Bike— Part 1 Report

Suggestion: Use the past tense consistently: say “had” and “was,” not “have.” Also, “when I was charged” is incorrect; you could say “when I was young” or “at that time.” Answer the question directly first, then add a clear reason or detail. Avoid fillers such as “uh,” and use a natural expression such as “riding a bike was one of my hobbies.”

Example: Yes, I had a bike when I was a child. Riding a bike was one of my favorite hobbies, so I used to ride it around my neighborhood after school. I especially enjoyed riding with my friends on weekends.

Suggestion: Begin with a complete topic sentence and organize your explanation with a linking word such as “especially” or “because.” The answer is unfinished, so complete the reason by explaining that heavy traffic, expensive parking, or crowded public transportation makes bikes useful. Use “commuters” instead of “workers” in this context, and avoid fillers such as “you know.” Keep the answer to three or four complete sentences.

Example: Yes, bikes are quite popular in Korea, especially among children and commuters. In Seoul, many people use bicycles because the roads are often congested and parking is expensive. Some people also ride along the Han River for exercise and relaxation.

× Yes, I have a bike when I was a child because, uh, when I was charged my hobby was riding a bike.

✓ Yes, I had a bike when I was a child because, uh, when I was young, my hobby was riding a bike.

The question asks about a past situation, so the verb have must be changed to its past-tense form, had. The phrase when I was charged is not grammatically or semantically appropriate here; when I was young is the suitable expression. Use the past tense consistently when describing childhood experiences.

× Yes in Korea bikes are popular, especially for kids or workers because you know, in Seoul there are so many people who have to work every day, but it is hard to use their own car because

✓ Yes, in Korea, bikes are popular, especially for kids or workers because, you know, in Seoul there are so many people who have to work every day, but it is hard for them to use their own cars.

The pronoun their refers to people, so the noun should be plural: cars, not car. When the subject is plural and each person has a vehicle, use their own cars. Also, the original sentence ends with because, leaving the thought incomplete; finish the sentence with a complete reason.

× Yes in Korea bikes are popular, especially for kids or workers because you know, in Seoul there are so many people who have to work every day, but it is hard to use their own car because

✓ Yes, in Korea, bikes are popular, especially for kids or workers because, you know, in Seoul there are so many people who have to work every day, but it is hard for them to use their own cars.

The sentence is structurally incomplete because it ends with because without stating the reason that follows it. In addition, the phrase it is hard to use their own cars does not clearly identify who finds it hard. Use it is hard for them to use their own cars to make the sentence structure clear and complete.