THE ARTICLE

Ex. 45. Use the necessary form of the indefinite article (a or an).

... academy,... album,... bright album,... actor,... great actress,... arch,... marble arch,... chance,... unlucky chance,... dove,... ear,... elf,... tiny elf,... horse,... hour,... long hour,... institute,... lemon,... mill,... obelisk,... opera,... Italian opera,... owl,... paper,... rabbit,... quarter,... train,... wing,... voyage,... year.

Ex. 46. Change the nouns in the following sentences into the plural and make all the necessary changes.

1. She is a truly good person. 2. I have a special treat for tea today, a strawberry cake. 3. Never trust a stranger! 4. It's a question of principle, of ethics. 5. She is a most dependable business partner. 6. The girl was wearing a sheepskin coat. 7. That's a sensation, sir. 8. There is a small difficulty, madam. 9. He is a tea-taster. 10. Robert is a loving family man. 11. What an exotic creature! 12. The city has a proud history. 13. You are a romantic fool. 14. It's a medieval saga. 15. This young man is such a virtuoso at playing the piano.

Ex. 47. Change the nouns in the following sentences into the Singular and make all the necessary changes.

1. They are superb actresses. 2. What enchanting moments! 3. These are unusual stories, very moving. 4. They turned out to be fine illustrators. 5. They are tough guys. 6. Oh, what fantastic houses! 7. There are a few coffee-shops in this street. 8. These are recipes for customers to consider. 9. They seem to be rather thrilling prospects. 10. Teachers are educated people. 11. Buskers are street musicians who play outside cinemas or in the metro. 12. Accountants keep financial records. 13. Teen­agers are people between thirteen and nineteen years of age. 14. These are very helpful rules, thank you.

Ex. 48. Read and translate the following sentences. Comment on the meanings of the indefinite article

1. — Jeeves! You are a marvel! — Thank you, sir, but you've just called me an idiot. 2. A loved child usually grows up into a loving adult. 3. A fortune teller is a

person who will tell you your future. 4. The party was a real bore. 5. What is man? What has he got if not himself? 6.1 expect a hotel to be "a home away from home". 7. Yesterday life was such an easy game to play. 8. Oh, what a lovely surprise! 9. I'm a real Londoner, though I wasn't born there. 10.1 have a mountain of work to do by tomorrow. 11. She took a step forward. 12. It was a lucky choice on my part, I think. 13. Catherine gave him a loving smile. 14. Robert had a very good education. 15. There is a secret in her life, I feel it. 16. It's a magical story to be enjoyed by folks of all ages. 17. Miss Honey gave the tiny child a big hug and a kiss. 18. She loved her son with an everlasting love.

Ex. 49. Insert the article if necessary.

I. Bill is... workaholic. 2. It was... long-term agreement. 3. He is... eccentric. It's in his nature. 4. In my opinion you deserve... medal. 5. Amanda had... passion for... order. 6. Marigold. It's such... lovely name for... child. 7. Lord, what... day! 8. Mum gave me... list of things to do about the house which was... mile long. 9. He is making... film about Everest. 10. Saunas give... good impression of how... turkey must feel on Christmas Day.

II. Keep... cool head, stay calm, she cautioned herself. 12. —... penny for your thoughts! — You can have them for nothing! 13.... life is... gift,... life is for you to enjoy it. 14. Alex kissed him on the cheek and gave him... bear hug. "I love you,... daddy of mine!" "And I love you too,... daughter!" 15. She took... deep breath. 16. England had made... lasting impression on her. 17. She made... trip from Paris to New York to visit... client. 18. I'm Mrs. Stratton. You don't know me. I'm... friend of... friend.

Ex. 50. Make up sentences of your own with the following phrases.

1. one thing at a time 2. to have a good head for something 3. to know a thing or two 4. to have a go 5. a hard nut to crack 6. not have a clue 7. to keep a level head 8. a man (woman) in a million 9. a black sheep in the family 10. to tell a white (black) lie 11. a big fish in a small pond 12. a storm in a teacup 13. a red-letter day 14. to make a man of... 15. to be at a loss 16. to be a hit with somebody

Ex. 51. Read and translate the following sentences. Comment on thе use of articles.

