ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ: Class9 EngGram Ch08 Determiners

BSE ODISHA CLASS 9 • UTKAL MASTER STROKE

ବୋର୍ଡ ଅଫ୍ ସେକେଣ୍ଡାରୀ ଏଜୁକେସନ୍ (BSE Odisha) — ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ ମାଷ୍ଟର ନୋଟ୍ସ

ଶ୍ରେଣୀ: Class 9 | ବିଷୟ: English Grammer

୧. ଅଧ୍ୟାୟର ସାରାଂଶ ଓ ମାଇଣ୍ଡ ମ୍ୟାପ୍ (Mind Map & Conceptual Architecture)

Chapter Summary:

This chapter introduces "Determiners" as words that precede and modify nouns, providing information about quantity, possession, specificity, or number. Determiners are crucial for forming grammatically correct and meaningful noun phrases. The chapter systematically categorizes determiners into Articles (a, an, the), Demonstratives (this, that, these, those), Numerals (cardinals and ordinals), Quantifiers (many, much, some, any, etc.), Possessives (my, your, Raja's, etc.), Distributives (each, every, either, neither), and Wh-determiners (which, whose, what). It provides detailed rules and examples for the usage of each type, highlighting the distinction between general and specific references, count and uncount nouns, and various exceptions or fixed expressions where articles are omitted. A significant part of the chapter focuses on the correct sequence of multiple determiners in a noun phrase and common errors in their usage.

Conceptual Architecture (Mind Map):

DETERMINERS

├── I. Articles

│ ├── A. Indefinite (a / an)

│ │ ├── Singular Count Nouns

│ │ ├── 'a' for consonant sound

│ │ ├── 'an' for vowel sound

│ │ ├── Professions, Class of things, Meals (modified), Meaning 'one'

│ ├── B. Definite (the)

│ │ ├── Specific reference (count/uncount)

│ │ ├── Second mention

│ │ ├── Known to hearer

│ │ ├── Superlatives

│ │ ├── General class of people (adj.)

│ │ ├── Nationalities (people)

│ │ ├── Unique structures

│ │ ├── Books/Newspapers

│ │ ├── Service systems

│ │ ├── Musical instruments

│ │ ├── Rivers, Oceans, Ranges

│ │ ├── Federations/Kingdoms

│ │ ├── Island groups

│ │ ├── Astronomical bodies

├── II. Demonstratives

│ ├── this, that (singular count/uncount)

│ ├── these, those (plural count)

├── III. Numerals

│ ├── Cardinals (one, two, three)

│ ├── Ordinals (first, second, third)

│ ├── Can combine

├── IV. Quantifiers

│ ├── A. Plural Count Nouns: many, few, a few, several (plural verbs)

│ ├── B. Uncount Nouns: much, little, a little (singular verbs)

│ ├── C. Both (Count/Uncount): any, no, some, enough, more, less, both, all, a lot of, a great deal of

│ │ ├── Verb agreement based on noun

│ │ ├── 'any/no' with singular count nouns

├── V. Possessives

│ ├── Nominal (Raja's)

│ ├── Pronominal (my, your)

│ ├── Do not combine with articles/demonstratives/quantifiers

├── VI. Distributives

│ ├── each (individual)

│ ├── every (group)

│ ├── either, neither

├── VII. Wh-determiners

│ ├── which, whose, what

├── VIII. Sequence of Determiners

│ ├── Specific order (e.g., Quantifier + Possessive + Ordinal + Cardinal)

├── IX. Nouns without Articles

│ ├── A. Institutions: (basic purpose vs. other purpose)

│ ├── B. Mode of Transport: (general vs. specific)

│ ├── C. Specific Time: (exact time vs. longer duration)

୨. ମୁଖ୍ୟ ବିଷୟବସ୍ତୁ, ସିଦ୍ଧାନ୍ତ ଓ ଗାଣିତିକ ସୂତ୍ରାବଳୀ (Comprehensive Theory & Formulas)

Determiners are words that come before nouns to specify their quantity, possession, or definiteness. They are a type of pre-modifier in a noun phrase.

