11.1 Comparatives and Superlatives—An Overview

COMPREHENSION Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false.

1. Denali is the tallest mountain in the world.

2. The first person to reach the top of Denali was a woman. 3. Between 1909 and 1947, many climbers reached the top of Denali.

THINK ABOUT IT Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group.

1. Why do you think people like to climb tall mountains? 2. Would you like to try mountain climbing? Why or why not?

EXAMPLES Denali is closer to the North Pole than Mount Everest. Most climbers think Mount Everest is more difficult to climb than Denali. We use comparatives to compare two items.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. This is the most accurate map of Mount Everest.

EXPLANATION

We use superlatives for the number one item in a group of three or more.

EXERCISE 1 Listen to the report. Then write T for true, F for false, or NS for not stated. 11.2

1. The United States is the largest country in the world.

2. California is the flattest state in the country.

3. It is very expensive to live in San Jose, California.

EXERCISE 2 Listen again. Fill in the blanks with the words you hear. 11.2

1. The

It is city in the United States is New York. It has about 8.5 million people.

than Los Angeles.

2. In population, the United States is the third country in the world.

Only China and India are .

3. In area, the United States is also the third country in the world. Only Russia

and Canada are .

4. San Jose, California, has the

of living in Singapore is much

5. The cost of living in the United States. But the cost

waterfall in the United States is Yosemite Falls in California.

But Niagara Falls is .

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