Comparison Task

Students compare personal experiences, texts, media, or data on a shared topic — finding similarities and differences generates sustained, genuine discussion.

Procedure

1. Choose what students will compare: personal experiences, two texts, two media clips, or survey results.
2. Give clear comparison criteria or let students generate their own.
3. Students compare in pairs or small groups, noting similarities and differences.
4. Groups report key findings to the class.
5. Optional writing follow-up: write a comparison of two items discussed.

Example Topics

• Compare morning routines — who gets up and out the quickest?
• Compare two newspaper versions of the same story
• Compare two film trailers for the same movie (different target audiences)
• Compare favourite holiday places — similarities and differences
• Compare official earthquake safety advice with students' own ideas

Tips

• Personalised comparison tasks (routines, experiences, strategies) generate higher engagement than abstract ones.
• Comparing two texts or media versions trains critical reading alongside language production.
• A prior listing or ranking task on the same topic provides the raw material for comparison.