A. The Articles: a / an, the

A.(i) Indefinite Articles: a / an

Definition: 'a' and 'an' are called indefinite articles because they do not refer to any specific person or thing.

Basic Usage: They can only be used before singular count nouns.

'a' Usage: Used before nouns beginning with a consonant sound.

Examples: a book, a boy, a girl, a chair, a house, a European (starts with 'yoo' sound), a university (starts with 'yoo' sound).

'an' Usage: Used before nouns beginning with a vowel sound.

Examples: an orange, an umbrella, an elephant, an hour (starts with 'ow' sound), an honest man (starts with 'ow' sound), an MP (starts with 'em' sound), an NCC Cadet (starts with 'en' sound), an LP school (starts with 'el' sound).

Other Uses of 'a / an':

1. Before names of professions.

Example: Mr Dash is a teacher. Sunita is a student.

2. Before a singular count noun to refer to a class of some animals, trees, etc. (meaning "all" of that kind).

Example: A tiger is a wild animal (= all tigers). A coconut tree grows very tall (= all coconut trees).

Note: 'a tiger', 'the tiger', or 'tigers' can all refer to all tigers.

3. Before a particular lunch, dinner, or breakfast when it is modified or specific.

Example: We had a nice lunch today. My friend hosted a dinner for us.

Contrast: When making general reference to meals, no article is used.

Example: We have lunch at one o'clock every day. My mother prepares breakfast for us.

4. 'a' can mean 'one' when used with numbers, units of weight, or measure.

Example: I need a hundred rupee. Sugar sells thirty rupees a kilo. I spend a quarter of my income on food.

A.(ii) Definite Article: the

Definition: 'the' is called the definite article because it refers to a specific person or thing.

General Rule: It is not usually used before uncount and count nouns in a general sense. But when we make specific reference to any uncount or count nouns, we use 'the' before them.

General Reference: Water is essential for life. Books are our good friends.

Specific Reference: The water in this pot is muddy. (uncount noun) The books I bought yesterday are helpful. (plural count nouns) Please give me the book I lent you. (singular count noun).

Other Uses of 'the':

1. When a noun is mentioned for a second or subsequent time.

Example: I have bought a house and the house is quite big. I made a toy myself and the toy was liked by everyone.

2. When the hearer knows the person or thing we are talking about.

Example: The headmaster called the peon and asked him to ring the bell. (Here, 'the headmaster', 'the peon', and 'the bell' are known to both speaker and hearer).

3. With superlatives.

Example: All want to have the best things in life. Meera is the fastest runner of all. She is the most intelligent girl in the class.

4. With some adjectives to indicate the general class of people. (These take plural verbs).

Example: The rich should help the poor. (the rich = all rich people, the poor = all poor men).

Example: The blind depend on our support. (= all blind men). The young as well as the old need our care.

5. With some nationality adjectives to indicate the people living in that country.

Example: The English left India in 1947. The Japanese are very hard-working.

Contrast: 'English' and 'Japanese' (without 'the') mean the names of two languages. 'a Japanese' means a person of Japanese nationality.

6. With names of some unique structures.

Example: The Taj Mahal is very famous. The Eiffel tower is in Paris.

7. Before names of great books and newspapers.

Example: The Gita, The Bible, The Koran, The Ramayan, The Panchatantra, The Times of India, The Samaj.

8. Before nouns referring to a service system.

Example: I will talk with him over the phone. He is coming on the next train. I listen to the radio.

Contrast: But, I travel by train. I watch TV everyday. (No article).

9. Before names of musical instruments.

Example: Mary plays the piano well. I am learning to play the guitar.

