English Language Arts
Grade 3
15 min
Use adjectives to compare
Use adjectives to compare
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify adjectives used for comparison in sentences.
Define comparative and superlative adjectives.
Add '-er' to one-syllable adjectives to compare two nouns.
Add '-est' to one-syllable adjectives to compare three or more nouns.
Use 'more' and 'most' with adjectives that have two or more syllables.
Correctly use the irregular adjectives 'good' (better, best) and 'bad' (worse, worst).
By the aend of this lesson, students will be able to write original sentences using comparative and superlative adjectives.
Which is faster, a cheetah or a snail? 🐆 We use special describing words to answer questions like this!
Today, we will learn about special adjectives that help us compare people, places, an...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AdjectiveA word that describes a noun (a person, place, or thing). It tells us how something looks, feels, sounds, or tastes.The *big*, *red* ball bounced.
CompareTo look at two or more things and see how they are different.Let's compare the two dogs to see which one is *taller*.
NounA word for a person, place, or thing.The *boy* threw the *ball* at the *park*.
Comparative AdjectiveAn adjective used to compare exactly TWO nouns. These often end in '-er'.My brother is *taller* than me.
Superlative AdjectiveAn adjective used to compare THREE OR MORE nouns. These often end in '-est'.She is the *tallest* person in our whole family.
SyllableA part of a word with one vowel sound. We can clap out syllables to count them.The word 'fast' has...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The -er and -est Rule (For Short Adjectives)
Add '-er' to compare two things. Add '-est' to compare three or more things.
Use this rule for most short adjectives that have only one syllable, like 'fast', 'tall', 'small', or 'loud'.
The 'More' and 'Most' Rule (For Long Adjectives)
Use 'more' to compare two things. Use 'most' to compare three or more things.
Use this rule for longer adjectives that have two or more syllables, like 'beautiful', 'important', or 'delicious'. Do not add -er or -est to these words.
The Irregular Adjectives Rule
Some adjectives change their spelling completely. Good -> better -> best. Bad -> worse -> wor...
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Challenging
Read the paragraph: '(1) My new shoes are comfortable. (2) They are more comfortable than my old shoes. (3) In fact, they are the comfortablest shoes in the whole store. (4) I will wear them every day.' Which sentence has a mistake in comparing?
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
We often add '-er' to short adjectives to compare two things (e.g., tall -> taller). Which adjective is an EXCEPTION to this rule?
A.slow
B.kind
C.good
D.dark
Challenging
A lemon is sour. A lime is sourer than a lemon. A grapefruit is the sourest of the three. Based on these sentences, which statement must be true?
A.lemon is more sour than a lime.
B.grapefruit is less sour than a lime.
C.lime is more sour than a grapefruit.
D.lemon is less sour than a lime.
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