Read the text using a dictionary. Put all the nouns under the two headings: Countable Nouns and Uncountable Nouns. Try to explain their number (plural or singular). Add the food words to the table in Ex. 12.

Countable Nouns

• uncle
• man
• everyone
• five
• six
• o'clock
• tongue
• tomatoes
• salad
• sausages
• fruit
• tin
• pears
• apricots
• pineapple
• cream
• custard
• pastries
• cake
• tea

Uncountable Nouns

• (afternoon) teas
• bread
• butter
• paper
• high tea
• (strong) tea

Explanation of number:

Most of the countable nouns are plural because they refer to multiple items or occurrences (e.g., 'tomatoes', 'pastries', 'teas'). Singular nouns like 'uncle', 'man', 'everyone' refer to a single entity or a collective unit. For 'tin', it's a singular container. 'High tea' and 'strong tea' are used as uncountable nouns in this context referring to the meal/drink itself rather than a specific serving or type.