ARTICLES

Definition of articles

English has two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an.) The use of these articles
depends mainly on whether you are referring to any member of a group, or to a specific member
of a group:

1. Indefinite Articles: a and an

A and an signal that the noun modified is indefinite, referring to any member of a group. These
indefinite articles are used with singular nouns when the noun is general; the Corresponding
indefinite quantity word some is used for plural general nouns. The rule is:

·a + singular noun beginning with a consonant: a boy

·an + singular noun beginning with a vowel: an elephant

·a + singular noun beginning with a consonant sound: a user (sounds like 'yoa-zer,' i.e. begins
with a consonant 'y' sound, so 'a' is used)

·some + plural noun: some girls

If the noun is modified by an adjective, the choice between a and an depends on the initial sound
of the adjective that immediately follows the article:

·a broken egg

·an unusual problem

·a European country (sounds like 'year-o-pi-an,' i.e. begins with consonant 'y' sound)

Note also that in English, the indefinite articles are used to indicate membership in a profession,
nation, or religion.

·I am a teacher.

·Brian is an Irishman.

·Seiko is a practicing Buddhist.

2. Definite Article: the

The definite article is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is particular or specific.

The signals that the noun is definite, that it refers to a particular member of a group.

The is used with noncountable nouns that are made more specific by a limiting modifying phrase or clause:

The coffee in my cup is too hot to drink.

The Japanese he speaks often heard in the countryside.

The intelligence of animals is variable but undeniable.

The is also used when a noun refers to something unique:

the White House

the theory of relativity

the 1999 federal budget

 

Sumber: 

1.      http://win7maniac.blogspot.com/2012/12/resume-binggris-articles.html#more

2.      Understanding and Using English grammar (the third edition) by Betty Schrampfer Azar

3.      Cliffs TOEFL Preparation Guide by Michael A. Pyle, M. A. and Mary Ellen Munoz Page, M. A.

Refferal:
English One, Reading Text book STIKOM SURABAYA, " Perpustakaan, Nomor Induk Buku 25551. Rak 425 PUS E