Comparison of Adjectives - A1 Beginner

Comparison of Adjectives - A1 Beginner

• Positive degree: This is the basic form of the adjective, describing a quality without comparing it to anything else. Examples include: big, small, happy, sad, good, bad.

• Comparative degree: This form is used to compare two things. It is typically formed by adding "-er" to the positive form. Example: bigger, smaller, happier, sadder, better, worse.

• Superlative degree: This form is used to compare three or more things. It is usually formed by adding "-est" to the positive form. Examples: biggest, smallest, happiest, saddest, best, worst.

Irregular Comparison of Some Adjectives

• Some adjectives do not follow the regular "-er," "-est" pattern. Learning these irregular forms is crucial. Key examples:

  • good/better/best
  • bad/worse/worst
  • little/less/least
  • much/more/most
  • far/further/farthest (or further/furthest – both are acceptable)
  • old/older/oldest

Simple A1 Practice Exercise Focus: Identifying the Degrees

• Instructions: Read the sentences and identify which degree of the adjective is used.

  • Sentence 1: The cat is smaller than the dog. (Comparative)
  • Sentence 2: This is the best cake I've ever had. (Superlative)
  • Sentence 3: The weather is good today. (Positive)
  • Sentence 4: My red pen is worse than my blue pen. (Comparative)
  • Sentence 5: The Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris. (Superlative)

Simple A1 Practice Exercise Focus: Using the degrees in simple sentences

• Instructions: Complete the sentence with the correct form of the adjective. Use the positive, comparative, or superlative degree as appropriate.

  • Example: The book is (big) than my other books. (Answer: bigger)
  • Sentence 1: The red apple is ______(big) than the green apple.
  • Sentence 2: My bike is the ______(fast) in the neighborhood.
  • Sentence 3: My teacher is ______(kind) than other teachers.
  • Sentence 4: This house is ______(old) than that one. (Answer: older)
  • Sentence 5: This is the ______(good) movie I've seen this year.

Further Notes on A1 Level

• Context is key: Beginners should focus on easy ways to recognize comparison. The context of the sentence will help determine which degree of the adjective to use.

• Focus on common adjectives: Initially focus on frequently used adjectives for example "big," "small," "good," "bad," "happy," "sad," "fast," "slow."

• Avoid complex comparisons: Avoid double comparisons (e.g., more bigger). Stick to the basic rules.

• Use visuals: Pictures and real-world examples can help. Show students objects or scenarios where appropriate degrees of adjectives can be used.

• Simple practice: Repeated practice with short sentences is crucial. The focus is on understanding and appropriate usage, not memorization of overly complex rules.

Additional Considerations for A1 Students

• "Than" usage: Emphasize the use of "than" when comparing.
• Pronunciation: Ensure correct pronunciation of both regular and irregular comparative and superlative forms.
• Understanding degrees: Help them understand the difference the degrees imply about the qualities being described.