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General English · Speaking · A2

Comparing places, things and experiences

Compare two options using clear features and a personal preference.

Lesson 8 · About 18 minutes

Learn: your objectives

  • Compare the same feature across two options.
  • Explain a preference with a reason.

Warm-up

Think about these questions. Say a short answer aloud.

  • Do you prefer travelling by train or bus?
  • What makes one café better for you than another?

Useful language

Two options

A is … than B.

Compare a shared feature.

The train is faster than the bus.

Both are …

Mention a similarity.

Both are easy to book.

I'd choose … because …

Explain your decision.

I'd choose the bus because it stops near my house.

Notice: model speaking

Read aloud. Notice how the speakers use the phrases and respond to each other.

Said: Shall we take the train or the bus?

Lucy: The train is faster, but the bus is cheaper.

Said: Are they both direct?

Lucy: Yes. I'd choose the bus because we're not in a hurry.

Said: That makes sense. We can spend the extra money on lunch.

Speaking strategy

Choose two useful features, such as price and time. Avoid switching the comparison halfway through: compare price with price, not price with comfort.

Pronunciation & fluency focus

Use contrast stress: ‘The TRAIN is faster, but the BUS is cheaper.’ A short pause before but makes the contrast easier to hear.

Teaching guidance, not an analysis of your voice.

Use: controlled practice

Choose a useful response for each situation. Check when all questions are answered. These are phrase exercises, not a speaking assessment.

1. The train costs £20; the bus costs £12. Which comparison is supported?
2. Compare comfort using the same feature.
3. Both cafés open at eight. State the similarity.
4. You value quiet more than price. Choose a supported preference.
5. You liked two museums for different reasons. Give a balanced comparison.

Build your answer

Write a few keywords. Then look away and speak. Notes stay on this page only.

Speak: your challenge

Compare two places to study for one minute. Mention a similarity, two differences and which you would choose for a quiet afternoon.

Use real or imagined places. Make the reason for your preference clear.

Speak aloud. This page does not record, listen to or assess your speech. There is no automatic speaking score.

Self-check

Open to everyone. Answers, notes and checklists are not saved to an account. These original lessons use level labels to organize learning; completion is not official CEFR certification or proof of a level.