Read the two answers to the same IELTS Speaking Part 3 question: "Do you think it's better for children to grow up in the city or in the countryside?"
1.2 Answer the questions:
1. How many basic comparatives can you find in Answer A?
2. Underline three "upgrade" structures in Answer B. (Do this on paper or in your notebook.)
3. Which linkers of contrast are used in Answer B?
4. Which answer sounds more like a native speaker discussing a complex topic?
2.1 Complete the rule box:
| When you want to say… | Use this structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a big difference | / significantly / much + comparative | far more expensive |
| a small difference | / a bit / marginally + comparative | slightly bigger |
| something is less | [adj] as | not as convenient as |
| cause and effect | [comparative]..., the [comparative]... | The more... the better... |
2.2 Match the sentence (1–6) with the function it performs (A–F). Click a number, then a letter.
3.1 Complete the sentences using a modifier from the box + the comparative form of the adjective in brackets.
1. Living in London is (expensive) living in Manchester.
2. This laptop is (light) the one I had before, so it's easier to carry.
3. The new software is (user-friendly) the old version; it took me hours to figure it out.
4. Electric cars are (quiet) petrol cars.
5. My new job pays (well) my previous one, but the hours are better.
6. The weather today is (warm) yesterday, but it's still quite chilly.
4.1 Choose the correct option (A, B or C).
1. My opinion is completely different ___ yours.
A) fromB) thanC) to
2. This model is very similar ___ the one we saw last week.
A) withB) asC) to
3. The results were not exactly the same ___ we expected.
A) likeB) asC) than
4. Women tend to live longer ___ men in most developed countries.
A) toB) fromC) than
5. His latest novel is superior ___ his previous books.
A) thanB) toC) over
6. The cost of living in Tokyo is on a par ___ London.
A) withB) toC) as
7. I'd rather work from home ___ commute for an hour every day.
A) thanB) toC) from
8. She is by far ___ student in the group.
A) the most hardworkingB) more hardworkingC) most hardworking
5.1 Match the beginning of each sentence (1–8) with the correct ending (A–H). Click a number, then a letter.
6.1 Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets. Do not change the meaning.
1. The city centre is much noisier than the suburbs. (AS)
→ The suburbs
2. I prefer reading physical books to reading e-books. (RATHER)
→ I
3. Online courses are cheaper than university degrees. (MUCH)
→ University degrees
4. My old car was fast, but my new car is faster. (EVEN)
→ My new car
5. He doesn't work as hard as his colleague. (HARDER)
→ His colleague
6. The weather in Spain is better than in the UK. (NOT)
→ The weather in the UK
7. She is the most talented designer in the agency. (FAR)
→ She is
8. Living alone is more expensive than sharing a flat. (CHEAPER)
→ Sharing a flat
7.1 Each sentence has one mistake. Click the wrong word to mark it. Three sentences are correct — for those, click "✓ No mistake".
8.1 Complete the sentences logically using the "The [comparative]..., the [comparative]..." structure.
1. The more you practice speaking English,
2. The harder you work,
3. The more expensive the restaurant,
4. The less time you spend on social media,
5. The older I get,
6. The more money they invest in education,
9.1 Read the short text about remote vs. office work. Click the correct linker or comparative structure for each gap.
10.1 Complete the sentences with true information about yourself. Use the structure shown in brackets.
1. My current city is my hometown. (far more / significantly less)
2. Learning English is not as as I thought. (adjective)
3. Unlike my friends, I . (verb phrase)
4. The more I study for IELTS, . (the more...)
5. I would rather than . (would rather... than)
6. Compared to five years ago, I am now . (comparative adjective)
7. While I enjoy , I prefer . (while)
8. My smartphone is slightly my laptop. (adjective + than)
11.1 Answer the questions below. Rule: each answer must contain at least TWO complex comparison/contrast structures.
1. Do you think people are healthier now than they were in the past?
2. How do the spending habits of teenagers differ from those of adults?
3. Is it better to work for a large company or a small startup?
4. How has the way we communicate changed over the last decade?
5. Do men and women have different approaches to solving problems?
6. How does living in a city compare to living in the countryside in terms of stress?
12.1 Write one body paragraph (80–100 words) for the following essay question:
Requirements:
Before moving to Step 3, tick what you can do confidently:
Score: ___ / 7 → if 5+, move to Step 3: +1 WHAT IF? (Conditionals)
14.1 Writing. Find an IELTS Task 2 "Discuss both views" or "Advantages/Disadvantages" prompt. Write a full essay (250+ words). Rule: use at least 6 complex comparison/contrast structures. Highlight them.
14.2 Listening. Watch a TED Talk or a YouTube video that compares two things (e.g., "iOS vs Android", "Remote work vs Office"). Write down:
14.3 Speaking. Record yourself answering 3 IELTS Part 3 questions about comparing the past and the present. Listen back. Did you use contrast linkers? If not — record again.