Common English Mistakes in Lesson Plans by Cantonese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Cantonese speakers from Hong Kong when writing a Lesson Plan in English.

Mistake Example #1

Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')

Lesson Plan: Today, we will discussabout the importance of water in our daily life. Students will learn how water is essential for many activities, and they will be encouraged to share their own experiences. We will also have muchany activities to help students understand the concept better, including a group discussion and a hands-on experiment.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Watch out for the use of "many" and "much" when using these words with countable vs. uncountable nouns."

Lesson Plan: Today, we will discuss the importance of water in our daily life. Students will learn how water is essential for many activities, and they will be encouraged to share their own experiences. We will also have many activities to help students understand the concept better, including a group discussion and a hands-on experiment.

Lesson Plan: Today, we will discuss about the importance of water in our daily life. Students will learn how water is essential for many activities, and they will be encouraged to share their own experiences. We will also have much activities to help students understand the concept better, including a group discussion and a hands-on experiment.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Today's lesson plan is about teaching students how to write a story. First, we will discuss about thestory structure, includingthe beginning, middle, and end. After that, thestudents will create their own storyies using the words they learn in class. Remember to encourage them to use theirimaginations and not to beafraid tof makeing a mistake.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Great job! I just made some changes so the English would read more naturally."

Today's lesson plan is about teaching students how to write a story. First, we will discuss story structure, including the beginning, middle, and end. After that, the students will create their own stories using the words they learn in class. Remember to encourage them to use their imaginations and not to be afraid of making a mistake.

Today lesson plan is about teaching students how to write a story. First, we will discuss about the story structure, including beginning, middle, and end. After that, students will create their own story using the words they learn in class. Remember to encourage them to use imagination and not afraid to make mistake.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

In today's lesson plan, we will focus on teaching students how to write verygood essays. It isvery important that students understand the structure of a verywell-organized essay, so we will spend avery long time discussing the introduction, body, and conclusion. By the end of the lesson, students should feel veryconfident in their ability to write veryeffective essays.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I removed the word "very" because it isn't necessary to express the ideas in this text."

In today's lesson plan, we will focus on teaching students how to write good essays. It is important that students understand the structure of a well-organized essay, so we will spend a long time discussing the introduction, body, and conclusion. By the end of the lesson, students should feel confident in their ability to write effective essays.

In today's lesson plan, we will focus on teaching students how to write very good essays. It is very important that students understand the structure of a very well-organized essay, so we will spend a very long time discussing the introduction, body, and conclusion. By the end of the lesson, students should feel very confident in their ability to write very effective essays.