1. A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will

get you a seat, (old New York proverb) 2. Italy is a never-ending voyage of discovery. 3. You should live in a different cultural climate. 4. Grammar isn't just a set of models. 5. Even a masterpiece may not last forever. 6. For as little as one pound you can buy a perfect gift for a loved one. 7. She made a face at the thought. 8. His heart missed a beat. 9. Come, Teddy dear, give me a good- night kiss and let's go to sleep. 10. It's a herculean task, so it may take a while. 11. A still tongue and a wise head. 12. A double bass is a musical instrument. It has deep

sound. 13. He's a funny bird, I must admit. 14. This year my birthday fell on a Tuesday. 15. Taking a step forward, I gave her a quick hug. 16. A man walked into the kitchen, a man she had never seen before. 17. Stevie was a pragmatist at heart. 18.1 see that you have a problem on your mind. 19. He who buys a diamond, purchases a bit of eternity, runs an ancient Hindu saying. 20. Derek Raynes was now a living legend on the English stage.

Ex. 52. Insert the article if necessary.

1. New York is... most exciting city. 2. She could afford it, since she was... millionairess in her own right. 3. Are you trying to be... matchmaker? 4. She was... good looking woman with... great deal of personal style. 5. There was, after all,... supersonic flight on the time­table. 6. The general register office is... place of records, and it's... mine of... information. 7. You've won, and I'd like to drink... toast to that. 8. Patrick O'Shea was... tall man, well-built, with... graying hair and... pleasant manner. 9. If you have... afternoon sleep, you'll have... headache. 10. There is... good progress in her studies, I'm sure. 11.... washing machine saves a lot of time and energy. 12. We brought... thermos of... iced tea. 13. You are... very special woman. I've never met anyone like you. 14. Richard had... quick wit and... good sense of humour. 15. "You are... dark horse," he grinned. 16. She had... enormous capacity for... work. 17. She was not... troublemaker. 18. It was... three-hour operation, but she came through it well. 19. She made... mental note to cancel the flight. 20. This writer has... sharp eye for detail.

Ex. 53. Comment on the use of the definite article in the following sentences.

1. The arch of the sky was the darkest of blues. 2. She believed people like Wilf to be the salt of the earth. 3. Ah, it's the other side of the coin, so to speak. 4. The cycle of life is endless, and it never changes. 5. The following day I passed the morning making phone calls. 6. Like all the best ideas, it's a simple one. 7. This is the most modern shopping centre in the world. 8. That's the key question. 9. The house was quiet. The stuff had gone to bed. 10. She'll be the second to answer. 11. We live on the seventh floor. 12. The kitchen was equipped with all the latest appliances. 13.1 know this road like the back of my hand. 14. Don't forget that Monday is the deadline. 15. The story which you told me is very romantic. 16. — Where are the children? — They are in the garden.

Ex. 54. Insert the right article.

1.... most windows are made of glass. 2.... glass of my watch is broken, and one of... hands is missing. 3.... first concern of any government should be... education of... people of... country. 4.... stars are very bright tonight. 5.... president said that he didn't want... trouble, but... troubles of... country had to be settled quickly. 6.... trees in our garden bear a lot of fruit every year. 7.... audience was stone silent. 8.... girl is really... great talker. 9. In America "neighbour" has... friendly connotation, in England it is... chilly word, nearly always... stranger. 10.... rain was still beating on the windows. 11.... road snaked its way across... hills. 12. Emma hoped... baby would be... girl. 13.... Queen smiled. She had told... black He. 14. In... middle of... year he made... second trip to Fairley Hall. 15. — I don't like... policemen. — Neither do I. But I do like... English policemen. 16.... village where my relatives live is such... idyllic place. 17.... bell rang... third time to indicate... beginning of... class. 18.... girl is... born peacemaker.

Ex. 55. Explain the use of articles with the nouns in bold type.

1. She gave the shop a final glance. 2. They want a big family, so they are so keen to have a third child. 3. He presented all this in a most diplomatic way. 4. Amelia was pregnant and she was in seventh heaven. 5. She gave the portrait a last glance and went out. 6. She poured a second glass. 7. Mine is a third generation computer. 8. There is always a first time. 9. A first love is never forgotten. 10. It was like a second honeymoon for them. 11. Please, Frank, think twice before you make a final decision. 12. They are installing a second bathroom upstairs. 13.1 do not like food which has been warmed up a second time. 14. I'm afraid we need a third mind to decide this.

 

Ex. 56. Insert the right article.

1. Henry Rossiter had... cool and refined mind.... cultured man, he was... art connoisseur,... collector of rare first editions,... devotee of drama and music.... product of... rich and old family, he was today... curious amalgam of... upper-class English conservative principles and... international sophistication.