10. Before names of rivers, oceans, seas, and mountain ranges.

Example: The Ganga, The Mahanadi, The Pacific, The Atlantic, The Arabian sea, The Bay of Bengal, The Gulf of Mannar, The Himalayas, The Vindhyas.

Contrast: We do not use 'the' before names of single mountains and lakes (e.g., Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kanchanjangha, Chilika Lake).

11. Before names of countries which are federations or kingdoms.

Example: The USA (The United States of America), The UK (The United Kingdom), The Great Britain, The Soviet Union, The UAE (The United Arab Emirates).

Contrast: Most countries do not take 'the' before their names (e.g., India, China, Japan).

12. Before names of island countries or islands made of smaller islands (groups of islands).

Example: The Andamans, The West Indies.

Contrast: Bigger island countries go without 'the' (e.g., Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan).

13. Before names of astronomical bodies.

Example: the sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, the space, the satellites, the planets.

B. Demonstratives: this, that, these, those

Usage:

This and that can be used before both singular countable and uncountable nouns.

Example: This pen writes well. (singular count) This / that water is not good to drink. (uncount noun)

These and those can be used before plural count nouns only.

Example: These / Those people are hardworking. (plural count noun)

C. Numerals: One, two, three (Cardinals) and First, second, etc. (Ordinals)

Cardinals: One, two, three, etc., indicate quantity.

Ordinals: First, second, third, etc., indicate order.

Usage: They can be used in a noun phrase separately or in combination.

Example: I met three tourists from Japan. (cardinal)

Example: The first girl was intelligent. (ordinal)

Example: The first two boys were healthy. (ordinal + cardinal)

D. Quantifiers

Usage with Plural Count Nouns (and plural verbs):

many, few, a few, several

Example: Many people were present there. A few children are playing.

a few = less in number, but some.

few = almost none, less than expected.

Example: Some birds are flying. More birds have joined them. A lot of people are coming.

Note: 'a lot of' is usually used in an affirmative sentence.

Usage with Uncount Nouns (and singular verbs):

much, little, a little

Example: How much water is left? There isn't much water left.

Note: 'much' is generally used in interrogative and negative sentences.

Example: There is a little water in the jug.

a little = very less in quantity, but some.

little = almost nothing, less than required.

Example: There is some water in the pot. I need more water. I need a lot of food for them.

Usage with Both Plural Count and Uncount Nouns:

any, no, some, enough, more, less, both, all, a lot of, a great deal of

They take plural verbs when used with plural count nouns, but singular verbs when used with uncount nouns.

any and no can also be used with singular count nouns.

Example (Plural Countables): There are not any persons here. (Also, there is not any person here. There is no person here.)

Example (Uncountables): Is there any water in the pot?

E. Possessives

Types:

(a) Nominal possessives: Raja's, Meera's, etc.

(b) Pronominal possessives: my, your, his, her, its, our, their.

Rule: Possessives do not go with articles, demonstratives, and quantifiers.

Example: Where are my books? Rashmi's brother is my friend.

F. Distributives: each, every, either, neither

each: Refers to individual items separately.

Example: Each child got a prize. (Each child is seen as a separate individual.)

every: Refers to all items as part of a whole group.

Example: Every child got a prize. (All are seen as part of a whole body, or group.)

either / neither: Used for two options.

Example: Either / neither pen will do.

G. Wh-determiners: Which, whose, what

These are used to ask questions or introduce clauses.

Example: Which pen do you want? Whose children are they? What time is he coming here? What colour do you like? I do not know which person to meet.

H. Sequence of Determiners

When more than one determiner is used in a noun phrase, they follow a definite order. This order cannot be changed.

(i) Possessive + Cardinal: My two sons are employed.

(ii) Possessive + Ordinal + Cardinal: My last two sons are employed.

(iii) Quantifier + Possessive + Cardinal: All my two sons are employed.

(iv) Quantifier + Possessive / Article: Both my / the sons are employed.

(v) 'such' + Indefinite Article: I have not seen such a bird.

