Lesson Plan for Comparisons
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
Dialogue about Making 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.
Group Activity- Making Comparisons: Appropriate Responses
Divide the class into groups. The teams work together to formulate a response to the items listed below.
After discussion, one of the team members presents the response to the class. The teacher judges which
team presents the best answer based on grammar, language use, and pronunciation.
Comparison between a taxi and a motorcycle taxi
Comparison between authentic local food and local food served in tourist restaurants
The difference between large shopping malls and local traditional open markets
Compare the similarities and differences between living in two cities in your country
Compare two luxury hotels in your area
Other links for Comparisons
Comparing Things
Rules for Comparisons
Making Comparisons
Exercise- Making Comparisons
Making Comparisons Exercises
Comparisons Game
For more ideas about teaching in the hotel industry take a look at
Making comparisons using comparatives and superlatives- Hotel-tefl.com