Rustamov, K. (2017). Twins Girls Sisters Grass Russia Moscow Beautiful [photo]. Retrieved on 2017, March 31 from https://pixabay.com/photo-1706539/
It is always a good idea to know how to compare different nouns, but what happens if you are comparing and find no difference?
Before you need to use them, it is a good idea to learn how to make comparisons of equality. In this unit, you will first explore the form.
Then, you will do some practice exercises.
Next, you will be given different situations where you will be using the structure as + noun + as for comparing people, buildings, objects and places in grammar, writing, listening, reading and speaking exercises.
At this point, it is essential that you already know the use of the verb to be (in the present), and that you are familiar with adjectives and comparative forms in English.
It is always a good idea to know how to compare different nouns, but what happens if you are comparing and find no difference?
By the end of this topic you will:
• Understand and express the equality between two nouns, using the correct comparative form, to establish relations between different people, objects and places.
When you want to express that two nouns are equal, it is possible to use the following comparative form “as + adjective/adverb + as".
It is a way comparing two nouns in an equal way.
Pérez Escobedo, L. J. (2017). Yus and Sandra. [photo]
Equality
When the nouns you are comparing are not equal, you can use the negative form:
Pérez Escobedo, L. J. (2017). Yus and Sandra not. [photo]
Once you have learned how to use the rules, everything will be much easier to communicate.
Imgur. (2015). Just got accepted to a graduate program. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee [GIF]. Retrieved on 2017, March 31 from https://imgur.com/fl8VsCp
This is… Goyo!
Pérez Escobedo, L. Ja. (2017). Goyo [photo]
Goyo is a golden retriever. He is very no only sympathetic and energetic, but also very playful.
And this is… Bruno!
Pérez Escobedo, L. J. (2017). Bruno [photo]
Bruno is a mischievous and very energetic boxer who hates cats.
Now that you know the characters of today’s lesson. Let’s check the steps needed to express a comparison of equality.
1. You always need a first noun.
Example:
Goyo
2. If this noun is singular, make sure to have an agreement between your noun and the verb (Mary- is/was, John- is/was, but Mary and John- are/were)
Example:
Goyo
is
3. Use “as” (meaning “tan” in Spanish).
Example:
Goyo
is
as
4. Use the adjective in simple form (dictionary form, for example: as good, as intelligent, as bad, as new, etc.)
Example:
Goyo
is
as
playful
5. Use “as” (meaning now “como” in Spanish).
Example:
Goyo
is
as
playful
as
6. Use the 2nd noun to complete the comparison.
Example:
Goyo
is
as
playful
as
Bruno.
Pérez Escobedo, L. J. (2017). Goyo and Bruno [photo]
In the negative form, the only difference is the use of a negative auxiliary.
1. Use the first noun.
Example:
Goyo
2. If this noun is singular, make sure to have an agreement between your noun and the auxiliary verb in negative.
Example:
Goyo
isn’t
3. Use “as” meaning “tan” in Spanish.
Example:
Goyo
isn’t
as
4. Use the adjective in simple form (dictionary form, for example: as good, as intelligent, as bad, as new, etc.)
Example:
Goyo
isn’t
as
young
5. Use “as” meaning now “como” in Spanish.
Example:
Goyo
isn’t
as
young
as
6. Use the 2nd noun to complete the comparison.
Example:
Goyo
isn’t
as
young
as
Bruno.
Pérez Escobedo, L. J. (2017). Goyo and Bruno not [photo]
Remember when using a comparison of equality, all the adjectives should be in the simple form (with no modifications).
Activity 1
Let's start by testing the rules of the game!
Comparison of equality is the ideal structure to identify and establish relations between different people, objects and places of daily life.
According to what you have learned previously, write the equality form using the adjectives in the parenthesis. Look at the pictures so you can have more information.
Be careful when writing your answers. Don’t include extra spaces or characters.
Activity 2
Comparison of equality is a tool that you can use when buying, consuming, examining or choosing something.
In this activity, you will have to look at a picture and use the information given to complete the following table of similarities and differences.
Red Bull Comparison Chart |
||
No. |
Similarities |
Differences |
1 |
||
2 |
||
3 |
||
4 |
||
5 |
||
6 |
Differences:
Carbs in Red Bull Total zero 8.4 oz. are not as bad as Red Bull 8.4 oz.
TheImpulsiveBuy. (2012). Red Bull Comparison Chart [graphic]. Retrieved on 2017, March 31 from https://flic.kr/p/bQ9GrK
You will have to write “as…as” or “not as…as” with the correct form of the adjective. There must be at least six similarities and six differences.
Now, use the following rubrics to evaluate your work.
Activity 3
BubbleDude22. (2009). India Mexico Locator [illustration]. Retrieved on 2017, March 31 from https://goo.gl/jALNBK
Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences. Can you imagine finding similarities in places that you never imagined?
In the following activity, you will listen to Priyank who loves travelling and getting a glimpse of different lifestyles. Having lived in India for 25 years, now he is talking about two countries: Mexico and India.
Theplanetd. (2011). Priyank [photo]. Retrieved on 2017, March 31 from
https://theplanetd.com/india-mexico-similarities/
Thatte, P. (2011). India and Mexico, More Similar Than You’d Think,. Adapted for educational purposes on 2017, February 09 from https://theplanetd.com/india-mexico-similarities/
Activity 4
Hi-Art.(2014).Giphy plane [GIF]. Retrieved on 2017, March 31 from https://giphy.com/gifs/hiart-app-sticker-hi-art-l0O9yRrGRVgdrzEJ2
Describing and comparing our experiences in life with others help people be more prepared when they visit a different country or culture. It is a good idea to give others good advice on what we have learnt.
In the following activity, you will read a letter that Damian wrote about the places he has visited. Click here to read the text.
Activity 5
It's time to practice your pronunciation and feel confident of what you have learned.
Mention the equalities or differences you can identify in each picture given. You will be using “as…as” or “not as…as” to express your ideas.
Listen to an example of this activity.
First look at the pictures. Then think of the similarities or differences. Once you know what you will be saying, record yourself mentioning your comparatives. You will have to answer three similarities or differences in each picture.
When you finish, use the rubrics to know your score.
Self-assessment 1
According to what you have learned, choose the correct form of the comparative to create a coherent sentence.
Example:
Cristina isn’t as_________Lourdes.
a) taller as
b) tall as
cc) taller than
Choose the best option for the following statements. At the end of the activity, you can see your score.
Self-assessment 2
Using the correct form to express equality choose the best order of the different elements. You will have as many opportunities as you need until all the sentences correct. You can know your score at the end of the exercise.
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