take care of yourself!
- Not understanding? Trouble remembering?
Comprehension and memory are affected by stress and fatigue, so it�s essential to eat well, exercise, take time for recreation, and get adequate sleep.
9. Study Tips on the Internet:
- http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/learning/paths.html?topics
- http://www.academictips.org
- http://www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides
**This website has study guides in many languages**
- http://www.utexas.edu/student/utlc
- http://www.utexas.edu/student/esl/links
**This website has English language links**
Alison Kirchhoff, 2004
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Reading and Writing Cursive for ESL
Cursive writing is a type of lettering used in handwriting. It is very fluid with the letters of each work connecting to each other with unbroken lines. Cursive can be beautiful, but many people have messy handwriting. Teachers also can be guilty of this, and learning to recognize less than model writing will help you communicate more effectively.
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