Comparison Structures and Vocabulary
Practice 1: Review of comparisons
Complete the sentences below using one or more words from the box. More than one
answer may be possible for some questions.
as/as
best
worst than more less
1. English class is _________________ interesting _________________ my other
classes.
2. Psychological theories are _________________ complicated to understand
_________________ mathematical theories.
3. Some students are quieter _________________ others.
4. Essay planning is the _________________ part of my week.
5. Academic writing is not _________________ intimidating _________________ I
thought it would be.
Practice 2: Modifying your comparisons
Add an appropriate adverb from the box to the following comparative sentences. You
may use each more than once. More than one answer may be possible if you can
explain why you have chosen that adverb and any differences in meaning.
slightly
moderately
considerably
significantly
substantially
1. Online learning is _________________ more common than it was before the
COVID-19 pandemic.
2. _________________ fewer students signed up for my language club than I would
have liked.
3. Classroom management is _________________ easier with primary school
students.
4. Whereas many European countries have reported a _________________ higher
number of students studying languages this year, the UK has reported a
_________________ lower number than in previous years.
5. Is it _________________ more stimulating learning face-to-face?
6. The results from the student survey were _________________ better than I had
anticipated.
Materials by Emily J. Downes
Practice 3: Structuring your comparisons
Read the following two statements.
What can you say about:
1. the information that is presented?
2. how the information is presented?
A. Instagram is primarily used for sharing photos and short videos. Users can
“follow” any public profile, including those of celebrities. Facebook, on the other
hand, is often used for sharing “statuses” – short statements about the user’s
opinions or activities. Facebook users tend to be “friends” with people they have
met in real life rather than with public figures.
B. While Instagram is primarily used for sharing photos and short videos, Facebook
is often used for sharing “statuses” – short statements about the user’s opinions or
activities. Although Facebook users tend to be “friends” with people they have
met in real life, Instagram allows its users to “follow” any public profile,
including those of celebrities.
Depending on the purpose of your writing, you may wish to address all relevant
features of the first subject of comparison and then the second or you may wish to
compare parallel features of both. Which example did you prefer? Why? (Does this
remind you of anything else we have discussed?)
Materials by Emily J. Downes
KEY
Practice 1: Suggested answers = *
One answer possible = ~
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
English class is as interesting as/more or less interesting than my other classes.*
Educational theories are less complicated to understand than scientific theories.*
Some students are quieter than others.~
Lesson planning is the best/worst part of my week.*
Academic writing is not as intimidating as I thought it would be.~
Practice 2
Add an appropriate adverb from the box to the following comparative sentences. You may
use each more than once. More than one answer may be possible if you can explain why you
have chosen that adverb and any differences in meaning.
slightly moderately considerably significantly substantially
1.
2.
3.
4.
Online learning is significantly more common than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.~
Considerably fewer students signed up for my language club than I would have liked.*
Classroom management is slightly easier with primary school students.*
Whereas many European countries have reported a significantly higher number of students
studying languages this year, the UK has reported a slightly lower number than in previous
years.*
5. Is it substantially more stimulating learning face-to-face?*
6. The results from the student survey were moderately better than I had anticipated.*
Practice 3.
For example:
1. The information provided is parallel for each social media site. The writer has been sure to
address similar features (such as what users share) about each, rather than attempting to
compare features which are not parallel.
Materials by Emily J. Downes
2. In A, the writer describes everything about Instagram first and then the equivalent features
of Facebook. In B, each parallel feature is compared one at a time for both.
Materials by Emily J. Downes