Level 1 Module 8 – This, That, These, Those

Spoken English Course – Level 1 (Beginner)
Module 8: This, That, These, Those

1. Introduction to Demonstratives

Demonstrative pronouns (This, That, These, Those) are used to point to people, objects, or things. They help us describe location, distance, and quantity. Using them correctly improves clarity and fluency in spoken English.

This – Singular & near
That – Singular & far
These – Plural & near
Those – Plural & far

2. This / That (Singular)

2.1 Rules

This is used for something close to the speaker.
That is used for something far from the speaker.
Both are used with singular nouns.

2.2 Examples

Demonstrative	Example Sentence	Context
This	This is my pen.	The pen is near me.
That	That is your bag.	The bag is far from me.
This	This is delicious.	Talking about food near me.
That	That looks interesting.	Pointing to an object far away.

Speaking Drill:
1. Pick any object near you → say: "This is a ___."
2. Point to something far away → say: "That is a ___."
3. Repeat 10 times with different objects.

Tip: Always imagine the distance from you. Near = This, Far = That.

3. These / Those (Plural)

3.1 Rules

These is used for plural objects near the speaker.
Those is used for plural objects far from the speaker.
Always check if the noun is singular or plural before choosing.

3.2 Examples

Demonstrative	Example Sentence	Context
These	These are my shoes.	Shoes are near me.
Those	Those are their bags.	Bags are far from me.
These	These are tasty cookies.	Cookies on my table.
Those	Those are beautiful flowers.	Flowers in the garden far away.

Spoken Drill:
1. Point to 3 objects near you → "These are ___."
2. Point to 3 objects far away → "Those are ___."
3. Repeat multiple times to build fluency.

4. Common Mistakes

Using this for far objects → ❌ Wrong: This is your bag (far away)
Using that for near objects → ❌ Wrong: That is my pen (near)
Using singular demonstratives with plural nouns → ❌ Wrong: This are my books → ✅ Correct: These are my books
Confusing plural with singular → ❌ Wrong: Those is good → ✅ Correct: Those are good

5. Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks:
1. ___ is my bag. (near)
2. ___ are my pens. (near)
3. ___ is your notebook? (far)
4. ___ are the trees? (far)
5. ___ looks nice. (near)
6. ___ are delicious cookies. (far)

Match the following:
A. This → ___
B. That → ___
C. These → ___
D. Those → ___

Speak Aloud:
Pick any 10 objects near → say sentences using This / These
Pick any 10 objects far → say sentences using That / Those

6. Daily Speaking Practice

Practice 5 sentences using This & That
Practice 5 sentences using These & Those
Speak in front of mirror for 5–10 minutes daily
Combine with objects in your room for realistic practice