Guided Practice

SPECIFIC VERSUS GENERAL NOUNS

Recall that count and non-count nouns may be "specific" or "general." A noun is specific when the writer wishes to talk about some thing or things in particular. A noun is general when the writer wishes to make a generalization about some thing or things.

Read each sentence below. If you think that the highlighted noun is specific, click SPECIFIC. If you think that the highlighted noun is general, click GENERAL.

1. Not everyone can be successful in business. SPECIFIC GENERAL

2. How much was the stock you bought yesterday? SPECIFIC GENERAL

3. My roommate is taking five courses this semester. SPECIFIC GENERAL

4. Law school is expensive. SPECIFIC GENERAL

5. The graduation requirements at this college are very strict. SPECIFIC GENERAL

6. Biology is the study of living things. SPECIFIC GENERAL

7. Biology is the study of living things. SPECIFIC GENERAL

8. The College of Engineering just hired a new faculty member. SPECIFIC GENERAL

9. Mike got his degree in accounting. SPECIFIC GENERAL

10. Most students think that grades are important? SPECIFIC GENERAL

11. Most colleges require English Composition. SPECIFIC GENERAL