Could it be an appropriate question and appropriate answers?

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Hi teachers,This is the context and assuming that 'she' is Marta: What’s happening to this country?’ she said. ‘I don’t know. I didn’t like the old President. He was old and stupid. There’s never much food in the shops. When did I last eat some good meat?’ she said angrily.‘I work every day, and what do I get? Nothing!’Could it be an appropriate question and appropriate answers?According to Marta, how much food is there in the shops?a) There's never much (food).b) There isn't much (food).Thanks in advance.

Shawn79 · Accepted Answer

Thinking SpainAccording to Marta, how much food is there in the shops?a) There's never much (food).b) There isn't much (food).

I think this confuses quantity with frequency. When you ask simply "how much food" both answers a) & b) are correct in my mind. Of course answer a) more closes matches what Marta said regarding the frequency -- never, but I wouldn't consider answer b) wrong. That "there isn't much" in the shops is true.

You could change answer b) or rephrase the question to something like "what did Marta say about the food in the shops?" Then the answer must match her words in quantity and frequency. Or "what did Marta say about how often there is food in the shops?" A) There's never much. B) There's sometimes much.

It's a technicality. I may be too critical.

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Shawn79"what did Marta say about the food in the shops?" Then the answer must match her words in quantity and frequency. Or "what did Marta say about how often there is food in the shops?" A) There's never much. B) There's sometimes much. Love them!

Hi Shawn,
Thank you so much for your detailed reply.

It's a technicality. I may be too critical. No you aren't! That's what I need, precise and constructive criticism, like yours.

TS

Could it be an appropriate question and appropriate answers?

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