I. Nouns without Articles

There are some common nouns before which we do not use any article, especially in fixed expressions.

a. Institutions:

When we visit institutions (school, college, hospital, church, prison, jail, town, home, sea, bed, etc.) for their basic purpose, we generally do not use 'the'. Prepositions like 'in' or 'at' are common.

Column A (Visit for basic purpose):

school: Mihir goes to school. (as a pupil to learn)

hospital: Priti is in hospital. (as a patient)

church: We go to church on Sundays (to pray)

bed: I go to bed early. (to sleep)

Column B (Visit for other purposes):

school: His father accompanies him to the school (not to study, but to escort him)

hospital: I am in the hospital to attend her. (as an attendant)

church: The tourists went to the church. (as visitors)

bed: The cat is on the bed (just sitting there)

b. Mode of Transport:

When talking about transport generally (by bus, car, train, sea, air, etc.), we do not use 'the'.

General mode of journey:

bus: We go to school by bus.

train: Travel by train is safe.

car: I went by car.

sea/air: You can go to Srilanka by sea or by air.

Specific journey: When referring to a specific vehicle or journey, we use 'a' or 'the'.

bus: I took a/the bus to my village.

train: Do not get on a/the running train.

car: I came here in a car.

flight/ship: I went to Sri Lanka on the morning flight / ship.

Exception: She came all the way on foot. (No article).

c. Specific time of the day or night:

When mentioning exact time of day or night, we do not use 'the'.

Exact time:

It is hot at noon.

The sky is beautiful at sunset.

I get up at six o' clock.

Owls and bats fly by night.

For longer durations, we use 'the'.

Longer duration of time:

We travelled during the day.

The day is cooler in the morning.

I got up early in the morning.

We rest during the night.

୩. ପାଠ୍ୟପୁସ୍ତକ ଅଭ୍ୟାସ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନାବଳୀର ୧୦୦% ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସମାଧାନ (100% Complete Solved Exercises)

Activity 1:

Fill in the blanks choosing the appropriate determiners from those given in the brackets.

(i) This water is clean. (this / these)

Explanation: 'water' is an uncountable noun. 'This' can be used with uncountable nouns, while 'these' is for plural countable nouns.

(ii) That girl over there is my sister. (this / that)

Explanation: 'girl' is singular. 'Over there' indicates distance, so 'that' is appropriate.

(iii) The first boy in the queue is from my class. (one / first)

Explanation: 'boy in the queue' implies a specific position or order, making 'first' (an ordinal numeral) the correct choice.

(iv) Many trees were cut off. (many / much)

Explanation: 'trees' is a plural countable noun. 'Many' is used with plural countable nouns, while 'much' is used with uncountable nouns.

(v) There isn't much oil in the lamp. (many / much)

Explanation: 'oil' is an uncountable noun. 'Much' is used with uncountable nouns, especially in negative sentences.

(vi) I have a few problems now. (a few / a little)

Explanation: 'problems' is a plural countable noun. 'A few' is used with plural countable nouns, while 'a little' is used with uncountable nouns.

(vii) Can you draw any picture ? (any / many)

Explanation: In interrogative sentences (questions), 'any' is generally used. 'Picture' is a singular countable noun, and 'any' can be used with it.

(viii) He has a lot of property. (much / a lot of)

Explanation: 'property' is an uncountable noun. 'A lot of' can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns in affirmative sentences. 'Much' is typically used in negative or interrogative sentences.

(ix) Give a biscuit to each child. (every / each)

Explanation: 'Each' emphasizes individual children, implying that every single child gets a biscuit separately. 'Every' refers to the group as a whole.

(x) Every one in the meeting laughed at the joke. (each / every)

Explanation: 'Every' refers to all members as part of a group, emphasizing the collective action.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Activity 2:

There are certain errors in the order of determiners in the following sentences. Correct the errors and rewrite the sentences in the space provided.

