English 2 Unit 5 Comparisons

Dear all,

As mentioned yesterday, here's your activity for today's class, since I won't make it. My boy has scarlet fever, not the chickenpox, so YOU'RE ALL SAFE. Scarlet fever is not as contagious, but still contact should be limited within the first 2 days. He's doing great, it's just that fevers are higher today, so I have to take better care of him. Enjoy your luch today!

By the way, keep in mind the difference between

FURTHER: to a greater extent

FARTHER: more distance

Both of them are comparatives to FAR, but with different applications, although in SOME American English texts they are both used the same.

Exercise 1 This website offers explanations, and in the top click on the Comparison of adjectives activities for practice.

Exercise 2 This one includes "translation" activities, from Spanish to English, just to make sure we do get the structure and we have the words needed to express our ideas in English.

Video I know it's simple, but it's clear crystal if you're interested in a basic review.

But like I said, this is not only about simple and limited transformation exercises, we want to be able to use comparative and superlative forms in context, so here's a writing activity. Prepare a mind map and draft on ONE of the following situations:

· Your parents are going to buy a new car. They still have some doubts about their choice. There are two most acceptable options: Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee. You are willing to help your parents, as you can benefit from it to some extent. Compare and contrast these two cars by their price, size, performance and mileage.

· You and your friend constantly surf through the Internet in search of the information, but use different search engines. You had a bet about what search engine proves to be better: Google or Yahoo. Compare and contrast these two search engines and show your friend the objective picture of how the things are.

· You are about to enter the university. You've visited a lot of open days and you are not quite sure about your ultimate decision. There are two major universities you like most. Compare and contrast everything you've heard and everything you know about these two educational establishments.

· You are going to your summer vacation. You've already chosen a gorgeous resort for your vacation, but hesitate about the kind of transport you'll take for your trip. You are not quite sure what way of traveling is more comfortable and suitable: a bus or an airplane. Compare and contrast these two means of transportation.

· You are going to study in the USA. You don't know anything about the educational system in this country. You decide to approach to this question seriously, as your future depends directly on your choice. You try to get to know more about the educational system in the USA. You haven't decided yet whether you are ready to leave your native country. Compare and contrast educational systems in Mexico and the USA.

· Your parents will get you a computer and your two options are: a laptop or a pc. Compare and contrast characteristics of these two options and decide which one is best for you.

· Your parents are going to move to the country. You strongly object to it. For this purpose you make the comparative and contrast analysis of living in the city with living in the country.

SOURCE: http://www.goodessaytopics.com/compare-contrast-essay-topics.html

We're going to use the mind map and draft in class to prepare an essay, A good mind map and a draft are both important in the process of creative writing. Challenge yourselves in the use of English!!!

See ya on Wednesday in class.