Comparing options means setting two choices side by side on the same points and giving a reason for which is stronger on each. A reason after every comparison keeps your turn useful to the discussion.
This lesson follows inviting a partner into the discussion in the collaborative speaking chapter.
How do I compare on criteria?
Choose two or three points that matter, such as cost, time and benefit. For each one, say how the options differ, then give a reason. The pattern is: point, comparison, reason.
Useful frames include:
- “X is cheaper than Y, because …”
- “Y takes longer, whereas X …”
- “The main advantage of X is …, but Y offers …”
Worked example: two fundraising ideas
The task: your class chooses between a bake sale and a car wash to raise money.
Two separate descriptions (weak). “A bake sale is fun and students like cakes. A car wash is also good and people need clean cars.”
A real comparison (strong). “On cost, a bake sale needs ingredients, whereas a car wash needs only water and sponges, so the car wash is cheaper to start. On time, a bake sale needs baking the night before, but a car wash can be done on the day. However, a bake sale can reach students at school, so more of our classmates could take part.”
The strong answer uses three criteria, compares both options on each, and gives a reason in every sentence. It does not choose yet, which is fine if the discussion has not finished.
The mistake that costs marks
The slip is to name one good point for each option and stop. Your partner cannot tell which option you prefer, so the discussion goes nowhere.
| Version | Turn |
|---|---|
| Wrong | The museum is educational. The beach is relaxing. |
| Right | The museum teaches more, but the beach costs less, so if our budget is small I prefer the beach. |
The second version links both options on two criteria and ends with a choice and a condition.
Check yourself
Compare a school trip to a zoo with a trip to a history museum on two criteria. Write three sentences.
Answer
One good answer: “On learning, the museum gives more detail about local history, whereas the zoo shows animals we cannot see at home. On cost, the zoo ticket is higher than the museum ticket, so the museum is more affordable. Because our budget is limited, I would choose the museum.”
It names criteria, compares on each, and ends with a reasoned choice.
What to study next
Continue with responding and disagreeing politely, because your partner may not agree with your comparison. The English writing task checklist helps you plan comparison language before you speak.
If you want a teacher to give you fresh pairs to compare, see online one-to-one English tuition.