(i) The two last boys in the queue came late.

Ans : The last two boys in the queue came late.

Explanation: The correct order for article + ordinal + cardinal is 'the + ordinal + cardinal'.

(ii) His all sisters are doctors.

Ans : All his sisters are doctors.

Explanation: The correct order for quantifier + possessive is 'quantifier + possessive'.

(iii) My both sons are in school now.

Ans : Both my sons are in school now.

Explanation: The correct order for quantifier + possessive is 'quantifier + possessive'.

(iv) The one third girls will get a scholarship each.

Ans : The first three girls will get a scholarship each.

Explanation: Assuming 'one third' is a typo for 'three' and refers to the first three in order. The correct order for article + ordinal + cardinal is 'the + ordinal + cardinal'. If 'one third' was meant as a fraction, the phrasing would be "One-third of the girls will get a scholarship each."

(v) Five those boys belong to this class.

Ans : Those five boys belong to this class.

Explanation: The correct order for demonstrative + numeral is 'demonstrative + numeral'.

(vi) How can you tell a such thing?

Ans : How can you tell such a thing?

Explanation: The correct order for 'such' with an indefinite article is 'such + a/an + noun'.

(vii) These all five books are new.

Ans : All these five books are new.

Explanation: The correct order for quantifier + demonstrative + numeral is 'quantifier + demonstrative + numeral'.

(viii) I got the double benefit.

Ans : I got the double benefit.

Explanation: The sentence is grammatically correct as 'double' acts as an adjective here, and 'the' refers to a specific benefit. No correction needed based on the provided text's examples.

(ix) He has a such little knowledge !

Ans : He has such a little knowledge !

Explanation: The correct order for 'such' with an indefinite article and adjective is 'such + a/an + adjective + noun'.

(x) The all water has become dirty.

Ans : All the water has become dirty.

Explanation: The correct order for quantifier + article is 'quantifier + article'.

Activity 3:

The writer of the passage below has made some mistakes in the use of determiners and adjectives. Underline the mistakes suggesting corrections in the right hand margin. One has been done for you as an example.

Madan Babu has a son and beautiful two daughters. (two beautiful)

His all children are good at study.

Three years ago his son went to college.

The two other children were still at school then.

This year his both daughters are in the medical college.

Madan Babu has to spend much money for their education.

At the end of the month he has hardly much money left with him.

He hopes, one day his all children will get any good employment and earn a lot.

He hopes he will not borrow no more from others once his children are settled.

Corrected Passage with Underlined Mistakes and Suggested Corrections:

Madan Babu has a son and beautiful two daughters. (two beautiful)

His all children are good at study. (All his)

Three years ago his son went to x college. (college - basic purpose)

The two other children were still at x school then. (The other two; school - basic purpose)

This year his both daughters are in the medical college. (both his; the - specific college)

Madan Babu has to spend much money for their education. (a lot of / much - 'much' is fine in affirmative if not followed by 'too' or 'so', but 'a lot of' is more common)

At the end of the month he has hardly much money left with him. (any)

He hopes, one day his all children will get any good employment and earn a lot. (all his; some)

He hopes he will not borrow no more from others once his children are settled. (any more)

Final Corrected Passage (for clarity):

Madan Babu has a son and two beautiful daughters.

All his children are good at study.

Three years ago his son went to college.

The other two children were still at school then.

This year both his daughters are in the medical college.

Madan Babu has to spend a lot of money for their education.

At the end of the month he has hardly any money left with him.

He hopes, one day all his children will get some good employment and earn a lot.

He hopes he will not borrow any more from others once his children are settled.

Activity 4:

Fill in the blanks with 'a' or 'an' wherever necessary.

(i) A cow gives us milk.

Explanation: 'cow' starts with a consonant sound.

(ii) Manoj is an honest worker.

Explanation: 'honest' starts with a vowel sound ('ow').

(iii) Are you a university student ?

