Lesson 37

Using nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning

I. Learning Objective

 Use nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning

 Give the main idea of a selection listened to
 Spell nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning

Values: Working Well with Others, Patience

II. Subject Matter

A. Topic: Using Nouns That are Plural in Form but Singular in Meaning
B. References: PELC II 5.1/PELC 6 p. 23
Growing in English 6 (Language pp. 87-91)
Mastering Communication Skills 6 pp. 120-121
Horizon Near and Far 5 p. 121
English for Grade 6 p. 96
C. Materials: sentence strips, chart, pictures, flashcards, manila paper, pentel pen,
show-me card

III. Learning Activities

A. Preparatory Activities
1. Pronunciation Drill (in form of game)
The class will be divided into four groups. Ask them to pronounce the given nouns
with correct pronunciation. The best group will receive prize.

/z/ /s/
winds cars brooks
leaves trains pets
birds sirens roofs
newsboys airplanes beliefs
peddlers sounds cats
babies

2. Review
Work in pairs. Read the limerick. Select all the nouns and write their plural form.
a. There was an old man on the border who lived in the utmost disorder’
He danced with the cat and made tea in his hat which vexed all the folks on the border.
b. A chick and rooster whom I happened to hear was complaining sadly
“Oh dear, our picnic is today, but the weatherman say, “The sky will be sunny and clear.”
3. Motivation
Let the pupils sing the song “Learning Mathematics is Really Fun.” How many like
and enjoy Mathematics? Why? Who believe that Math is easy? Difficult? Why is this subject
necessary in our day-to-day activities?
B. Presentation
1. Show a picture of a boy talking in front of the class. This is Francis of Marbel Elementary
School. Listen as your classmate delivers a portion of Francis’ talk. Be able to tell what the main
idea is.
“How did I develop such wonderful and speedy computational skills? I believe it’s a matter
of deep interest and constant correct practice. Even before I went to school, Father would teach
me how to work with numbers patiently. Then now, I usually do extra exercises in other books
aside from my assignments. I don’t miss the mathematics portion of the newspapers of
magazine. Well, I think I have the best teachers at home; Father is an aeronautics; Mother is a
Mathematics teacher; and my eldest brother is a computer analyst. In school, Mr. Lim, my
 teacher and coach has taught me how to develop concentrations in analyzing problems and
solving them.”
a. What is the main idea of Francis’ talk?
b. Did you learn something from his talk?
c. What can you do to improve your skills in Mathematics?
d. Display these sentences (in sentence strips) and focus pupils’ attention to the underlined
nouns.
Mathematics is an interesting subject.

The news makes us glad.

2. Analysis and Discussion
Let the pupils read the sentences:
 How do both underlined nouns end?
 Explain to pupils that plural nouns usually end in s or es. The nouns Mathematics and
news are only two of the few nouns that are plural in form (s/es form) but singular in
meaning.
 Notice the verbs after Mathematics and news. What verb form in the present tense is
used to these nouns?
 Is and makes are in the present tense and singular in number. Is is the present form,
third person and singular in number of the verb BE and makes of the verb make.
 Show more of these nouns (on flashcards) and let them read each word pronouncing the
–s ending correctly as /s/ or /z/

acrobatics civics aeronautics

Philippines athletics Physics
tonsillitis Ethics The Netherlands
measles United Nations politics

 Brainstorm on each word. What are you reminded of if you come across the word
acrobatics? Aeronautics?

3. Fixing Skills
 Show some pictures of nouns ending in s or es, but they are singular in meaning and
ask the pupils to tell something about each picture. Encourage them to make the noun
the subject for their sentences.

For example: Acrobatics develops flexible bodies, arms and legs.

4. Generalization
Do all plural nouns ending in s or es mean also plural? How does this noun agree with the
verb in the present tense that is used with it?
5. Valuing
 How much work can be done if all work cooperatively?
 What value did you learn from Francis’ talk which we need to practice?
6. Practice exercises
a. Say “WOW Correct” if the given noun is plural in form but singular in meaning and WOW, WOW
if it is not.
1. measles 6. Tongs
2. scissors 7. Pliers
3. gymnastics 8. Linguistics
4. pants 9. Stairs
5. physics 10. Economics
b. Divide the class into four. Give each group ¼ manila paper. Each will underline the correct nouns
that are plural in form but singular in meaning. The first group to post on the board receives the
most recognition.

1. (Measles, Measle) is a common illness among seven-year-old children and below.

2. (Economics, Economic) is Alfred’s best-liked subject
3. Is the (new, news) important to know?
 4. (Physic, Physics) is a difficult subject.
5. The (Netherland, Netherlands) is having a serious problem on population.
c. Choose the correct verb form.
1. Ethics (is, are) the study of right and wrong.
2. Aeronautics (interest, interests) my brother a lot.
3. A series of lecture and demonstration on waste management (is, are) the top project of
the Science Adventure Club.
4. Civics (deal, deals) with good citizenship.
5. The United States (is, are) one of the richest countries in the world.
d. Spell the following nouns correctly and use them in meaningful sentences. (Use show-me card)
1. measles
2. news
3. Mathematics
4. acrobatics
5. Civics

IV. Evaluation
A. Match Column A with Column B

Column A Column B
1. It is good for the body. a. mumps
2. _______ is for sociable people. b. billiards
3. ________ is a very uncomfortable disease. c. athletics
4. It is my friend’s favorite game. d. Mathematics
5. _______ is interesting if you understand it. e. politics

B. Write the correct spelling of the following nouns.

1. tonsillitis
2. Philippines
3. calisthenics
4. Physics
5. measles
V. Assignment
Use the following nouns in good sentences.
1. Economics
2. news
3. United States
4. Civics
5. electronics