2. As I sat in... library this morning, leafing through those books again, I could not help thinking that Lettice had been a lot like me, in many ways.... homemaker,... cook,... gardener,... painter,... woman interested in furnishings and all those things which make... home 35 beautiful. And she had been... devoted mother and... adoring wife, just as I had.

3. Victor was... gentle and reflective boy. And he had... deep understanding of human frailties. He was... thinker and... dreamer, and he had... soul of... poet. Victor was happiest when he was reading or listening to... music of Mahler and Beethoven.

4.... sin includes such things as... lying,... lust,... cheating,... deceit,... anger,...evil thoughts,...immoral behavior, and more. Most visible virtues in people are... responsibility,... energy,... hard work,... enthusiasm, and... perseverance.

Ex. 57. Read and translate the sentences. Comment on the nouns in bold type.

1. Life is too short to learn more than one business well. 2. Lord, what a hectic life! 3. Time is a great healer. 4. Those were mysterious times. 5. Do one thing at a time. 6. I've always had a tough time with the critics. 7.1 enjoy walking in the forest in autumnal weather. 8. He sensed that the weather was going to change. 9. She would take the dog out for a run in all weathers. 10. What miserable weather! 11. Sensational news is hard to get, journalists know it well. 12. What wonderful news! It calls for a toast. 13. Success doesn't come easy. 14. This movie was a huge success. 15. We've had some successes in tennis lately. 16. Power corrupts people. 17. Words have a magic power. 18. She glanced down at my little dog, who was jumping against her legs, "I hope this dog isn't going to cover me with hairs". 19. There is a hair on your jacket. Let me brush it off. 20. Age is strictly a chronological thing. If you feel young, you're gonna be young.

Ex. 58. Translate into English.

1. Он прожил безгрешную жизнь. 2. Жизнь такова, какой вы ее делаете. 3. Это неизбежно. Это вопрос времени. 4. Это было очень счастливое время. 5. Упор­ный труд принесет вам успех. 6. Она делает очень красивые поделки. 7. Если с ее головы упадет хоть один волосок, то ты об этом очень пожалеешь. 8. Ус­пехи, которые сделал Максим, радуют его родителей. 9. Успех улучшает (to improve) характер. 10. Язык имеет большую силу. 11. У меня нет опыта работы с детьми. 12. Это был очень печальный опыт. 13. У него есть воля и честолюбие. 14. Она очень волевой чело­век. 15. Он говорит, что хочет составить завещание. 16. Татьяна нашла у себя несколько седых волосков и очень расстроилась. 17. Он начал работать в ран­нем возрасте. 18. Это книга для людей всех возрас­тов. 19. Сто лет тебя не видела, как ты? 20. Любви все возрасты покорны.

Ex. 59. Insert the right article.

I. Not only did she love her eldest son, she admired him no end, and there was a lot to admire. He was... clever, indeed... brilliant young man with... great deal of... talent and... good head on his shoulders. But he had... flaw, and it was... flaw that was fatal. He believed he knew better than anyone else, was convinced of... Tightness of his ideas and beliefs, and he never took "no" for... answer. He was far too stubborn and opinionated for his own good. It dismayed her that he could not compromise, that he was so rigid.

II. When Meredith walked into Dr. Hilary Benson's private office, her first impression was of... good-looking but stern woman.... doctor had... rather lovely face with... high cheekbones, and... palest of... blue eyes that appeared almost transparent. But her mouth had... severe set to it and her dark brown hair was pulled back in... plain chignon that was singularly schoolmarmish. There was... no-nonsense, businesslike air about her, and for... split second Meredith was put off, thinking that she might be... cold fish. Then she remembered that Jennifer, her physician, had told her that Hilary Benson was... sympathetic person as well as... brilliant psychiatrist.

Ex. 60. Translate into English.

1. Последние новости меня радуют. 2. Что нового? 3. Отсутствие новостей — хорошая новость. 4. Ново­сти, так же как и сплетни, имеют крылья (быстро рас­пространяются). 5. Какой своевременный совет! 6. Све­дения важные? Кто их доставил? 7. Большинство све­дений поступает через Интернет. 8. — Какая сегодня погода? — Погода солнечная, такая погода заставляет меня чувствовать себя счастливым. 9. Я работаю в саду в любую погоду. 10. Многие люди находятся под вли­янием погоды. 11. Если погода поменяется завтра, у меня опять будет болеть голова. 12. Я люблю теплую весеннюю погоду. 13. Это убийственная работа, но я выживу. 14. Не могу понять, куда уходят мои деньги. Они как вода. 15. Это очень большие деньги, но они твои, и ты можешь использовать их так, как хочешь. 16. — В кассе есть деньги? — Нет, мы отправили их в банк час назад.

