Comparing People, Places and Quantities Clearly.

In this lesson you learn to compare people, places and things more precisely and to talk about quantities in everyday contexts. You start by looking at adverts, reviews and simple charts that compare products, cities or lifestyles. You notice how speakers and writers use longer and shorter adjectives with words like more, less and the most. You practise comparing two or more options, for example different flats, holiday destinations or phones, and giving reasons for your preferences. You also work with basic quantifiers such as much, many, a lot of, few and enough, and you see these used in simple descriptions of data and trends. A final writing task asks you to compare two options that matter to you and recommend one. By the end, you can explain similarities and differences and describe amounts clearly.

1. Comparing two cities in adverts.

We are going to start this lesson with a very real situation. Imagine your friend is thinking about moving to the UK for work, and you are helping them choose between two cities: Northport and Sunford. On the screen, you will see short adverts for each city, just like on a relocation website. The adverts already use lots of comparison language, for example bigger than, more expensive than, and the most exciting. As you read, do not worry about every new word. Focus on who or what is being compared, and which option sounds better and why. After you read, I will ask you to answer a few comprehension questions and then write some of your own comparative sentences, using the ideas from the adverts. This will help you notice how English speakers naturally compare places, which is exactly what you need for talking about cities, jobs or products in your own life.

1. Northport or Sunford? Reading real comparisons.

Imagine your friend Sara wants to move to the UK. She has two possible cities: Northport and Sunford. She finds these adverts on a relocation website.

Ad A: Discover Northport.

Northport is bigger than many coastal towns, but it still feels friendly. The city centre is modern and the rent is cheaper than in most large cities. There are a lot of parks and green areas, and there are fewer cars in the city centre because many people cycle to work. The nightlife is good, but it is less busy than in some big student cities, so it is easier to relax. Overall, Northport is the best choice if you want a calm life in a growing city.

Ad B: Experience Sunford.

Sunford is one of the most exciting cities in the region. It is smaller than Northport, but it feels very lively. There are more restaurants and cafés in the centre, and the music scene is getting more popular every year. Sunford is more expensive than Northport, and there is a lot of traffic at rush hour. However, the train station is the busiest in the area, so it is easy to travel. Sunford is perfect if you prefer an active social life.

2. Noticing comparison language.

Look again at the sentences in bold. They compare:

• size: bigger than, smaller than
• price: cheaper than, more expensive than
• quantity: a lot of parks, more restaurants, fewer cars
• quality or degree: less busy than, the most exciting, the best choice

When we compare two things, we usually use forms like:

• bigger than, smaller than, cheaper than, more exciting than, less busy than

When we talk about the number one thing in a group, we often use:

• the biggest, the most exciting, the best, the busiest

You will explore the forms in more detail in the next block. For now, focus on the meaning: which city sounds calmer, which one sounds livelier, and which one might be better for Sara?

Practice & Feedback

Read the two adverts for Northport and Sunford in detail in the box below. Then, in your answer:

1. Say which city you think is better for Sara and give two reasons, using your own words.
2. Write three comparative sentences about the cities. For example, you can talk about size, price, transport, nightlife or parks. Try to use patterns like bigger than, more X than, less X than or the most X.
3. Write at least 5–6 full sentences in total.

Do not worry about being perfect. Focus on being clear and using some of the comparison phrases you saw. I will check your ideas, your use of comparatives and superlatives, and help you sound more natural.

2. Practising comparative and superlative forms.

You have already seen lots of comparison language in the adverts, so now let us slow down and look at the patterns more closely. When we compare two things, we normally use the comparative form, like bigger than, cheaper than or more modern than. When we talk about number one in a group, we use the superlative form, like the biggest, the most modern or the best. The spelling and structure change depending on the adjective. Short adjectives usually add er or est, for example cheap, cheaper, the cheapest. Longer adjectives use more or most, for example interesting, more interesting, the most interesting. There are also a few irregular ones like good, better, the best and bad, worse, the worst. On the screen you will see some simple rules and examples. Then, you will practise by writing the comparative and superlative forms of some common adjectives. This will help you compare people, places and products more confidently.

1. How to form comparatives and superlatives.

We use comparatives to compare two people, places or things.

• London is bigger than my home town.
• This phone is cheaper than that one.

