Technology, the Internet and Society
I can discuss general ideas and particular systems with accurate article choices.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Your situation
In a fictional discussion, a participant says, “Technology should serve people, not the other way round.” Another replies, “The technology in our library is useful, but the internet connection is unreliable.” A third adds, “A good system must be easy to use.” They move between a general concept, identified local equipment and one imagined instance.
Read the situation transcript
In a fictional discussion, a participant says, “Technology should serve people, not the other way round.” Another replies, “The technology in our library is useful, but the internet connection is unreliable.” A third adds, “A good system must be easy to use.” They move between a general concept, identified local equipment and one imagined instance.
Which phrase narrows a general concept to a local system?
Compare your idea
The technology in our library identifies the particular equipment or system being discussed.
How it works
Use zero article for broad mass concepts and general plural classes: technology, society, users. Use the for an identifiable system or conventionally definite expression such as the internet in this discussion. Use a/an for one non-identified singular countable example: a useful system.
Article choice is not an opinion about the technology. It signals how the noun is being presented. Society can mean a broad social concept, while a society can mean a particular community or organisation; context controls the reading.
General concept/class: zero article. Identified reference: the. One singular countable instance: a/an.
Notice this
Technology should serve people.
The nouns have a general reading here.
Compare this
The technology in our library is useful.
This refers to an identified local system.
Hear the examples
Technology should serve people.
The nouns have a general reading here.
The technology in our library is useful.
This refers to an identified local system.
A useful system should be easy to navigate.
This imagines one member of a class.
The internet connection in that room is unreliable.
The modifier identifies a particular connection.
One mistake worth avoiding
Instead of: A useful technology in our library, meaning the already-identified entire local system.
Say: The technology in our library.
For that intended identified reference, use the; a would present one instance or type instead.
You say
Hear the prompt, answer aloud, then deliberately reveal or hear one possible model. Check it and retry with a changed detail.
Your turn 1
Make a general claim for discussion without presenting it as a researched fact.
Compare a possible model
Reveal the model text
I think technology should help people communicate.
Check yourself: Use general mass and plural references.
Retry with one detail of your own. Other wording is welcome when it meets this check.
Your turn 2
Narrow the discussion to an identifiable local system.
Compare a possible model
Reveal the model text
The technology in this library needs an upgrade.
Check yourself: Provide identifying context.
Retry with one detail of your own. Other wording is welcome when it meets this check.
Your turn 3
Contrast a general concept with one possible instance.
Compare a possible model
Reveal the model text
Technology can be complicated, but a well-designed system can be easy to use.
Check yourself: Treat the statement as your discussion position, not external evidence.
Retry with one detail of your own. Other wording is welcome when it meets this check.
Two guided self-checks
Say or write your answer before opening a model.
Self-check 1
Explain the difference between technology and the technology in this room.
Compare a model and explanation
A broad concept versus an identified local system.
The modifier helps establish the intended reference.
Self-check 2
Choose a/an before useful in “___ useful system”.
Compare a model and explanation
A useful system.
Useful begins with a consonant sound despite the written letter u.
Check your understanding
Choose one answer to each question, then check your answers. One of the ten questions is listening.
Automatic scoring needs JavaScript. Use the answer key after attempting all ten questions.
Answer key with explanations
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For the general concept: ___ technology should serve people.
No article: Technology is used as a mass concept in this statement.
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For the identified equipment: ___ technology in our library is useful.
The: The phrase identifies the particular local system.
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Choose the article: ___ useful system.
A: Useful begins with a consonant sound, so use a for the singular count noun.
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Which expression refers to an identified connection?
The internet connection in that room: The room modifier identifies the intended connection.
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Does adding the make a positive judgement about a system?
No: The article marks reference, not approval or disapproval.
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Correct “An useful system”.
A useful system: A/an follows pronunciation, not the first written letter alone.
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Can society have more than one countability reading?
Yes: It can denote a broad social concept or a particular community/organisation.
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Which technology is the second sentence discussing?
The local library’s technology: The modifier in our library narrows the reference.
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Which pair clearly contrasts general and identified reference?
Technology matters; the technology in this room is outdated.: The correct pair makes the reference change explicit.
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What is the central question for article choice?
Am I naming a general idea, an identifiable referent or one countable instance?: The intended construal and countability determine the pattern.
Take it with you
I can discuss general ideas and particular systems with accurate article choices.