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:

1. Define definite, indefinite, and zero articles.
2. Identify the correct article to use in sentences.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. I saw ______ eagle flying in the sky. (an)
2. ______ sun is shining brightly. (The)
3. She bought ______ orange from the market. (an)
4. Cats are ______ lovely animals. (zero article)

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. I saw ______ elephant at the zoo.
   a) a
   b) an
   c) the
   d) zero
2. ______ moon looks beautiful tonight.
   a) A
   b) An
   c) The
   d) Zero
3. She needs ______ umbrella because it is raining.
   a) a
   b) an
   c) the
   d) zero
4. We had ______ great time at the party.
   a) a
   b) an
   c) the
   d) zero
5. ______ water in this glass is cold.
   a) A
   b) An
   c) The
   d) Zero
6. He is ______ honest man.
   a) a
   b) an
   c) the
   d) zero
7. ______ books on the shelf are mine.
   a) A
   b) An
   c) The
   d) Zero
8. We will meet in ______ hour.
   a) a
   b) an
   c) the
   d) zero
9. She has ______ idea about the project.
   a) a
   b) an
   c) the
   d) zero
10. ______ milk in the fridge has expired.
    a) A
    b) An
    c) The
    d) Zero
11. ______ teacher asked us to read a story.
    a) A
    b) An
    c) The
    d) Zero
12. I have ______ pen and a notebook in my bag.
    a) a
    b) an
    c) the
    d) zero
13. They visited ______ hospital to see their friend.
    a) a
    b) an
    c) the
    d) zero
14. He drank ______ glass of water.
    a) a
    b) an
    c) the
    d) zero
15. ______ students in the class were very attentive.
    a) A
    b) An
    c) The
    d) Zero

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are articles?
   • Articles are words used before nouns to indicate specificity or generality.
2. What are the three types of articles?
   • Definite, indefinite, and zero articles.
3. When do we use “the”?
   • We use “the” when referring to a specific noun.
4. What is an indefinite article?
   • “A” and “An” are indefinite articles used for general nouns.
5. When do we use “a”?
   • Use “a” before words starting with consonant sounds.
6. When do we use “an”?
   • Use “an” before words starting with vowel sounds.
7. What is a zero article?
   • No article is used before uncountable or plural nouns in general terms.
8. Can “the” be used with plural nouns?
   • Yes, when referring to specific plural nouns.
9. Is “a” used before “university”?
   • Yes, because “university” starts with a consonant sound.
10. 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

1. What are articles?
2. Write one sentence using a definite article.
3. Write one sentence using an indefinite article.
4. What is the rule for using “an”?
5. Give an example of a zero article.
6. Identify the article in: “The cat is on the roof.”
7. Complete: “She bought ______ apple from the store.”
8. Why do we use “the” in: “The sun is shining”?
9. Correct this sentence: “I saw an dog in the park.”
10. 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.