We use superlatives to talk about number one in a group.

• She is the tallest in the family.
• This is the most interesting book I have read.

A. Short adjectives (one syllable).

With short adjectives like small, tall, cheap, fast we usually:

• add -er for the comparative
• add -est for the superlative

Examples:

• small → smaller than → the smallest
• cheap → cheaper than → the cheapest
• fast → faster than → the fastest

Be careful with spelling:

• big → bigger than → the biggest
• hot → hotter than → the hottest

B. Longer adjectives (two or more syllables).

With longer adjectives like modern, expensive, comfortable, interesting we usually use more and most:

• modern → more modern than → the most modern
• expensive → more expensive than → the most expensive
• interesting → more interesting than → the most interesting

C. Irregular forms.

A few adjectives are irregular:

• good → better than → the best
• bad → worse than → the worst
• far → further than → the furthest

2. Using "than" and articles.

When you make a comparative sentence, you normally use than:

• Northport is cheaper than Sunford.
• My sister is taller than me.

With superlatives, we usually use the:

• Sunford is the most exciting city in the region.
• Overall, this is the best choice for us.

In the activity, you will practise making these forms so they become natural for you.

Practice & Feedback

Use the explanation above and the list of adjectives in the box to practise the forms. In your answer, write both the comparative and the superlative for each adjective.

For example, for small you would write: smaller than, the smallest.

Please:

1. Read the list of adjectives below.
2. For each adjective, write a line with its comparative and superlative.
3. Then, choose two adjectives and write a full sentence comparing cities, people or products. For example: This flat is cheaper than that one, or She is the most helpful person in my family.

Try to write at least 8–10 lines in total. Focus on correct forms and using than and the correctly.

3. Talking about quantities and simple data.

Comparing things is not only about bigger or smaller, cheaper or more expensive. Very often, we also need to talk about **how much** or **how many** something we have. In English, we use quantifiers such as much, many, a lot of, few, a few, little, a little, less and fewer to describe quantities. These words are really useful when we talk about cities, money, time, work, or even statistics and trends. On the screen, you will see a simple table that compares life in Northport and Sunford. We will use it to make sentences like, there are a lot of parks, there is less traffic, or we have much more work this week. Then you will listen to a short description of the same data. Your task will be to write a few sentences comparing the two cities using quantifiers. This will help you describe real information clearly and naturally.

1. Quantities in real life.

When people compare cities, jobs or products, they often talk about amounts:

• There are a lot of people in the shop.
• There is less traffic in my new street.
• We have much more work this week.
• There are fewer cars in my street now.

These words are called quantifiers. They help you say if there is a big amount, a small amount, or not enough of something.

2. A simple table: Northport vs Sunford.

Imagine this information from a website:

From this, we can say:

• Northport has more people than Sunford.
• Sunford has more restaurants than Northport.
• There are a lot of parks in Northport, but there are fewer parks in Sunford.
• There are more cars in Sunford, so there is more traffic.
• *There are more buses in Northport, so public transport is better.

We can also talk about not enough or too much:

• There is too much traffic in Sunford.
• There are not enough parks in Sunford.

3. Quick guide to common quantifiers.

• a lot of (or lots of) – big quantity, countable or uncountable nouns
• There are a lot of cafés. / There is a lot of noise.
• many – big quantity, countable nouns (often in questions and negatives)
• There are not many buses at night.
• much – big quantity, uncountable nouns (often in questions and negatives)
• There is not much green space.
• few / fewer – small quantity, countable
• There are few museums. / There are fewer cars now.
• little / less – small quantity, uncountable
• There is little crime. / There is less crime than before.

In the activity, you will listen and then write some sentences using these words.

Practice & Feedback

First, listen carefully to the short description of Northport and Sunford in the audio below. You will hear information about population, parks, restaurants, cars and buses. Do not worry if you do not catch every number. Focus on the comparisons and the quantifiers that you hear, such as a lot of, fewer, less, more, too much and not enough.

Then, in your answer:

1. Write 3–4 sentences comparing Northport and Sunford using quantifiers.
2. Try to use at least three different quantifiers (for example: a lot of, many, fewer, less, not enough, too much).
3. Base your sentences on the information you heard and the table on the screen.

