There was...
There was one cat in the yard yesterday.
Three dogs in the park.
There were three dogs in the park.
There was a problem.
Was there a problem?
She / watch TV
She was watching TV.
Was there a dog outside? (Yes)
Yes, there was.
There was a loud noise during the night.
Many people at the party.
There were many people at the party.
There were two cats outside.
Were there two cats outside?
They / play soccer
They were playing soccer.
Were there any cookies left? (No)
No, there weren't.
One teacher in the classroom this morning
There was one teacher in the classroom this morning.
Two tests last week.
There were two tests last week.
There was a movie last night.
Was there a movie last night?
I / study English
I was studying English.
Were they playing basketball? (Yes)
Yes, they were.
A big storm last weekend.
There was a big storm last weekend.
Five apples on the table.
There were five apples on the table.
There were many students absent.
Were there many students absent?
We / eat dinner
We were eating dinner.
Was she sleeping? (No)
No, she wasn't
A long line at the store yesterday.
There was a long line at the store yesterday.
Several problems in the math homework.
There were several problems in the math homework.
There was a reason for the mistake.
Was there a reason for the mistake?
The children / run in the park
The children were running in the park.
Were there many people at church? (Yes)
Yes, there were.