Explanation: 'university' starts with a consonant sound ('yoo').

(iv) An oak tree lives very long.

Explanation: 'oak' starts with a vowel sound.

(v) I have been waiting here for an hour.

Explanation: 'hour' starts with a vowel sound ('ow').

(vi) An elephant is a wild animal.

Explanation: 'elephant' starts with a vowel sound; 'wild' starts with a consonant sound.

(vii) The computer is a useful machine.

Explanation: 'useful' starts with a consonant sound ('yoo').

(viii) Capt Nayak is an NCC officer.

Explanation: 'NCC' starts with a vowel sound ('en').

Activity 5:

Fill in the blanks with 'the' if it is necessary, otherwise put a cross (x) there.

(i) Mr Pujari is the headmaster of our school.

Explanation: 'headmaster' is specific (of our school).

(ii) I can see a lot of people on the beach.

Explanation: 'beach' is specific (the one being observed).

(iii) Mina is the tallest girl in our class.

Explanation: 'tallest' is a superlative adjective, requiring 'the'.

(iv) This school is meant for the blind and the deaf.

Explanation: 'the blind' and 'the deaf' refer to general classes of people.

(v) I cannot speak x French well.

Explanation: 'French' refers to the language, which does not take an article.

(vi) The French are artistic people.

Explanation: 'The French' refers to the people of France (a general class of nationality).

Activity 6:

A boy gives an account of his journey from Bhubaneswar to Kanyakumari and back. He has made some mistakes in using the articles. Underline the mistakes and write them correctly in the right hand margin against the line where they occur. One has been done for you.

We went to the station by the car and boarded the train. (by car)

Travelling by the train was very enjoyable.

I could see the rivers, the mountains and many other things from it.

Our train rolled past the Chilika lake in x hour's time.

We crossed rivers like x Rusikulya in Orissa and x Godavari in Andhra.

We saw the people working in fields on the both sides of the train line.

Kanyakumari provided x grand scene.

x Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea meet at that point.

In x evening that day I could see x sun setting on one side of x sea and x moon rising on the other.

It was x rare sight.

Father told me that the Sri Lanka was only a few miles away from there.

x Palk Strait divided it from x India.

After a few days stay there, we went to Ooty which is on x Nilgiri. Hills.

Ooty is x cool place.

We enjoyed our stay before coming to Bangalore by the bus.

Bangalore is x capital of x Karnatak.

From there we flew by the air and reached Bhubaneswar just in x two hours time !

Corrected Passage with Underlined Mistakes and Suggested Corrections:

We went to the station by the car (by car) and boarded the train. (train)

Travelling by the train (train) was very enjoyable.

I could see the rivers, the mountains (rivers, mountains) and many other things from it.

Our train rolled past the Chilika lake (Chilika Lake) in x hour's time. (an)

We crossed rivers like x Rusikulya (the Rusikulya) in Orissa and x Godavari (the Godavari) in Andhra.

We saw the people working in fields on the both sides (both sides) of the train line. (train line)

Kanyakumari provided x grand scene. (a)

x Bay of Bengal (The Bay of Bengal) and the Arabian sea (the Arabian Sea) meet at that point.

In x evening (the evening) that day I could see x sun (the sun) setting on one side of x sea (the sea) and x moon (the moon) rising on the other.

It was x rare sight. (a)

Father told me that the Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka) was only a few miles away from there.

x Palk Strait (The Palk Strait) divided it from x India. (India)

After a few days stay there, we went to Ooty which is on x Nilgiri. Hills. (the Nilgiri Hills)

Ooty is x cool place. (a)

We enjoyed our stay before coming to Bangalore by the bus. (bus)

Bangalore is x capital (the capital) of x Karnatak. (Karnatak)

From there we flew by the air (air) and reached Bhubaneswar just in x two hours time ! (x)

Final Corrected Passage (for clarity):

We went to the station by car and boarded train.

Travelling by train was very enjoyable.

