Students often make simple mistakes with singular and plural forms, especially in Writing Task 1. The problem is that the words used on graphs, charts and tables are usually singular.
So, the labels on a chart could be:
- single parent
- graduate
- only child
- laptop computer
But when you write a sentence, you might need to use a plural:
- The number of single parents increased.
- In 1999 nearly 55% of graduates were female.
- The UK has the highest number of only children.
- More laptop computers were sold in the UK than any other country.
Don't just copy the words from the graph or chart. Think first about how to use them correctly.
hi simon
i read your daily ans useful lesson eveyday.and i enjoy reading it. nowadays my band score is about 5-6 (speaking is the poorest one)but i want to acheive higher 7-8 / i am practising cambridge books. could you recommend me something . for example books or strategies?. what should i do?
i hope to you answer and it is very important to me.
Regards.
Posted by: Otabek | April 19, 2012 at 15:20
Hi Otabek,
You just need to keep practising and working hard. Try to follow the daily lessons on this site, use the Cambridge IELTS books for test practice, and try to find a teacher or native speaker who can check your work, correct your mistakes, and help you to improve.
Posted by: Simon | April 19, 2012 at 16:37
Thanks Simon!
This is also one of the common mistakes that my students make! I hope they can read this lesson and avoid making such mistakes over and over again!
Cheers,
Martin
Posted by: Martin | April 19, 2012 at 18:10
No problem Martin!
Posted by: Simon | April 20, 2012 at 10:11
how to practice english speaking part alone sir?
Posted by: hussain | April 20, 2012 at 10:43
Dear Simon,
whether we can use "Figures for" for chart showing some million number also? or we can use for only charts showing %?
Posted by: murali | April 25, 2012 at 18:27
Murali, you can use it for both. Simon mentioned this in one of his lessons.
Posted by: Dan | April 26, 2012 at 12:41
Thanks Dan
Posted by: murali | April 26, 2012 at 14:31