Articles: Definite, Indefinite, and Zero Articles English Grammar Primary 5
Lesson Plan for Primary 5 – English Grammar
Second Term, Week 9
Subject: English Grammar
Class: Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: 9
Age: 9–10 years
Topic: Definite, Indefinite, and Zero Articles
Sub-topic: Understanding the Usage of Articles in Sentences
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define definite, indefinite, and zero articles.
- Identify the correct article to use in sentences.
- Apply articles appropriately in their writing.
Keywords: Articles, Definite, Indefinite, Zero, Grammar
Set Induction: The teacher displays flashcards with sentences missing articles and asks pupils to fill in the blanks using “a,” “an,” or “the.”
Entry Behavior: Pupils are familiar with simple sentence construction.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Flashcards with incomplete sentences
- Chart showing rules of article usage
- Pictures of objects for practice
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge: Pupils know how to identify nouns and use “a” and “an” in simple sentences.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Grammar skills
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
Reference Books: Lagos State Scheme of Work for English Language, Primary 5
Instructional Materials: Flashcards, charts, and picture cards
Content
1. Definition of Articles
Articles are words used before nouns to show whether the nouns are specific or general.
2. Types of Articles
- Definite Article:
- “The” is used when referring to a specific person, place, or thing.
- Examples:
- The cat is sleeping on the mat.
- I read the book you gave me.
- Indefinite Articles:
- “A” and “An” are used when referring to a general or non-specific noun.
- Rules:
- Use “a” before words that start with a consonant sound.
Example: A dog is barking. - Use “an” before words that start with a vowel sound.
Example: An apple is on the table.
- Use “a” before words that start with a consonant sound.
- Zero Article:
- No article is used before certain nouns, such as plural or uncountable nouns when speaking in general terms.
- Examples:
- I like music.
- Children need love.
3. Rules of Article Usage
- Use “the” for something already mentioned or known.
Example: I saw a dog. The dog was barking. - Use “a” or “an” when mentioning something for the first time.
Example: There is a bird in the tree. - Use zero articles for abstract nouns.
Example: Honesty is the best policy.
4. Examples for Practice
- I saw ______ eagle flying in the sky. (an)
- ______ sun is shining brightly. (The)
- She bought ______ orange from the market. (an)
- Cats are ______ lovely animals. (zero article)
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- I saw ______ elephant at the zoo.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - ______ moon looks beautiful tonight.
a) A
b) An
c) The
d) Zero - She needs ______ umbrella because it is raining.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - We had ______ great time at the party.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - ______ water in this glass is cold.
a) A
b) An
c) The
d) Zero - He is ______ honest man.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - ______ books on the shelf are mine.
a) A
b) An
c) The
d) Zero - We will meet in ______ hour.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - She has ______ idea about the project.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - ______ milk in the fridge has expired.
a) A
b) An
c) The
d) Zero - ______ teacher asked us to read a story.
a) A
b) An
c) The
d) Zero - I have ______ pen and a notebook in my bag.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - They visited ______ hospital to see their friend.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - He drank ______ glass of water.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) zero - ______ students in the class were very attentive.
a) A
b) An
c) The
d) Zero
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are articles?
- Articles are words used before nouns to indicate specificity or generality.
- What are the three types of articles?
- Definite, indefinite, and zero articles.
- When do we use “the”?
- We use “the” when referring to a specific noun.
- What is an indefinite article?
- “A” and “An” are indefinite articles used for general nouns.
- When do we use “a”?
- Use “a” before words starting with consonant sounds.
- When do we use “an”?
- Use “an” before words starting with vowel sounds.
- What is a zero article?
- No article is used before uncountable or plural nouns in general terms.
- Can “the” be used with plural nouns?
- Yes, when referring to specific plural nouns.
- Is “a” used before “university”?
- Yes, because “university” starts with a consonant sound.
- Why don’t we use articles with names?
- Names are proper nouns and don’t require articles.
Presentation
Step 1: Revision of the previous topic.
- The teacher asks pupils to recall examples of conjunctions and linking words.
Step 2: Introduction of the new topic.
- The teacher explains the types and uses of articles with examples.
Step 3: Students’ contributions and corrections.
- Pupils practice filling blanks with the correct articles.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Explain the types and rules of articles.
- Provide practice sentences and examples.
Learner’s Activities:
- Fill in blanks with correct articles.
- Create sentences using definite, indefinite, and zero articles.
Assessment:
- Pupils correctly identify and use articles in sentences.
Evaluation Questions
- What are articles?
- Write one sentence using a definite article.
- Write one sentence using an indefinite article.
- What is the rule for using “an”?
- Give an example of a zero article.
- Identify the article in: “The cat is on the roof.”
- Complete: “She bought ______ apple from the store.”
- Why do we use “the” in: “The sun is shining”?
- Correct this sentence: “I saw an dog in the park.”
- Differentiate between “a” and “the.”
Conclusion:
The teacher reviews the lesson and emphasizes the correct use of definite, indefinite, and zero articles in everyday communication.