Aim for clear, simple sentences. I will check if your quantifiers match the nouns and if your comparisons are logical.

4. Explaining your preference with reasons.

You can now compare cities quite well, and you can talk about quantities using quantifiers. The next step is to **give your opinion** and explain which option you prefer and why. This is very useful in everyday life: choosing where to live, which course to study, or which product to buy. On the screen, you will see a model paragraph where someone chooses between Northport and Sunford. Notice the structure: there is a clear opening sentence, then two or three comparative reasons, one small disadvantage, and finally a recommendation. Also notice how the writer uses phrases like I prefer, I like this city because, and overall. After reading, you will write a similar paragraph, choosing the city you prefer for yourself. Try to reuse some of the chunks from the model, but adapt them to your own ideas.

1. From comparison to opinion.

Comparing options is only the first step. In real life, people want to know: So, which one do you prefer? To answer this, it helps to follow a simple structure.

Model paragraph.

> Personally, I prefer Northport. It is bigger than Sunford, but it feels calmer because there are fewer cars in the centre. The rent is cheaper than in Sunford, so it is easier to live there on a normal salary. There are a lot of parks and green areas, which is important for me, because I like running in the evening. The nightlife is less busy than in some big cities, but that is fine, because I do not go out very often. Overall, Northport is the best choice for me because it is more relaxed and less expensive than Sunford.

2. Noticing useful chunks.

In this paragraph, the writer uses several useful phrases:

• Personally, I prefer…
• It is bigger than… but it feels…
• … is cheaper than …, so …
• There are a lot of …, which is important for me because …
• Overall, … is the best choice for me because …

These chunks help you sound more natural and organised. Notice how the writer gives reasons, not just opinions.

3. A simple structure for your own paragraph.

You can follow this structure:

Opening sentence: say which city you prefer.

• Personally, I prefer Northport. / I like Sunford more than Northport.

Reason 1: compare something important for you (price, size, transport, parks, restaurants, nightlife).

• It is cheaper than… / It is more exciting than…

Reason 2: compare another thing and explain why it matters.

• There are more… which is important because…

Small disadvantage (optional): show you can see both sides.

• It is more expensive, but…

Final recommendation: repeat your choice.

• Overall, this is the best choice for me.

In the activity, you will write your own paragraph following this pattern.

Practice & Feedback

Think about you, not Sara now. Imagine you can choose to live in Northport or in Sunford. Read the model paragraph again in the box below to remind yourself of the structure.

Then, write one full paragraph (about 90–120 words) where you:

1. Say clearly which city you prefer.
2. Give at least two comparative reasons (for example: cheaper, more exciting, less noisy, more parks, fewer cars, more restaurants).
3. Use quantifiers where possible (for example: a lot of, fewer, less, not enough).
4. Optionally mention one small disadvantage.
5. Finish with a sentence starting with something like Overall, or In the end,.

Try to reuse some phrases like Personally, I prefer… or Overall, this is the best choice for me, but change the details so it is really your opinion.

5. Giving advice in a chat about two flats.

Let us move to a slightly different situation, but with the same language. This time, imagine your friend messages you because they cannot decide between two flats to rent. They send you the basic information about each flat, and they ask for your opinion. In real life, you might reply in a chat app with a few short messages, comparing the options and recommending one. On the screen, you will see descriptions of Flat A and Flat B, plus an example of a short chat. Notice how the writer uses comparatives, superlatives and quantifiers in friendly, informal sentences. In the activity, you will write your own chat-style reply, giving advice to your friend. This is good practice for helping people choose products, courses or services too, not only flats.

1. The situation: two possible flats.

Your friend Alex sends you these details.

Flat A – Riverside Court

• Rent: £800 per month
• Size: 40 m², one bedroom
• Location: 25 minutes from the centre by bus
• Area: quiet, with a park nearby and fewer cars
• Building: older, but comfortable

Flat B – City View Apartments

• Rent: £950 per month
• Size: 35 m², studio
• Location: 5 minutes from the centre on foot
• Area: very busy, a lot of traffic and people
• Building: modern, with a gym in the building

2. Example chat messages.

> Alex: Hi! I have found two flats, but I cannot decide. What do you think?

