Making Comparisons
Lesson Plans
Activities Work Sheets
As a hotel representative you may be asked by a guest to make a comparison between two
or more things. For example a guest may want to know which is a better restaurant for local
cuisine or which night club has a better live band or which beach is the calmest for swimming.
In each of these cases you will be using comparatives and superlatives. Comparatives are used
to indicate which of two things is better or worse. Superlatives are used to indicate which of
three or more items is the best or worst.
Comparatives and superlatives
Comparatives are formed by either adding -er or -ier to the end of a word (Add -er if the word
ends in a consonant. Add -ier if the word ends in a y (change the y to i and add -er) or by
adding more or less before the word. A simple rule to follow when deciding whether to
use -er (-ier) or add more or less if the word is three or more syllables, use more or less.
If the word is two syllables or less use -er (-ier ). This rule is a guide only and some
words do not follow it.
big bigger small smaller heavy heavier
busy busier beautiful more beautiful common more common
Superlatives are formed by adding -est to the end of the word or by using most or least before the word. The same syllable rule applies here in deciding to use -est or most or least.
wise wisest fast fastest quiet quietest
simple simplest anxious most anxious diligent most diligent
Point to remember
When using the superlative you always, always, always use THE before the superlative, for
example the best live band, the calmest beach, or the least spicy dish.
Dialogue- Comparisons
Guest: Which sarong looks better- the blue one or the red one?
Staff: I think the blue one suits you better.
Guest: Which hotel is the best place to stay at in Phuket?
Staff: I think the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa is better. It’s a little more expensive,
but it’s closer to the beach and the facilities and accommodations are much nicer.
Guest: Which do you think is the most convenient form of transportation in Phuket-
Tuk Tuk’s or taxis?
Staff: Well Tuk Tuk’s are much easier to find and are a lot cheaper, but taxis are air
conditioned.
Guest: Where’s the best place to go to listen to live music in Patong?
Staff: Well that depends on your taste in music. If you like Jazz and the Blues then the
Saxophone Pub and restaurant is the place to go. If you prefer mellower piano
music, then Rico’s Piano Bar may be better.
Guest: Which mall is the best place to buy clothes- Central Festival or Lotus?
Staff: In my opinion, Central Festival has more variety and better quality clothes than Lotus.
Conversation Activities- Comparisons
1. Practice using the above expressions by having a dialogue similar to the ones above with
a partner, one partner taking the role of the guest and the other the role of the staff.
For additional practice, switch roles. Practice the dialogue several times, trying to use
all of the expressions noted above.
Remember that one the of best was to improve your English skills
is to use the language over and over again. It may sound boring and
tedious but it works to make the language readily accessible for
use when needed.
2. Role play the following situations with a partner, one person taking the role of the guest
asking about the items below and the other person taking the role of a hotel staff.
The staff should give two or three suggestions (to give the guests options) for each
item and talk about their similarities and differences.
Guest wants to know the difference between two restaurants
Guest wants to know the difference between two beaches
Guest wants to know the best place to go for souvenirs
Guest wants to know a good place for dancing
Guest wants to know a good place for Chinese food
Guest wants to know a good place for clothes shopping
Guest wants to know a good place for scenic sunsets
Guest wants to know a good place for live music
Other Links
