PREPARATION

A2 • Lesson 7

Comparing Things

Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson

Target Vocabulary

Click each word to see its meaning and an example.

Key Words

bigger, smaller adjectives

Comparative forms of big and small.

"This house is bigger than that one."

better, worse adjectives

Comparative forms of good and bad.

"This book is better than that one."

the same as phrase

Equal; identical to something else.

"These shoes are the same as mine."

different from phrase

Not the same as something; unlike.

"My house is different from yours."

than preposition

Used to show comparison between two things.

"Coffee is hotter than tea."

fast, slow adjectives

Speed of something; quicker or slower.

"Cars are faster than bicycles."

hot, cold adjectives

Temperature; warmer or cooler.

"Summer is hotter than winter."

Speaking Chunks

A is bigger than B. phrase

Make a comparison showing difference.

"A cat is smaller than a dog."

They are the same. phrase

Show two things are equal or identical.

"These two books are the same."

X is better than Y. phrase

Compare quality or preference.

"Coffee is better than tea for me."

It's different because... phrase

Explain why two things are not the same.

"It's different because it's bigger."

One is... and the other is... phrase

Compare two different things.

"One is red and the other is blue."

If you compare them... phrase

Start a detailed comparison.

"If you compare them, A is bigger."

Reading: How to Compare Things

Comparing is when you say how two things are the same or different. You use comparative adjectives. These are easy words like "bigger," "faster," or "better."

To compare, you use "than." You say "A is bigger than B." You say "Coffee is hotter than tea." You compare size, speed, color, and quality. You use simple sentences with the comparative form.

You can also say things are the same. You use "the same as." You say "This book is the same as that one." Or you can say they are different. You use "different from." You say "This is different from that."

When you compare, you are clear. You say exactly what you compare. You use adjectives correctly. You use "than" after the comparative. This helps your listener understand you.

Comparing is useful in daily life. You compare prices, sizes, and qualities. You decide what to buy or what to do. Good speakers compare well. They speak clearly and use the right words.

~230 words • A2 Level

Discussion Questions

Think about these questions before your lesson.

Keyword Speaking Practice

For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.

Q1: "Compare two things you like. Which one do you prefer?"

Your 3 keywords: / /

Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.

Q2: "What is bigger: a cat or a dog?"

Your 3 keywords: / /

Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.

Q3: "What is the difference between tea and coffee?"

Your 3 keywords: / /

Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.

Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.

Start Lesson 7 →

Preparation time: ~15 minutes