DAILY BASIS ENGLISH COURSE

B1 Intermediate

Compare things

A train is usually more comfortable than a bus, but a bus can be cheaper.
By the end of this class, students will be able to compare people, places, and options using a range of comparative expressions and simple supporting details.
Contents

Introduction

A woman presenting information.

Read the comparisons and notice the different structures.

A train is faster than a bus on this route.

This apartment is not as big as the other one, but it is cheaper.

Both options are good, but the second one seems more practical.

At B1 level, comparisons should sound more natural and more balanced than simple one-word answers.

Choose the correct answer.

1. What is faster on this route?

2. How is the second apartment different?

3. How does the speaker describe the second option?

Score: 0 out of 3

Presentation

Laura: How do you usually get to work now?

Eric: These days I take the train instead of the bus.

Laura: Is it better?

Eric: In some ways, yes. It is faster and usually more comfortable.

Laura: What about the price?

Eric: It is slightly more expensive, but it is much more reliable.

Laura: That makes sense. The bus is cheaper, but it is not as punctual.

Language Focus

We can compare things with -er than, more + adjective + than, not as ... as, and pairing words like both or whereas.

Podemos comparar coisas com -er than, more + adjective + than, not as ... as e palavras como both ou whereas.

  • Direct comparison: The train is faster than the bus.
  • Long adjective: Online classes are more flexible than face-to-face classes.
  • Equal / unequal: It is not as cheap as the other one.
  • Balanced view: Both options are useful, but one is more practical.

Pronunciation + Form

Good comparison answers often include one advantage, one disadvantage, and a conclusion.

Structures
faster than
more comfortable than
not as reliable as
Modifiers
slightly
much
a bit
Balancing Language
both
however
whereas

Practice

1. A bike is usually
than a car.
2. This exercise is
interesting than the last one.
3. The first option is not as
as the second one.
4. The train is much
than the bus.
5. Both choices are useful;
, one is easier to manage.
Score: 0 out of 5
Choose the best response.

1. Which sentence compares two things clearly?

2. Which phrase shows a weaker difference?

3. Which sentence shows contrast?

4. Which sentence uses not as ... as correctly?

Score: 0 out of 4

Production

Compare the following options with a partner. Mention at least two differences and one final opinion.

  • living in a city versus living in a small town
  • studying online versus studying in person
  • traveling by bus versus traveling by train
  • working alone versus working in a team
Daily Basis English Course