⚖️ Speaking: Functional Language B1 - Lesson 5: Comparing & Contrasting Options
Welcome! We make decisions every day. To make good choices, we need to compare and contrast our options. Today, you'll learn the language needed to talk about what is similar and what is different between two or more things.
Conversation Scenario: Choosing a Weekend Destination
Listen as two colleagues, Leakhena and Samnang, discuss where to go for a short holiday. They need to compare1 two popular Cambodian destinations: Siem Reap and Koh Rong.
Leakhena: I need a break. Where should we go next weekend? What about Siem Reap or Koh Rong?
Samnang: That's a tough choice. They are both great, but they're very different. Siem Reap is more historical than2 Koh Rong, obviously.
Leakhena: That's true. But Koh Rong is probably more relaxing3. We could just lie on the beach. On the other hand, visiting the temples in Siem Reap would be amazing.
Samnang: Right. A big difference4 is the journey. Getting to Siem Reap is easier; we can take a quick flight or a comfortable bus. The ferry to Koh Rong can be a bit rough.
Leakhena: Good point. In terms of cost, I think they are quite similar5, right?
Samnang: Yes, I suppose so. The main thing is, one is a cultural trip and the other is a beach holiday. Both are good options, but I think I prefer a relaxing beach trip this time.
Comparing: Talking about Similarities
When you want to say how two things are the same:
- ...is similar to... (e.g., "The weather in Kampot is similar to Kep.")
- Both...and... (e.g., "Both cities have great seafood.")
- ...is the same as... (e.g., "The price is the same as last year.")
- ...as [adjective] as... (e.g., "The bus is as fast as the train.")
Contrasting: Talking about Differences
When you want to say how two things are different:
- ...is different from...
- [adjective]-er than... (e.g., "The train is cheaper than the plane.")
- more [adjective] than... (e.g., "This restaurant is more expensive than that one.")
- On the other hand,... / However,... (Used to introduce a contrasting idea.)
🎤 Pronunciation: Stressing the Key Word
When you compare or contrast, the listener can understand you better if you put stress on the important words. These are usually the adjectives.
For Comparison: Stress the adjective and the word "than".
Example: "Siem Reap is more historical than Koh Rong."
For Contrast: When using "On the other hand," pause slightly after the phrase.
Example: "The temples are amazing. On the other hand, [pause] the beach is very relaxing."
🧠 Practice Quiz: Compare Two Phones
Imagine you are comparing two mobile phones. How would you complete these sentences?
- Phone A: $300, Big screen, 1-day battery
- Phone B: $250, Small screen, 2-day battery
1. Phone A is ______ expensive ______ Phone B.
→ Answer: more expensive than
2. Phone B's battery is better ______ Phone A's.
→ Answer: than
3. Phone A has a big screen. ______, Phone B has a better battery.
→ Answer: However / On the other hand
📝 Your Mission: Make a Real Choice
This week, your mission is to compare two real options in your life. It could be two cafes, two types of transportation, or two things you might buy.
- Find someone to talk to (a friend, a family member, a colleague).
- Compare two things using at least one "similarity" phrase (e.g., "Both are...") and two "difference" phrases (e.g., "...is bigger than..." and "However,...").
- For example: "I'm thinking of going to Legend Cinema or Major Cineplex. Both are modern. However, Major is closer to my house, but Legend is cheaper."
Vocabulary Glossary
- Compare: (Verb) - ប្រៀបធៀប (priǝp tʰiǝp) - To look at two or more things to see what is similar or different. ↩
- More historical than: (Phrase) - មាន tính chất lịch sử ជាង (miən tɨn cə lɨk'saa ciəng) - Having more history or connection to the past than something else. ↩
- More relaxing: (Adjective) - ធ្វើឱ្យធូរស្បើយជាង (tvəə aoy tʰuu sbaǝy ciəng) - Causing more calm and restfulness. ↩
- Difference: (Noun) - ភាពខុសគ្នា (pʰiǝp kʰoh kniə) - The way in which two things are not the same. ↩
- Similar: (Adjective) - ស្រដៀងគ្នា (srɑdiəng kniə) - Looking or being almost, but not exactly, the same. ↩