Check how I have modified the words and whether my choices are correct

[Nonverbis]

The book: Exam Skills for Russia published by MacMillan

ISBN 978-0-2304-8659-1


The task is to modify the given words and fill the gaps.

The two cases left unmarked trouble me. The answers are: daily and presentation.

Could you help me understand whether my answers are correct or not?

The case of presentation worries me the most. I made the word plural. I thought that otherwise I'll have to place an article before that. And this is contrary to the task: we only can modify the word.

 

[emsr2d2]

I think it was very unfair for "everyday" not to be marked as correct. In that context, "daily life" and "everyday life" both work and are both based on the given word, "day".

You're right to consider that the problem with the last one was your use of the plural. It should be "some kind of presentation". No article is required after "some kind of".

 

[Nonverbis]

No article is required after "some kind of".

Could you explain why?

My reason is like this: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/presentation?q=presentation

It is case 1. Countable.

And an example given: Several speakers will be making short presentations.

Why my variant is erroneous?

 

[emsr2d2]

Could you explain why?

My reason is like based on this: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/presentation?q=presentation
It is case 1. Countable. I'm referring to example 1 - countable noun.

And an The example given is "Several speakers will be making short presentations."

Why is my variant is erroneous?

None of the examples in your link use "some kind of". That's the relevant part here. It doesn't matter whether it's followed by a countable noun or uncountable noun.

A: What are you doing tonight?
B: I'm giving some kind of presentation. (countable noun)

A: What do you think is in that tub?
B: It looks like some kind of milk. (uncountable noun)

 

[Nonverbis]

You are right. I admit. Thank you.

Let's have a look:

kind noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of kind noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com

It seems to be an idiom. The examples by the link:

We have the same kind of car.

What kind of house do you live in?

He's not that kind of man.

 

[Tarheel]

No. It's just a phrase.

I can't believe they marked "everyday" wrong. I probably would have said the same thing myself. (The phrase "everyday life" is a common, everyday phrase.)

 

[Nonverbis]

No. It's just a phrase.

Pardon. You mean "some kind of" is just a set phrase rather than an idiom?

 

[emsr2d2]

Do you mean "some kind of" is just a set phrase rather than an idiom?

It's definitely not an idiom.

 

[jutfrank]

The word some is irrelevant here. The point is that after kind(s) of, you need a singular noun.

 

[probus]

I don't know about that @jutfrank. Consider: most duck species are herbivorous but some kinds of ducks will take insects or small crustaceans.

I will admit that the last "ducks" could be singular, but I wouldm't call the plural wrong.

 

[Nonverbis]

I can support your example with an article from a dictionary:

kind noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of kind noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com

kind of somebody/something three kinds of cakes/cake

 

[probus]

I can support your example with an article from a dictionary:

kind noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of kind noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com

kind of somebody/something three kinds of cakes/cake

I'm sure @jutfrank will be suitably impressed.

 

[jutfrank]

I'm sure @jutfrank will be suitably impressed.

As a (picky) teacher, you need to have a line on this, since it's one of those issues that comes up constantly.

My line is that I teach my students not to use the plural even when the word kinds is in the plural, certainly in academic and exam English at least. I consider kinds of cakes as poor English, however common it may be. Let's remember that dictionaries have a purely descriptive approach, unlike teachers.

We should note, though, that in the context of the OP, the plural presentations is simply wrong, as it's used after a singular kind. You won't find anyone who thinks kind of cakes is acceptable to any degree, and for good reason.