Using comparatives and superlatives to effectively compare non-fiction texts
I can use comparative and superlatives adjectives to produce a detailed and evaluative comparison of two non-fiction texts.
Using comparatives and superlatives to effectively compare non-fiction texts
I can use comparative and superlatives adjectives to produce a detailed and evaluative comparison of two non-fiction texts.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A great comparison analyses how the writers convey their ideas and perspectives of the events they are describing.
- It may use comparatives and superlatives to evaluate the texts against one another.
- Comparatives use either a 'more' prefix or '-er' suffix to directly compare two texts or ideas.
- Superlatives use a 'most' prefix or 'est' suffix to form conclusions about a text in comparison to others.
- Comparatives and superlatives let us explore the relationship between the texts instead of analysing each in isolation.
Keywords
Overarching - something so important it affects all other areas - in English, we refer to a writer’s overarching idea
Shift - when applied to perspective, this refers to a change in the writer’s perspective
Superlative adjectives - words that make value judgements about two or more things (e.g. 'most' or 'least')
Comparative adjectives - words that compare two or more thing, show how one is different from the other (e.g. 'more' or 'less')
Common misconception
Effective analysis writing explores the attitudes in the first text and then, in another paragraph, explores the attitudes in the second text.
The most effective comparative analysis writing will weave comparisons of both texts together. The response will ideally move between examples from each text, weighing up and evaluating the writer's choices in each.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Using comparatives and superlatives to effectively compare non-fiction texts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Using comparatives and superlatives to effectively compare non-fiction texts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to the articles 'Are we having fun yet?' by Elizabeth Day (Telegraph, 2005) and 'Greenwich Fair' by Charles Dickens (1839). Both can be downloaded from the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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