Use this activity to practice the use of comparatives and superlatives and to introduce more complex ways of comparison.

Author
Derek Spafford

As a sub aim it also revises various lexical sets depending on the things to be compared. It can be adapted to be used for all ages although it is essential that some previous introduction to comparatives and superlatives has been done.

Activity type: Group work

Level: A2+

Age: All

Materials

  • Copies of the three of a kind template. You can download this below.

Procedure

  • Choose 3 students and ask them to come to the front of the class.
  • Ask the class how each student is different. This should elicit comparative structures for example ‘Student A is taller that student B’ and ‘Student B has longer hair than student C’. It should also elicit superlatives such as ‘Student C is the tallest’ and ‘Student B has the biggest feet’.
  • Write these structures on the board and elicit the various rules when making comparisons. Depending on level you may also see fit to introduce other structures such as ‘Student A is as tall as student B’. This will depend on the ability of your class
  • You can now ask students to directly comment on what the students are wearing. Examples sentences such as ‘They are all wearing blue jeans’ may occur. Again write all these sentences on the board. 
  • When they are done ask three more students come up and draw the people according to the descriptions on the board. This provides a fun, kinaesthetic part of the activity and allows an opportunity to be somewhat creative. 
  • Now put students into groups of three, give out the ‘Three of a kind?’ template and ask them to do the same in their groups. Each group should have the same exact sentences as this encourages collaboration however the pictures will be different. Set a time limit and monitor.
  • When finished put the finished sheets on the walls and encourage students to walk around, read and add any more comparatives they can think of.

Extension

  • Students could choose a form of transport, draw it and compare it with each other. They could also bring photos in of family members. Younger learners may enjoy doing the same thing with animals.
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