Talking About Numbers

When learning a language numbers are some of the first things new learners have to learn. Most learner quickly grasp the basic counting system.

However numbers in use can be more complex and ESL students can gets confused as to how to read and/or speak about numbers when they are part of dates, currencies, percentages, decimals, fractions etc. Often learners adopt apply the habits of their native language when talking about numbers, but this may not be the way English is spoken.

This app aims to help learners of English to talk about numbers the way native speakers talk about them. It is suitable for those with upper elementary English and above who are looking to improve their spoken English.

This app has two modes: ‘Test’ and ‘Flashcard’:

The ‘Test’ mode features four multiple choice answers for every question. You can choose to take a test of 10, 20 or 50 questions at a time. You will be given a running score as you move through the test. Even though there are sometimes more than one way to talk about a number correctly, there will only be one correct answer given in the set of four possible answers. You will find that as you use the app the question will reappear and a new set of answers will be given when this arises.

‘Flashcard’ mode is for more confident students. In this mode you will only see the question and it is up to you to think or say the answer, before flipping over the card to see if you are correct.

Things to note:

Repetition is a powerful learning tool. By taking tests or using the flashcards you will create learnt memories which you can apply in your everyday speaking.
The app will only tell you if your answer to a multiple choice correction is right or wrong. It won’t explain why you got it right or got it wrong. As you work through the tests you will see patterns emerge amongst correct answers and from this we expect you to learn that there is simply a right way and wrong ways to talk about numbers in English. Remember - repetition is a powerful learning tool.
When writing large numbers commas are used to separate the hundreds and thousands (e.g. 1,842). When there is no comma it means the number is a year (e.g. 1842)
British-English spelling has been used in this app
As mention above, sometimes there are more than one way to say a number. When this is the case the flashcard mode will give you multiple answers. But with multiple choice questions only one answer will ever be correct. You will see the question again with different answers as you take more tests.

Big Tick is all about improving your English. We want you to use our apps to help you get a ‘Big Tick’ for your English studies. So follow us on Twitter @BigTickHK or Weibo @BigTick

Improve your English with better command of vocabulary, grammar and expressions and thus improve your chances of doing well at such ESL tests as IELTS, TOEFL, BULATS and TOEIC.