Comparing and Contrasting - Functional Language
Practise comparing and contrasting at B2–C1 level with useful phrase patterns and short situation-based responses. A separate page of suggested answers supports checking and discussion of other appropriate responses.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Useful phrase patterns
- Situation-based response practice
- Space for written responses
- Suggested answers on page 2
Make balanced comparisons by holding the comparison criterion constant.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 2 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 2 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Use page 1 for learners and retain the suggested answers on page 2 until after independent responses.
- Choose a criterion such as flexibility, cost, detail or time for each pair before writing.
- Write comparisons using whereas, unlike, a key similarity or another displayed pattern.
- Compare the feedback methods or training/equipment responses and explain a trade-off without declaring one option best in every context.
Support and extension
Support with a two-column feature grid. Extend with two criteria and a qualified conclusion. Accept suitable invented proposals or cities; linking words cannot compensate for an unclear comparison.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
