Comparative Degree

How to form Comparative and Superlative adjectives

We usually add –er and –est to one-syllable words to make comparatives and superlativesIf an adjective ends in –e, we add –r or –st:If an adjective ends in a vowel and a consonant, we double the consonant:If an adjective ends in a consonant and –y, we change –y to –i and add –er or –est:We use more and most to make comparatives and superlatives for most two syllable adjectives and for all adjectives with three or more syllables:The adjectives good, bad and far have irregular comparatives and superlatives: (British Council)
old	older	oldest
long	longer	longest
nice	nicer	nicest
large	larger	largest
big	bigger	biggest
fat	fatter	Fattest
happy	happier	happiest
silly	sillier	Silliest
careful	more careful	most careful
interesting	more interesting	most interesting
good	better	best
bad	worse	worst
far	farther/further	farthest/furthest

Humorous Ways to Teach Comparative Degree

Teaching the comparative degree can be made more enjoyable and memorable with a touch of humour. Let’s us consider some of the humorous ways to teach the comparative degree in the classroom:

Silly Comparisons:

Create funny and exaggerated comparisons to demonstrate the concept of the comparative degree. For example: “My dog is faster than a cheetah on roller skates” or “Her backpack is heavier than an elephant carrying a piano.”

Encourage students to come up with their own humorous comparisons using the comparative degree. This activity can spark creativity and make the lesson more engaging.

Superhero Showdown:

Divide the class into groups and assign each group a superhero character.

Ask each group to create a poster or a short skit where their superhero engages in a humorous battle, showcasing the comparative degree. For example, “Superman is stronger than Hulk after drinking a gallon of spinach smoothie.”

Have the groups present their posters or perform their skits, emphasizing the use of the comparative degree in describing the superpowers of their characters.

Funny Advertisements:

Show students a series of humorous advertisements where the comparative degree is used for comic effect.

Discuss the use of comparative language in the advertisements and ask students to identify the comparative forms used. Analyse how the exaggerated comparisons add humour to the advertisements.

Funny Dialogues:

Create funny dialogues or short scripts where characters engage in humorous conversations using the comparative degree. For example, a dialogue between two friends arguing about who has the messiest room: “My room is messier than a tornado in a toy store!”

Have students act out the dialogues in pairs or small groups, emphasizing the use of the comparative degree in their conversations.

Comparative Stand-Up Comedy:

Ask students to write and perform short stand-up comedy routines centred around humorous comparisons using the comparative degree.

Encourage students to use funny and exaggerated examples to engage the audience and make them laugh while showcasing their understanding of the comparative degree.

Teacher creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable participating and sharing their humorous ideas. Using humour can not only make the lesson more enjoyable but also help students retain the knowledge of the comparative degree through memorable and amusing experiences.