1. It is generally believed that filial piety is the key quality that a person should have in the real pursuit of excellence.
2. It is generally believed that 【the】 awareness of environmental protection is the key quality for a person to truly pursue excellence.

Why is there a "the" in the second sentence? When should I use "the" and when I shouldn't?
Please help, thank you so much🙏🏻

Question

1. It is generally believed that filial piety is the key quality that a person should have in the real pursuit of excellence.
2. It is generally believed that 【the】 awareness of environmental protection is the key quality for a person to truly pursue excellence.

Why is there a "the" in the second sentence? When should I use "the" and when I shouldn't?
Please help, thank you so much🙏🏻

Answer

I would say the "the" in your second sentence is optional, just to add to the confusion.

Perhaps someone with a lot more knowledge of grammar than I have can explain to you when an article is needed, but generally in English, nouns tend to be proceeded by one.  Like prepositions, articles have a lot of quirks. I imagine a decent grammar book will explain most of them, probably in the first chapter.

I hope that is of some help.

Answer

Awareness is a noun so needs an article...