(In)definite articles with abstract concepts

I am always struggling to figure out whether to use a definite or indefinite article with abstract concepts.

See the following example. Positions in question are marked with (the?):

Section X presents literature on (the?) classical data analysis; namely, (the?) common models and algebras.

What is a rule of thumb? Here is some context:

• Classical data analysis comprises a variety of methods. These methods, however, share some characterizing features, which have not been detailed yet in the section.
• Common models and algebras are indeed a variety. They, however, share some characterizing features, which have not been detailed yet in the section.

Yesterday I was gobsmacked to be told by a teacher of English as a foreign language that there are not two, but three types of article in English.

That is definite, indefinite and zero. Apparently contrary to received wisdom, yet wholly logical.

Consider these examples:

Would you prefer a soup or something else?

Did you like the soup?

Do you like soup?