| |
Read & Contrast
"A" violin has two possible references.
We could be speaking about a violin, one as a typical example of all violins, or we could be introducing a specific violin. |

click to hear a violin
|
| ANY ONE - UNSPECIFIC |
ONE - SPECIFIC |
| STATING CHARACTERISTICS OF ONE AS AN EXAMPLE OF ALL |
MENTIONING AN ITEM THE FIRST TIME (SECOND MENTION USES "THE") |
A violin is an important part of a symphony.
It takes several years to learn to play a violin well.
A cello is larger than a violin.
A violin has four strings.
It's much easier to carry a violin than a bass cello. |
A violin was given to the conservatory.
A student will be learning to play the violin.
A recital in which the student will play is scheduled in June.
A reception will follow the recital. |
|
| |
Practice 1
A - an example (not a specific one)
|
| |
Practice 2
A - one as an example or one in particular?
Smithsonian. " Stradivarius
Violins" http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/stradv.htm
|
| |
Read & Compare
| SPEAKING IN GENERAL - ANY ONE (UNSPECIFIC) |
SPEAKING SPECIFICALLY OF ONE |
| MENTIONING QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ONE |
INTRODUCING ONE IN PARTICULAR |
| A *ukelele is a four-stringed instrument. |
A ukelele found at a garage sale turned out to be excellent. |
| A red car is more visibile to a Highway Patrol Officer. |
A red car stopped by a Highway Patrol Officer was speeding. |
| A joke can be a good way to start a speech. |
A joke told at the beginning of his speech made everyone relax. |
| *a small Hawaiian guitar |
identifying clauses are highlighted |
|
| |
Practice 3
Identify "speaking in general" or "speaking specifically of one"
|
| |
Go to Grammar-Quizzes | Previous | Next Page
Julie Sevastopoulos -
College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA
|