I could see rivers, mountains and many other things from it.

Our train rolled past Chilika Lake in an hour's time.

We crossed rivers like the Rusikulya in Orissa and the Godavari in Andhra.

We saw people working in fields on both sides of train line.

Kanyakumari provided a grand scene.

The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea meet at that point.

In the evening that day I could see the sun setting on one side of the sea and the moon rising on the other.

It was a rare sight.

Father told me that Sri Lanka was only a few miles away from there.

The Palk Strait divided it from India.

After a few days stay there, we went to Ooty which is on the Nilgiri Hills.

Ooty is a cool place.

We enjoyed our stay before coming to Bangalore by bus.

Bangalore is the capital of Karnatak.

From there we flew by air and reached Bhubaneswar just in two hours time !

Activity 7:

Fill in the blank with 'the' wherever necessary. Otherwise, put a cross mark (x) in it.

(i) I am going to x hospital to meet a friend.

Explanation: Going to hospital for its basic purpose (as a patient or to visit a patient, which is a common purpose).

(ii) Did you come here by x bus or by x taxi ?

Explanation: 'by bus' and 'by taxi' are general modes of transport, no article needed.

(iii) We started work in the morning and finished it in the evening.

Explanation: 'in the morning' and 'in the evening' refer to longer durations of time, requiring 'the'.

(iv) The criminal was sent to x prison.

Explanation: 'prison' is used for its basic purpose (imprisonment), so no article.

(v) Everyday I go to x bed at x ten O'clock.

Explanation: 'go to bed' is for its basic purpose (sleeping), no article. 'at ten O'clock' is an exact time, no article.

(vi) If you want to travel by x sea, take a morning ship.

Explanation: 'by sea' is a general mode of transport, no article. 'a morning ship' refers to one specific ship among many, requiring 'a'.

(vii) You will find the book on the bed.

Explanation: 'the bed' refers to a specific bed where the book is, not the act of sleeping.

(viii) Birds leave their nests at x daybreak.

Explanation: 'at daybreak' is an exact time, no article.

(ix) It is hot during the day and cool during the night.

Explanation: 'during the day' and 'during the night' refer to longer durations, requiring 'the'.

(x) It is difficult to see at x night.

Explanation: 'at night' is a fixed expression referring to a general time, no article.

Activity 8:

In the passage below 'a' and 'the' have been left out before some nouns. Underline the nouns and insert 'a' or 'the' wherever they are necessary.

Once the students of our class planned to go on picnic to Chilka. We decided to go by bus. We bought food materials we needed. We also bought wood for fuel. On way we stopped at place and got some cold drinks from shop. At picnic spot we had lot of fun. We enjoyed music and dance performed by some students. We also went to Kalijai by boat. We enjoyed boat journey very much. At noon we had our food and before evening we came back to school.

Corrected Passage with Inserted Articles:

Once the students of our class planned to go on a picnic to Chilka. We decided to go by x bus. We bought x food materials we needed. We also bought x wood for x fuel. On the way we stopped at a place and got some cold drinks from a shop. At the picnic spot we had a lot of fun. We enjoyed x music and x dance performed by some students. We also went to Kalijai by x boat. We enjoyed the boat journey very much. At x noon we had our x food and before x evening we came back to x school.

Explanation for Activity 8:

"The students": Specific group of students (of our class).

"on a picnic": 'picnic' is a singular countable noun, indefinite.

"by x bus": General mode of transport.

"x food materials", "x wood", "x fuel": Uncountable nouns in general sense.

"On the way": Specific way (of their journey).

"at a place": Indefinite singular countable noun.

"from a shop": Indefinite singular countable noun.

"At the picnic spot": Specific spot (where they had the picnic).

"had a lot of fun": Fixed phrase.

"enjoyed x music and x dance": Uncountable nouns in general sense.

"by x boat": General mode of transport.

"enjoyed the boat journey": Specific journey (the one they just took).

