I will start with talking about a memory of a vacation that I had, naming my favorite places, and ask the students to do the same- noting the specific locations. “Think of a famous building or place you know — maybe a restaurant, museum, or hotel.”

I will show some clear example sentences on the board: “I visited the museum last summer.” “We stayed at the old hotel.” “She works at the airport.” I will underline “the” and point out that it is used when we both know which specific place or thing we mean.

I will explain that we use “the” when 1- the speaker and listener both know which person, place, or thing we mean. 2- When there is only one of something (The Eifel tower) 3- Before superlatives (The best, The most) We do not use them before 1- General places (work, bed) or people (the women), 2- By+transportation 3- Meals CCQs: “Do we both know which museum?” (Yes.) Can I say “a museum” if I don’t care which one? (Yes.) If I say “the coffee,” do I mean all coffee or a specific coffee? (Specific.) “I saw a cat. The cat was sleeping.” Is it the same cat? (Yes.) If I say “I saw a movie. The movie was great,” do I mean a new movie or the one I already talked about? (The one I talked about.) “The internet is slow today.” How many internets are there? (Only one.)

I will give students a short gap-fill exercise with sentences like: I’ll meet you at ___ station. He visited ___ Aria art gallery.

I will set up a speaking activity where students imagine planning a day trip together. I will give them prompts like: “Where will you go first?” “Will you visit the museum or the park?” “Where will you eat — the café near the river?” I will monitor while they speak and note examples of good usage and common mistakes.