>

> You: Well, Flat A is cheaper than Flat B and it is bigger, so it feels more comfortable. There are fewer cars and there is a park, so it is quieter.

>

> You: But Flat B is closer to the centre and the building is more modern. The gym is great, but the rent is more expensive and there is a lot of traffic.

>

> You: Overall, I think Flat A is the best choice for you because it is cheaper and quieter.

3. Language tips for friendly advice.

In chat messages, we still use clear comparison language, but we keep sentences short and friendly.

Useful chunks:

• Flat A is cheaper than Flat B.
• Flat B is closer to the centre.
• This flat is the most comfortable.
• There are fewer cars and a lot of green space.
• There is too much noise in that area.
• Overall, I think Flat A is the best choice for you.

In the activity, you will write your own chat-style answer to Alex using several short messages rather than one long formal paragraph.

Practice & Feedback

Read the information about Flat A and Flat B again in the box below so you remember the details. Then imagine Alex has just asked you, "Which flat should I choose?" and you are answering in a chat app.

Write your answer as if it is a short chat, not a formal letter. You can write 3–6 short messages, each on a new line, for example:

> Flat A is cheaper than Flat B, so it is better if you want to save money.

> But Flat B is closer to the centre, and the building is more modern.

Include:

1. At least three comparative sentences about price, size, location or noise.
2. At least one sentence with a quantifier, like a lot of, fewer, less, too much or enough.
3. A final message starting with Overall, or In my view, recommending one flat.

I will reply as Alex and also give you feedback on your English.

6. Final task comparing two real options.

You have compared cities, described quantities and given advice about flats in a chat. For the final step in this lesson, you will bring everything together in one short piece of writing. This time, you will choose your own topic. It could be two cities you know, two jobs you are considering, two courses, two products such as phones, or even two lifestyles, for example living in a big city versus living in a small town. Your goal is to compare the options clearly and recommend one. On the screen, you will see a simple checklist to guide you, plus some useful chunks from the lesson. Use comparatives, superlatives and quantifiers to make your explanation more precise. When you finish, I will give you detailed feedback to help you make your comparison even clearer and more natural in English.

1. Choose your own comparison.

Now it is your turn to control the topic. Choose two real or imaginary options that are interesting or important for you at the moment. For example:

• Two cities you know well
• Two jobs or study programmes
• Two phones, laptops or other devices
• Two different lifestyles (for example, living in the city vs living in the countryside)

You will write a short text comparing them and recommending one.

2. Checklist for your final text.

Use this checklist to plan your writing:

Introduction

• Say what you are comparing.
• Example: In this text I will compare London and my home town.

First comparison point

• Compare something clear: price, size, convenience, atmosphere.
• Use a comparative: London is bigger than…, This job is more interesting than…

Second comparison point

• Compare another aspect: time, people, opportunities, comfort.
• Use quantifiers: There are a lot of…, There is less…, There are fewer…

Optional third point

• Mention a disadvantage of your favourite option.

Recommendation

• Choose your favourite and explain why.
• Use chunks like: I prefer…, Overall, this is the best choice for me/us.

3. Useful chunks to reuse.

Try to include several of these in your text:

• This one is cheaper than that one.
• … is bigger than …
• It is the most comfortable option.
• There are fewer problems with…
• We have much more work this week. (you can adapt this pattern)
• There is not enough time / space / money.
• I prefer X to Y because…
• That option is less expensive.
• Let us compare the two offers.
• Overall, this is the best choice for us.

In the activity, you will use this checklist to write a connected text that shows you really can compare people, places and quantities clearly.

Practice & Feedback

Choose two options that you would like to compare. They can be cities, jobs, courses, products, flats, or lifestyles. Think for a moment about two or three important differences between them.

Then write a short text of about 120–150 words where you:

1. Introduce what you are comparing.
2. Use at least three comparative structures (for example: bigger than, more modern than, less noisy than).
3. Use at least two quantifiers (for example: a lot of, many, much, fewer, less, not enough, too much).
4. Include one superlative sentence if possible (for example: This is the best choice for me or It is the most comfortable option).
5. Finish with a clear recommendation explaining which option you prefer and why.

You can write in simple paragraphs or as one longer paragraph. Focus on clear comparisons and reasons. I will check your language and help you upgrade some sentences.