Ex. 61. Read the sentences and comment on the nouns in bold type.

1. They ate supper together in the kitchen. It was a simple meal that Maggie had prepared quickly: scrambled eggs, English muffins, and coffee. 2. Supper is ready at last, everyone, sit to table! 3. They arrived at Sunlaws in time for lunch. 4.1 asked Matilde to make a fairly simple lunch. Vegetable soup, plain omelette, green salad, cheese, and fruit. 5. We'll be having a late lunch today. 6. Breakfast is served, sir. 7. And anyway, it's not often that you get a traditional English Sunday breakfast now, is it? 8. The breakfast was orange juice and cornflakes with milk. 9. He opens the mail immediately after breakfast. 10. We haven't had dinner yet. 11. They had a quiet dinner together. 12. After dinner sit a while, after supper walk a mile. 13. They had a dinner for six. 14. We'll have to have an early dinner today. 15. Every now and then I would go to the kitchen to have a look at the dinner. 16. — "I'm glad you've come for tea. I've made us a lovely tea,like you used to do when we were little. A nursery tea,you called it." — "I remember our nursery teas," Meredith said taking a cucumber sandwich. "They were fun, weren't they?" 17. Patsy went on fussing with the teapot and the other things she needed for afternoon tea. 18. The tea she made was wonderful. 19. A set dinner (meal) is usually quite cheap, but you do not have much choice. 20. Brunch is a meal that you eat in the late morning.

Ex. 62. Insert the article if necessary. Retell the text.

I.... farm itself was surrounded by green fields divided by... old stone wall built... century ago.... fields sloped down into... valley below, where the River Nidd was... shining like... silver thread against the green in... far distance. Chloe took... quick look at her watch and saw that it was almost eight. Time for... breakfast. She in­creased her pace and... few seconds later she was pushing open... oak door that led into... small front porch.

II.... mingled aromas of... coffee,.... warm bread, and... bacon cooking assailed her as she stepped into...kitchen. Chloe poured herself... mug of coffee, added... milk and... sugar, and carried... mug back to... big wooden table in... centre of... room. This was covered

with... green-and-white check cloth that matched..., curtains at... windows; she remembered... day her mother had brought them up to Yorkshire and hung them

at... windows herself. Chloe sipped her coffee,glancing around... spacious kitchen. She had always loved this room. It was there that they ate most of their meals, nless they had... party and... guests coming. In... sense,... kitchen was... core of... house.

Ex 63 Read the text and comment on the words in bold type, retell it in indirect speech.

"I want you to come to dinner tomorrow, Gideon, well, supper really. A Russian supper on Boxing Day. Doesn't that tempt you?" She eyed him, laughter bubbling inside her. — "Ha! I knew you'd have to come up with a foreign meal this Christmas," Gideon teased, looking at her fondly. "Why not a bit of good old roast lamb and Yorkshire pud for a change? Instead of all this foreign mishmash.";Tamara laughed and said, "Beluga caviar and Scottish smoked salmon a mishmash! Goodness me, Gideon." — "How wonderful it sounds. And I'd love to come. What's the rest of the menu? Are you going to make that delicious horsch?";— "If you like. With piroshki. And what about your favourite, chicken Kiev?";— "That's great. But you're making me hungry. I love your cooking. I bet they didn't teach you how to make chicken Kiev at that snooty English boarding school you went to." — "You know they didn't, Gid. It was my Russian grandmother who taught me everything I know about cooking."

(after B. Bradford)

 

Ex. 64. Translate into English.

1. Это был грандиозный обед, были приглашены мно­гие знаменитости. 2. Сколько мы должны заплатить за обед? 3. Я еще не решила, что приготовить на обед. Боюсь, что у нас будет поздний обед сегодня. 4. Обед готов, пожалуйста, садитесь все к столу. 5. Горнич­ная поставила завтрак на поднос и понесла его в спальню госпожи. 6. Он обсуждает все важные воп­росы после ужина. 7. Боюсь, у нас сегодня будет очень простой ужин. 8. Она не завтракает по утрам, зато устраивает себе основательный второй завтрак. 9. Время ланча. Давай заглянем в «Елки-Палки» на Тверской. 10. Дети, вы вымыли руки перед обедом? 11. Посольство дает званый завтрак в честь праздни­ка. 12. Ужин в китайском ресторане был очень ост­рым. 13. — Сколько здесь стоит комплексный обед? — Очень дешево. 14. Поздний завтрак — это нечто сред­нее между завтраком и ланчем. 15. Какой вкусный обед! Вы замечательный повар.

