ACTIVITY 4 Common Error 1.1 and 1.2
For each sentence, underline the correct answer in parentheses. Choose Ø if no determiner is needed.

1. Biology is the study of life. A biologist studies (a/the/) living organism, its structure, and the way it
grows.
2. There is no clear cause for (a/ the / Ø) death of William Shakespeare; however, he made a will, so it is
likely he knew death was imminent.
3. According to many research (study/studies), pet owners are generally happy with their lives.
4. California joined the United States in 1850 and is home to Los Angeles, (a/the/Ø) county with the
country's largest population.
5. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (a/the/0) spread of (a/the/Ø) germs
can be minimized if people use (a/the/Ø) tissue to block a sneeze.
6. Chemical engineers study (a/ the / Ø) hydrogen and other elements from (a/the/ Ø) periodic table.
7. The city's new plan to improve public transportation has many potential (problem/problems), such as
making public transportation both affordable and environmentally friendly.
8. The most important characteristic of (a/the/Ø) diamond is (a/the/0) cut because it determines
how much (a/ the / Ø) diamond will sparkle.