Articles in context (B1) — English exercises with answers

A/an, the and no article: first and second mention, jobs, unique things, superlatives and set phrases

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
I watched ... interesting film last night.
aanthe— (no article)We use an before a vowel sound (interesting), and a/an when we mention something for the first time.
2
Multiple choice
I bought a jacket and a scarf. ... jacket was half price.
AThe— (no article)The second time we mention something, we use the: the listener already knows which jacket.
3
Multiple choice
My sister is ... nurse at the children's hospital.
aanthe— (no article)In English we always use a/an with jobs: She is a nurse.
4
Multiple choice
We usually go to ... bed at about eleven.
athe— (no article)Go to bed is a set phrase with no article, like go to school or go to work.
5
Fill the gap
Can you close window, please? It's cold in here.
Answer: theWe use the when both people know which one: the window in this room.
6
Fill the gap
moon looks huge tonight.
Answer: TheAlso accepted: theWe use the with things that are unique: the moon, the sun, the sky.
7
Fill the gap
This is best pizza I've ever eaten.
Answer: theSuperlatives always take the: the best, the biggest, the most expensive.
8
Fill the gap
I'd love to live by sea one day.
Answer: theWe say the sea, the countryside and the mountains when we talk about these places in general.
9
Fill the gap
She earns thirty pounds hour as a tutor.
Answer: anThe h in hour is silent, so it starts with a vowel sound: an hour. A/an here means 'per'.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct when you talk about animals in general: 'I love the dogs, but I'm afraid of the cats.'
Answer: FalseFor things in general we use plural nouns with no article: I love dogs, but I'm afraid of cats.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'My dad goes to work by bus.'
Answer: TrueBy + transport has no article: by bus, by train, by car.
12
Discussion question
Describe your favourite place in your town. Use a/an, the and no article correctly at least once each.
Sample answer: My favourite place is a small café near the river. The café has big windows and the best cakes in town. I go there after work because coffee helps me relax.

A/an, the and no article: first and second mention, jobs, unique things, superlatives and set phrases

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
I watched ... interesting film last night.
aanthe— (no article)We use an before a vowel sound (interesting), and a/an when we mention something for the first time.
2
Multiple choice
I bought a jacket and a scarf. ... jacket was half price.
AThe— (no article)The second time we mention something, we use the: the listener already knows which jacket.
3
Multiple choice
My sister is ... nurse at the children's hospital.
aanthe— (no article)In English we always use a/an with jobs: She is a nurse.
4
Multiple choice
We usually go to ... bed at about eleven.
athe— (no article)Go to bed is a set phrase with no article, like go to school or go to work.
5
Fill the gap
Can you close window, please? It's cold in here.
Answer: theWe use the when both people know which one: the window in this room.
6
Fill the gap
moon looks huge tonight.
Answer: TheAlso accepted: theWe use the with things that are unique: the moon, the sun, the sky.
7
Fill the gap
This is best pizza I've ever eaten.
Answer: theSuperlatives always take the: the best, the biggest, the most expensive.
8
Fill the gap
I'd love to live by sea one day.
Answer: theWe say the sea, the countryside and the mountains when we talk about these places in general.
9
Fill the gap
She earns thirty pounds hour as a tutor.
Answer: anThe h in hour is silent, so it starts with a vowel sound: an hour. A/an here means 'per'.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct when you talk about animals in general: 'I love the dogs, but I'm afraid of the cats.'
Answer: FalseFor things in general we use plural nouns with no article: I love dogs, but I'm afraid of cats.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'My dad goes to work by bus.'
Answer: TrueBy + transport has no article: by bus, by train, by car.
12
Discussion question
Describe your favourite place in your town. Use a/an, the and no article correctly at least once each.
Sample answer: My favourite place is a small café near the river. The café has big windows and the best cakes in town. I go there after work because coffee helps me relax.