A lecturer or the lecturer at the exam

[probus]

NOTE: AE proctor = BE invigilator

Thanks Rover. I had previously read somewhere that invigilator was a Canadian regionalism. I'm glad to learn that isn't true. I think in our usage the examiners are the ones who set the questions while an invigilator polices the examination room to prevent cheating.

 

[probus]

Only one.

It depends entirely on the size of the room. I took my final exams in a hockey arena. There was no ice at the time, but there were several hundred candidates, so there were twenty or more invigilators.

 

[Rachel Adams]

It depends entirely on the size of the room. I took my final exams in a hockey arena. There was no ice at the time, but there were several hundred candidates, so there were twenty or more invigilators.

If there was only one and I mention him or her for the first time should I still use "the"?

 

[probus]

Yes.

 

[Rachel Adams]

Yes.

Could you tell me which rule is it based on? I wanted to find more similar examples.

 

[probus]

Sorry, but as a native speaker and untrained teacher I am not big on rules. I just go with my gut. Maybe someone else can help you.

 

[emsr2d2]

If there's just one invigilator and you're bringing them into the story for the first time, use the indefinite article. After that, use the definite article.

Yesterday, I took an exam. There was an invigilator in the room. The invigilator kept looking at his watch and tapping its face. He was starting to annoy me and making me nervous. When the exam finished, I said to my friend "Did you notice the invigilator kept tapping his watch? It was so annoying!"