"At x noon": Exact time of day.

"had our x food": 'food' is uncountable here, general reference.

"before x evening": Fixed phrase for time.

"back to x school": Basic purpose of school (as students).

୪. ବୋର୍ଡ ପରୀକ୍ଷା ମାଷ୍ଟ୍ରି ଟିପ୍ସ ଓ ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲ୍ (Board Exam Tips & Pitfalls)

Board Exam Mastery Tips:

1. Sound Rule for 'a' vs. 'an': Always remember that the choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound of the word immediately following it, not just the letter. Practice words like 'hour' (an hour), 'university' (a university), 'MP' (an MP).

2. General vs. Specific 'the': This is a core concept. If you're talking about something in general, often no article is needed. If it's a specific item, person, or group that both the speaker and listener know about, use 'the'.

Example: "Water is essential." (General) vs. "The water in this glass is cold." (Specific)

3. Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns: This distinction is vital for quantifiers (many/much, few/little) and articles.

Countable: Can be counted (e.g., books, pens). Take 'a/an', 'many', 'few'.

Uncountable: Cannot be counted (e.g., water, information, advice). Take 'much', 'little', 'some'.

4. Fixed Expressions and Exceptions: Many phrases omit articles (e.g., by bus, at night, go to school/bed). Memorize these as they are common pitfalls. Also, remember specific rules for geographical names (The Ganga vs. Mount Everest, The USA vs. India).

5. Determiner Order: When multiple determiners are used, they follow a strict sequence (e.g., All my three sons). Practice rearranging sentences to get this order correct.

6. Context is Key: Always read the sentence and surrounding context carefully. The same noun might take different determiners depending on whether it's general or specific, or its role in the sentence.

7. Practice Exercises Regularly: The best way to master determiners is through consistent practice. Work through all textbook exercises multiple times and seek out additional practice questions.

Common Student Errors (Pitfalls):

1. Confusing 'a' and 'an': Students often choose based on the first letter rather than the first sound (e.g., 'a honest man' instead of 'an honest man').

2. Overuse or Underuse of 'the': Using 'the' unnecessarily with general nouns (e.g., 'The life is beautiful') or omitting it when a specific reference is intended (e.g., 'Give me book').

3. Mixing Quantifiers: Using 'much' with countable nouns (e.g., 'much books') or 'many' with uncountable nouns (e.g., 'many water').

4. Incorrect Use of 'few' vs. 'a few' and 'little' vs. 'a little':

'Few' and 'little' imply a negative sense (almost none).

'A few' and 'a little' imply a positive sense (some, though small).

Example: "He has few friends." (He is lonely) vs. "He has a few friends." (He has some friends).

5. Double Negatives: Using 'not' with 'no' or 'no more' (e.g., "I don't have no money" instead of "I don't have any money" or "I have no money").

6. Incorrect Determiner Order: Placing determiners in the wrong sequence (e.g., 'my all books' instead of 'all my books').

7. Using 'any' in Affirmative Sentences: 'Any' is primarily used in questions and negative sentences. In affirmative sentences, 'some' is generally preferred (e.g., "I have any money" instead of "I have some money"). However, 'any' can be used in affirmative sentences to mean 'it doesn't matter which' (e.g., "Take any book you like").

8. Articles with Proper Nouns: Incorrectly using articles with names of countries, people, or single mountains/lakes that don't require them.

By understanding these tips and being aware of common errors, students can significantly improve their mastery of determiners and score well in examinations.

(ନୋଟ୍ସ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତି: ଉତ୍କଳ ସ୍କିଲ୍ ସେଣ୍ଟର - BSE Odisha 100% Full Textbook Master Edition)

🤖 Have a Doubt in this Chapter?

Ask Gundulu AI Voice Tutor to explain any question in bilingual Odia & English with 24/7 step-by-step guidance!

🚀 Try Gundulu AI on Utkal Skill Centre App