A fully interactive ESOL lesson in the style of a simple local newspaper. Learners compare places, prices, transport and activities using clear, contextual language.
read a simple local newspaper article and find key information;
use comparative adjectives: cheaper, busier, more expensive, better, worse;
use simple degree words: a bit, much, a lot, not as ... as;
compare two local places in speaking and writing;
improve spelling and punctuation in meaningful sentences.
Teacher route map
0–10: Starter and lesson aims.
10–30: Language input from real-life local contexts.
30–55: Newspaper reading and comprehension.
55–75: Vocabulary, spelling and punctuation focus.
75–95: Listening and speaking practice.
95–120: Writing preparation, final paragraph and review.
Differentiation: Lower support learners can use the word bank, sentence frames and transcript. Stronger learners can add reasons using because and degree words such as much and a little.
1. Diagnostic starter: What is being compared?
10 marks • 10 minutes
Read each local sentence. Choose the correct answer. These questions check what learners already know.
2. Language input: comparison in context
12 marks • 20 minutes
Tottenham Community News
Local LifeTuesday EditionPrice: Free
Which place is better for families?
Residents compare the park, the market and the library as summer gets closer.
The park The park is bigger than the library. It is more open than the market.
The market The market is busier than the library. Fruit is cheaper than snacks at the station.
The library The library is quieter than the market. It is not as noisy as the park.
Useful rules
Adjective
Comparative
Example
cheap
cheaper
The market is cheaper than the café.
busy
busier
The road is busier than the park.
expensive
more expensive
The cinema is more expensive than the library.
good
better
The new bus stop is better than the old one.
bad
worse
The traffic is worse after school.
Simple degree words
Use degree words to show a small or big difference.
a bit / a little: small difference — The library is a bit quieter than the café.
much / a lot: big difference — The bus is much cheaper than a taxi.
as ... as: equal — The small shop is as friendly as the market.
not as ... as: not equal — The park is not as quiet as the library.
Quick language check
3. Reading: Local newspaper article
16 marks • 25 minutes
Before reading: Look at the headline and picture box. Predict: Which place will be better for families — the park, the market or the library?
Tottenham Community News
CommunityIssue 24Free local paper
Families compare local places before the school holidays
A short survey shows that local families want places that are cheaper, safer and easier to reach.
By Mariam Stone, Community Reporter
Families in North Tottenham are comparing local places before the school holidays. Many parents say the park is bigger than the library and better for football, cycling and running. One parent said, “The park is much more exciting than staying at home, but it is not as quiet as the library.”
The market is also popular. It is busier than the library, especially on Saturday morning, but many people say it is cheaper than the supermarket. A bag of fruit from the market can be a bit cheaper than fruit from a small shop near the station. Some learners said the market is good for speaking practice because people ask questions and compare prices.
The library is smaller than the park, but it is calmer and warmer on rainy days. It is not as noisy as the market, and it is better for reading, homework and using a computer. The children’s area is a little brighter than the old room because it has new lights and colourful chairs.
Local teacher Samira Khan said families do not need expensive trips every day. “A good holiday can be simple,” she said. “A morning in the park, lunch from the market and an hour in the library can be more useful than a very expensive day out.” The council says it will publish a clearer guide to free and low-cost activities next month.
Reading comprehension
4. Vocabulary: words from the newspaper
10 marks • 15 minutes
Match the newspaper words to their meanings. Tap a word, then tap the correct meaning.
Words
Meanings
5. Listening: Local radio update
12 marks • 20 minutes
Task: Listen to a short local radio-style report. It compares three places for families. Answer the questions after listening.
Listening voice: British English female preferred. The exact voice depends on the learner’s browser or device.
Transcript:
Good morning. This is your local family update. Today, we are comparing three places for a low-cost day out. The park is bigger than the library and better for active children. The market is busier than the park in the morning, but snacks can be cheaper there. The library is not as exciting as the park, but it is quieter, warmer and better for reading. For a simple family day, start at the park, buy fruit at the market, and finish at the library if the weather gets worse.
B. Drag-and-drop: Complete the newspaper comparisons
Drag each comparison word into the correct local newspaper sentence. On phones, tap a word first, then tap the answer box.
Word tiles
Newspaper sentences
C. Tap-to-build sentence
Use the words to build a correct comparison sentence from the newspaper. Tap the words in order.
Sentence target: The market is busier than the library.
7. Spelling: comparison words
10 marks • 15 minutes
Unscramble or complete the comparison words. All words come from today’s local newspaper article.
Common spelling reminders: busy → busier, noisy → noisier, big → bigger, cheap → cheaper, good → better.
8. Punctuation clinic: Fix the local news sentences
10 marks • 15 minutes
Add capital letters, full stops, commas or apostrophes where needed. The sentences are about the article, so the language stays in context.
9. Speaking: Local comparison cards
Teacher/peer marked • 15 minutes
Work with a partner. Use the card. Say at least two comparison sentences and one reason using because.
Press “New speaking card”.
Use: ___ is cheaper than ___ because ___.
Speaking self-check
10. Writing: Short local newspaper paragraph
10 marks • 25 minutes
Final writing task: Write a short paragraph for a local newspaper. Compare two local places for families, for example a park and a library, a market and a supermarket, or a bus and a taxi.
My local comparison paragraph
1. Opening sentence Say what you are comparing. I am comparing the park and the library.
2. Place 1 Say one good point. The park is bigger and better for exercise.
3. Place 2 Say one good point. The library is quieter and warmer.
4. Degree word Show small or big difference. The market is a bit cheaper than the shop.
5. Opinion and reason Choose the better place and say why. I think the park is better because children can run and play.
Useful writing frame
I am comparing ______ and ______. ______ is ______ than ______ because ______. ______ is not as ______ as ______, but it is ______. I think ______ is better for families because ______.
Writing checklist
Model answer
I am comparing the park and the library. The park is bigger than the library and better for football. The library is not as noisy as the park, and it is warmer on rainy days. I think the park is better for families because children can run and play.
11. Final review and teacher notes
End of lesson
Your result
Complete the activities to see your score and feedback.
Teacher notes
Lesson aim: learners practise comparison language through a simple local newspaper context. Keep board examples tied to the article. Avoid isolated grammar drilling.
Speaking extension: ask learners to interview three classmates: “Which is better for families, the park or the library? Why?” Then report: “Most learners think the park is better because...”
Support: allow learners to keep the word bank open and copy one model sentence before changing the nouns/adjectives.
Challenge: ask stronger learners to add although: “Although the market is busier, it is cheaper.”
Answer key
Starter: new/old bus routes; comparative adjective; big difference; library is quieter; market and supermarket.
Input: cheaper; busier; more expensive; better; not as noisy as; much.
Reading: families before holidays; bigger/better for active children; market; library; not as noisy; colourful chairs/lights; next month; simple low-cost day.
Vocabulary: survey = asking people questions; resident = person who lives in an area; publish = make information available; popular = liked by many people; low-cost = not expensive.
Grammar: warmer; busier; more useful; better; not as quiet as; a bit cheaper. Drag-and-drop: busier; cheaper; warmer; better; not as noisy as. Build sentence: The market is busier than the library.
Punctuation:The market is cheaper than the supermarket.Is the park better than the library?Samira's class compared the park, the market and the library.On Saturday, the market is busier than the small shop.The library is quiet, warm and useful.