 

Ex. 65. Insert the article if necessary

1. It was... fine afternoon. 2.... morning was chilly. 3. It was... sunless day. 4.... dawn would break soon. 5. It was... perfect summer evening on... last day of August. 6. It was... early morning. 7.... twilight always makes me feel sad, I don't know why. 8. It was... golden November day,... Indian summer day. 9.... days merged into... nights,... nights drifted into... dawns. 10. Of the four seasons I like... spring best. 11. We had... slushy winter last year. 12. In... late autumn we lock our cottage till... spring. 13.... evening fell, but there was no sign of him. 14. Early in... morning my dog licks me awake. 15. If you look ugly in... early morning, sleep till... noon.

 

Ex. 66. Translate into English.

1. Ночь. Скоро наступит рассвет. 2. Мой сосед — фо­тограф. Он обычно проявляет пленки по ночам. 3. Мы встали ранним утром, чтобы увидеть восход солнца. 4. Дети обещали вернуться домой к вечеру. 5. На моих часах полночь. Вот и закончился день. 6. Это произошло осенью прошлого года. 7. Поздняя осень — время, когда природа готовится к зиме. 8. Была мо­розная январская ночь. 9. Мы встретились в одну из пятниц. 10. Какая волшебная ночь! 11. Он трудился день за днем, как муравей. 12. Говорят, будет ранняя весна. 13. Ночь перед Рождеством — самое чудесное время. 14. После заката всегда становится холоднее. 15. Большинство людей предпочитает отдыхать в лет­нее время.

 

Ex. 67. Translate into English.

1. Было утро. Было раннее утро. Было теплое летнее утро. Он родился ранним утром. Мне трудно вставать рано по утрам. Утро было прохладное, но солнечное. Какое хорошее утро! Мы доберемся до станции к утру. 2. Наступил день. Это был туманный день, день нашего отъезда. День был дождливым. Что ты обычно дела­ешь в течение дня? Инцидент произошел пасмурным сентябрьским днем. 3. Был полдень. Полдень — это 12 часов. Домохозяйки стараются сделать все покуп­ки до полудня. Посетитель появился лишь в полдень. 4. Было послеполуденное время. Мы любили пить чай после полудня. Маленькие дети обычно спят в после­полуденное время. Мы посвятили послеполуденное время чтению. 5. Был вечер. Был морозный крещен­ский вечер. Вечер был теплый. Был поздний вечер. Мне всегда хочется спать по вечерам. Ты пойдешь на прогулку вечером? Мы закончим все к вечеру. 6. На­ступила ночь. Была ночь. Была тихая звездная ночь. Я люблю смотреть на звезды ночью. Ночь была тиха. Буря продолжалась всю ночь. Мы отправились туда в субботу вечером (субботним вечером). У меня ноч­ное дежурство сегодня. Его охраняют день и ночь. Я целый месяц не ложился рано спать. 7. Восход — это время, когда восходит солнце. Мы пили, смеялись, бол­тали до рассвета. Это означает зарю (начало) новой эры. 8. Весна — это время года между зимой и летом. Весной становится теплее. Он уехал весной 1996 года. Париж прекрасен весной. Была ранняя весна. Осень — это пора свадеб. Поздняя осень. Осень была дождли­вой. Какая красивая осень!

 

Ex. 68. Insert the article if necessary

1. This is... way of... world. 2:Edwina lived in... world entirely of her own making. 3. Isn't it... small world? 4. It was... raw January day, and although... sun was bright in... clear sky,... wind was sharp with... frost and... Atlantic rain. 5.... moon cast... dancing reflection onto... river. 6.... gentle wind whispered in... trees. 7.... third-quarter moon appeared in... sky. 8. There are four cardinal points on... earth —... south,... north,... east,... west. 9. There are ten principal planets in our solar system which is called... Milky Way. They are:... Sun and... Moon,... Mercury,... Venus,... Mars,... Jupiter,... Saturn,

... Uranus,... Neptune,... Pluto. 10.... horizon is the line at which... earth (or... sea) and... sky seem to meet. 11. Do you feel in harmony with... Universe? 12. The edge of... brilliant red sun was now gleaming through the trees. 13. God, what... world! 14. They are from... absolutely different worlds!

 

Ex. 69. A. Read the text and retell it