Comparative and superlative adjectives
Overview
In this intermediate ESL lesson, students will look more closely at the functional uses of comparative and superlative adjectives. By focusing on the practical application of these adjectives, students will be better able to make accurate comparisons and describe extremes effectively, enhancing their descriptive language skills.
The lesson plan includes a boardwork suggestion that presents the functional uses of comparative and superlative adjectives. Following this, students will engage in several collaborative classroom activities to practice and apply these structures. We also include a couple of ideas for fun group games that you can use to wrap up the lesson. These provide a fun and interactive opportunity for students to consolidate their learning and end the session on a high note.
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Lesson Outline
Classroom activities
Use of the board
Students take a closer look at the functional uses comparative and superlative forms.
It's safe to assume that students at this level will be quite familiar with comparative and superlative adjectives. Therefore, you should be able to focus more on the functional uses and introduce more complex constructions. Step through the functional uses and try to elicit examples of each by giving the students a small part of the sentence.
Adjective table
Students work individually to complete a table of adjectives with their comparative and superlative forms.
Vampires and werewolves
Students will work in pairs to make statements of comparison from a list of noun pairs.
Superlative challenge
The students use their smartphones to search for some record breakers.
Interview time
Working in pairs, the students interview each other on a range of topics.
Classroom games
Comparative dice
Players have to make sentences using themes and adjectives that have been decided by the throw of the dice.
Hot seat: Comparative and superlative
Students will have to describe sentences that contain the target language to the player in the hot seat.
More intermediate ESL lesson plans
Our suggested next lesson is on comparisons with (not) as _ as. If you've found these materials helpful, be sure to check out our complete list of intermediate lesson plans, as well as our entire library of ESL lesson plans.
Additionally, if you use an iOS or Android device, have a look at the TEFL Handbook app. An ESL lesson planner for English teachers. It has a lot more content and gives you faster access to our ESL resources, making it easier to use in class.
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750+ Low-prep classroom activity ideas
1100+ Printable ESL flashcards
160+ ESL lesson plans
8 Distinct language levels
Offline access through the TEFLHandbook app
Reduce your planning time and improve the way you present and teach English grammar.
Access the entire TEFLHandbook library
Significantly reduce your planning time and improve the way you present and teach English grammar.
Access the entire TEFLHandbook library
Significantly reduce your planning time and improve the way you present and teach English grammar.