INTERMEDIATE CLASS 11 – Countable and uncountable nouns

‘I wish I had plenty of time to do everything’

In this lesson, you’ll:

✓ Review and consolidate quantifiers of countable and uncountable nouns in

the context of everyday objects.

✓ Focus on the meaning of some quantifiers.

WARM UP

Let’s play: DESCRIBE THE IMAGE. Look the image below and describe what you
see. Try to focus on the quantity of the things you see.

Ex. There are a couple of trees.

DIALOGUE
Read the following conversation between two colleagues out loud with your tutor
then switch roles. Pay attention to the underlined sentences.

‘‘This is too much to do!’’

Rose: Hey Jane, what are you up to today?

Jane: Rose, I’m really stressed!
Rose: Why is that?
Jane: I have lots of homework to do and very little time to do it.
Rose: What kind of homework do you have?
Jane: Well, let’s see; history, literature and biology.
Rose: Well, that’s not so much. Is there any other homework you have?
Jane: Ah, and trigonometry.
Rose: Don't worry. I have plenty of experience in math and science, and I have a
few hours to spare this afternoon. Would you like me to help you?
Jane: Would you? I’d love that.
George: Well, let’s start working because we have too many things to do.
Rose: Sure thing!
GRAMMAR FOCUS

Today we will learn about quantifiers regarding countable and uncountable

nouns. At the same time, we will be checking on the difference of meaning
between some quantifiers.

First, let’s review the difference between countable and uncountable nouns:
Once clarified the countable and uncountable nouns, there are many useful
quantifiers that will help you to increase your vocabulary.

COUNTABLE NOUNS:
EXPLORE AND LEARN MORE
Now that some quantifiers have been discussed, there are some quantifiers that
look very similar, however, at the time of speaking, they have a different
intention.

Look at the following sentences, what do you think are the difference
intentions?

I have plenty of time vs. I have too much time.

I do plenty of exercise vs. I do enough exercise.

I visited Paris for a I visited Paris for

I visited Paris for a several days last
couple of days last vs. vs.
few days last year. year.
year.

Focus on meaning:

PLENTY OF TOO MUCH ENOUGH A COUPLE OF A FEW SEVERAL

It’s positive It’s negative It’s 2 or 3 visits 3 or More
(more than (Excessive. positive more than 4 but
needed) It isn´t (the right but a less than
needed) amount) small a lot of
number
PRACTICE

I. What makes you happy? Read the following statements and check if they
are true for you or not and why.

1. No stress.

2. A little alcohol but not too much.

3. Little work.

4. A few candies and cupcakes but not too many.

5. One or two hours outside on a sunny day.

6. A couple of good books and movies to enjoy.

7. Plenty of time with my family.

8. Several visits from my closest friends.

II. Describe the image below using quantifiers.

CONVERSATION
Watch the following video: “The world in numbers” and get ready to answer
the questions.

https://youtu.be/y2nmeKTJT_E

1. How much water is there in the planet?

2. How many species of animals are there in the planet?

3. Do the overweight people represent a big part of the population?

4. Is there a lot of people in Asia?

5. How much deforestation is happening in the world? How about carbon

emiction?

SHARE ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNT IN THIS CLASS

HOMEWORK
Imagine we're going for a picnic in the park. What do we need?

1. We need to buy _____ food for our picnic.

a. several

b. some

2. Why don't we get ______ cookies?

a. a few

b. a little

3. Let's take _____ fresh bread.

a. some

b. a few

4. It's always a good idea to have _____ water.

a. too much

b. plenty of

5. Have we got _____ money to buy everything?

a. enough

b. much

Check answers on the next page…

ANSWERS

HOMEWORK
1. B

2. A

3. A

4. B

5. A