What items do you see in this picture at this restaurant table? What do you often order when you go out to eat?

Hello! My language program has a welcome party for new students every year. Many students come from different countries, and everyone brings something to share.

Some foods are sweet, and others are spicy. Students try new foods and laugh when they bite into something unusual. Sometimes, their teeth feel like they’re on fire from the spicy peppers!

During the activity, some students play card games, and other students play board games. Some students just talk with their friends. Men and women from different cultures share stories about their homes and families.

This party is for families, and some people bring their children. There are songs and music from Brazil, Japan, Peru, and many other countries, and soon everyone dances. The room is full of moving feet as people enjoy the music.

At the end of the party, students take pictures and say goodbye. They talk about their favorite foods, and favorite games, and favorite songs, and everyone smiles and makes new friends. The party is full of laughter, fun, and happy memories!

Plural nouns show that there is more than one of something. Most nouns simply add -s to form the plural (e.g., book → books, car → cars). However, some words change spelling:

• Nouns ending in -ch, -sh, -x, -s, or -z usually add -es:
  ➤ box → boxes, bus → buses
• Words ending in -o often take -es:
  ➤ tomato → tomatoes
• If a noun ends in a consonant + y, change -y to -ies:
  ➤ party → parties
• Some nouns are irregular and change completely:
  ➤ child → children, man → men

These rules help you recognize and form correct plural words in both writing and speech.

Knowing plural noun forms helps you understand everyday conversations and express yourself clearly. In real life, plurals appear in many common situations, such as:

• Talking about daily life:
  • “I have three brothers.”
  • “There are apples in the bag.”
• Making requests or offers:
  • “Can you bring the boxes?”
  • “We need more chairs.”
• Listening for details: In conversations or instructions, missing the plural -s sound can change meaning:
  • “He wants pens” vs. “He wants a pen.”

Being able to hear and use plural forms helps you sound more natural, avoid misunderstandings, and connect better with both native and non-native speakers.

Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.

Let’s practice plural nouns in everyday situations! These questions will help you listen for -s and -es sounds and talk about more than one person, place, or thing. Try to use new words from the lesson. Say the plural endings clearly so people understand you. You can practice by yourself, with a partner, or in a group.

1. Talk About Everyday Things:
   • What are some things you use every day? Use plural nouns like “books,” “keys,” or “glasses.”
     ➤ For example: “I always carry my keys and glasses.”
     ➤ For example: “I use two notebooks for school.”
2. Describe What You See:
   • Look around the room or outside. What plural things do you see?
     ➤ For example: “There are three chairs and two windows.”
     ➤ For example: “I see birds and trees outside.”
3. Talk About Your Family or Friends:
   • How many brothers, sisters, or cousins do you have? Use plural forms to describe them.
     ➤ For example: “I have two brothers. They are tall.”
     ➤ For example: “My cousins live in California. They are students.”
4. Shopping and Food:
   • What do you usually buy at the store or market?
     ➤ For example: “I buy tomatoes, potatoes, and eggs.”
     ➤ For example: “We need apples, bananas, and carrots.”
5. Talk About Activities or Classes:
   • What classes or sports do you enjoy? Use plural nouns.
     ➤ For example: “I take English and math classes.”
     ➤ For example: “My friends play soccer and video games.”