Free ESL Speaking Activities. The articles THE/AN/A are some of the most used words in the English Language. English has got two articles.(If you don't count the 'zero' article and let's face it, it is a zero, it doesn't exist so it doesn't count!)
Which leaves us with:
THE = definite article (used with specific, particular nouns)
The fish tank really needs a proper clean, it is turning green!
A/AN = indefinite article (used with non-specific, non-particular nouns)
They sell a wide selection of fish tanks at that new pet store.
Over the years I have noticed that most (if not all) of my English students from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus have difficulty using articles. Slavic speakers simply don't understand the necessity for using articles, since there are NO ARTICLES in many Slavic languages! Oh, how lucky they are...But don't despair, let's figure this out together. Here are some facts about the use of A/AN/THE/-
A/AN is decided by the next word, not necessarily by the next noun.
This means that we say : an orange blanket BUT a blanket,
E.g. a boring author, an accurate description, an absolute nightmare
The Article 'THE' is used in Certain situations, with Group nouns, with Plural country names and with certain grammar structures such as the Superlative Voice. Practice the conversation questions below:
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We use AN before words that begin with vowels (A,E,O,U,I)
E.g. AN onion, AN umbrella, AN assassin
Unscramble these words and add the appropriate indefinite article (A/AN) appointmentzootableclothsecretaryoctopuspotplantovenbatteryunclekeyboardskater
Words with silent consonants that sound like vowels also get AN
E.g. AN hour, AN honest answer
Do these words begin with a silent H? Choose the correct option, A/AN hotel, A/AN/ heavy box, A/AN historical moment, A/AN hour glass, A/AN herb, A/AN houseboat, A/AN human, A/AN honour
Conversational ESL
This ESL resource covers the usage of articles in depth, whilst keeping students engaged and more importantly, improving their self confidence as they express themselves in a fun and safe framework:
Memory Game
Word Scramble
Picture Prompts
Reading Texts
Debates
The PDF download is perfect for online screen-sharing type lessons but can also be shared on a white-board in a classroom environment or used as a print-out.
As always, the focus is on giving English learners the opportunity to communicate as much as possible, ask and answer questions and express their opinion while practicing valuable grammar structures.
This was exactly what I needed thankssss✌️❤️