Product reviews: using comparative and superlative adjectives

A2
90 min
Premium
1

Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.

  1. When you want to buy something new, like a phone, what is most important to you? (Price, color, size?)
  2. How do you learn about new products before you buy them? Do you ask your friends or look online?
  3. Think about the best thing you own. Why is it better than other similar things?
2

Choosing the Best Phone

Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.

3

Answer these questions about the dialogue in your own words.

01Which phone is cheaper, the blue one or the red one?
Sample answerThe blue one is cheaper.
02What is better about the blue phone's screen?
Sample answerIt has a bigger screen.
03What does Marco think is better about the red phone?
Sample answerHe thinks it has a better camera for photos.
04Why does Emma think the blue phone is the best choice overall?
Sample answerBecause it's good value for money.
4

Key vocabulary for comparing products

Vocabulary
These expressions will help you talk about products in a more natural way.
Examples
Good value for money — when a product has good quality for the price it costs.
Use this phrase when you think something is worth the price you paid.
Easy to use — simple to understand and operate.
This is a common phrase for electronics, apps, or machines. For example, 'I like this phone because it's easy to use.'
Lasts a long time — works well for many years without breaking.
Use this to talk about a product's quality and durability. It's another way to say it's 'reliable'.
Looks better than... — has a more attractive design or appearance.
This is a simple way to compare the style of two items. For example, 'The red car looks better than the blue one.'
On the other hand — a phrase to introduce a different or opposite point.
Use this to show the pros and cons. For example, 'This laptop is cheaper. On the other hand, it is much slower.'
5

Vocabulary for shopping

Learn some new words to talk about products.

Match the words on the left with their meanings on the right.

Drag or click to match
Definitions
6

Grammar: comparative and superlative adjectives

Grammar
We use comparative adjectives to compare two things. We use superlative adjectives to compare one thing with a group of things. This is very useful when you are shopping and want to choose the best product.
Examples
This phone is more expensive than that one.
Use 'than' after a comparative adjective to connect the two things you are comparing.
The blue laptop is the cheapest in the shop.
Always use 'the' before a superlative adjective.
This camera takes better pictures.
Some adjectives are irregular, like 'good' which becomes 'better' (comparative) and 'best' (superlative).
Key points
  • For short adjectives, add '-er' (e.g., cheap -> cheaper).
  • For long adjectives, use 'more' or 'the most' (e.g., more reliable, the most reliable).
  • Don't use 'more' and '-er' together (e.g., not 'more cheaper').
7

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01This phone is not cheap, but it has many features. I think it is good for money.
02I don't like complicated gadgets. I want a camera that is to use.
03These shoes were expensive, but the is excellent. They will last for years.
04I love the color and shape of this new car. The is beautiful.
05The first laptop is lighter. , the second one has a bigger screen.
8

Choose the best answer based on the dialogue.

01What is Marco's first reason for liking the red phone?
02What is one advantage of the blue phone, according to Emma?
03What is Marco worried about when buying a new phone?
04In the end, why does Marco choose the blue phone?
9

Choosing a new phone

Alex is in a shop with his friend, Ben. He needs to buy a new phone.

Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.

Alex looked at two phones. The first one was the new 'StarPhone'. It was very modern and its screen was bigger and brighter than the other phones. "This one looks better than the GalaxyPhone," Alex said. Ben picked up the GalaxyPhone. "Yes, but the StarPhone is more expensive," he said. "The GalaxyPhone is the cheapest phone in the shop. My sister has one and she says it is very easy to use and lasts a long time. I think it's good value for money." Alex held the expensive StarPhone. It felt nice in his hand. But Ben was right, the price was much higher. It was a difficult decision.

01Which phone has the biggest screen?
Sample answerThe StarPhone has the biggest screen.
02According to Ben, what are two good things about the GalaxyPhone?
Sample answerIt is easy to use and it lasts a long time. It is also the cheapest.
03Why is the decision difficult for Alex?
Sample answerBecause he likes the more expensive phone's design, but the cheaper phone is more practical and better value.
10

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. What is the most popular phone brand in your country? Why do you think it is better than other brands?
  2. Is it better to buy the cheapest product, or is it better to buy a more expensive one that lasts a long time? Why?
  3. Think about a product you bought that was not good. What is more important for you now when you buy things: that a product is easy to use, or that it looks good?