Countable and Uncountable- Language Learning Discussion
A LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS
Practising count and non-count nouns and learner training as students discuss good ways to learn English, also good practice for the language of advice.
Lesson Plan Content:
Countable and uncountable language learning discussion
Ask for and give advice on language learning using the nouns below. If a word doesn’t have “-s” after it, that means “-s” would be incorrect. Using “a/ an” with a singular form of the words with “-s” is of course fine.
vocabulary
words
phrases
grammar
tenses
body language
gestures
literature
poems
fiction
novels
non-fiction
biographies
press
magazines
newspapers
written communication
emails
texts/ SMS messages
spoken communication
phone calls
teleconferences/ videoconferences
cooking
recipes
labels on ingredients
research
research papers
information online
websites
jargon/ terminology
abbreviations (e.g. acronyms)
software
(smartphone) apps/ applications
packaging
cereal boxes
food
menus
academic literature
academic papers
academic journals
punctuation
commas
apostrophes
equipment
DVD player instructions
laptop computer manuals
transport
air tickets
travel websites
homework
essays
grammar exercises
education./ training
exams/ tests
certificates/ qualifications
humour
jokes
Ask about anything above which you don’t understand or would like to hear other people’s advice about, sharing your experiences, problems and recommendations each time.
Without looking above for now, add “-s” to the words below which can take a plural ending. The words are in the same sections as above, so each group has at least one word which can’t take “-s”, but they are mixed up. If you aren’t sure, try:
- Putting “some” before the word and seeing if it sounds better with “-s” or without “-s”
- Making a question with that word and seeing if it sounds better with “How much…?” or “How many…?”
- Putting a number in front of that word and seeing if it sounds right
phrase
vocabulary
word
grammar
tense
body language
gesture
literature
poem
fiction
novel
biography
non-fiction
magazine
newspaper
press
text/ SMS message
written communication
phone call
spoken communication
teleconference/ videoconference
cooking
label on ingredient
recipe
research
research paper
information online
website
abbreviation (e.g. acronym)
jargon/ terminology
(smartphone) app/ application
software
cereal box
packaging
food
menu
academic journal
academic literature
academic paper
apostrophe
comma
punctuation
DVD player instruction
equipment
laptop computer manual
air ticket
transport
travel website
essay
grammar exercises
homework
certificate/ qualification
education./ training
exam/ test
humour
joke
Check your answers with the first worksheet. Can you find any rules/ patterns about which kinds of words are uncountable?
When there is a general category and specific examples above, which one is usually uncountable? Can you think of any other pairs of general categories and specific examples which illustrate the same grammar (e.g. “baggage/ luggage” and “suitcase”)?
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