Articles Dictation: General and Specific Reference

Does the speaker mean something generally, or a particular group or amount? Keep that question in mind while you listen for the. A plural noun or an uncountable noun can begin without an article when the meaning is general. A phrase later in the sentence may identify a particular one. Wait for that detail before deciding you missed a word. Then replay the beginning if needed. Do not add the just because the sentence sounds more familiar with it; keep the spoken reference.