Articles: the test

Multiple-choice test

Choose the best answer.
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  1. "Coffee is valuable."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    2.   ... definite specific reference.
    3.   ... generic reference.
    4.   ... indefinite specific reference.
  2. "He got up well before dawn."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... generic reference.
    2.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    3.   ... indefinite specific reference.
    4.   ... definite specific reference with an omitted modifier.
  3. "Look out. The tiger's got into the living room."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    2.   ... generic reference.
    3.   ... definite specific reference.
    4.   ... indefinite specific reference.
  4. "The Shetlands are lovely at this time of year."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    2.   ... generic reference.
    3.   ... indefinite specific reference.
    4.   ... definite specific reference with an omitted modifier.
  5. "A monster storm struck overnight."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... generic reference.
    2.   ... definite specific reference.
    3.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    4.   ... indefinite specific reference.
  6. "He's allowed in the Atheneum."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... indefinite specific reference.
    2.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    3.   ... generic reference.
    4.   ... definite specific reference with an omitted modifier.
  7. "The platypus is most interesting."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... generic reference.
    2.   ... definite specific reference with an omitted modifier.
    3.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    4.   ... indefinite specific reference.
  8. "Look out, there's a copper behind us."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... generic reference.
    2.   ... definite specific reference.
    3.   ... indefinite specific reference.
    4.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
  9. "Carbolic acid is sometimes used in soap."
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... indefinite specific reference first and generic reference second.
    2.   ... definite specific reference first and indefinite specific reference second.
    3.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    4.   ... generic reference first and second.
  10. "Where do you keep the sugar?"
    This is an example of ...
    1.   ... indefinite specific reference because of shared understanding.
    2.   ... a rare exception to the article rules.
    3.   ... definite specific reference because of shared understanding.
    4.   ... generic reference because of shared understanding.