English Grammar: Lesson 5- Dialogue with Comparatives

Read and Understand a Dialogue Using Comparatives

BACKGROUND: Takondwa and Rachel are secondary school students in Malawi, a small land-locked country located in the south-east of Africa. They are in Form 2. Takondwa wants to become an engineer and Rachel wants to be a top model. Today is Friday. The two girls are comparing their plans for the weekend. This is going to be a dialogue using Comparatives.

Takondwa: Hi Rachel! How are you today? Are you feeling better than yesterday?

Rachel: Much better! That headache was terrible. I’m glad I’m more active today .

Takondwa: I’m happy for you too. You look healthier and happier than yesterday. What are your plans for the weekend then?

Rachel: There is a fashion show at Mount Soche hotel. I want to go there. It’s one the best events in the whole country so I don’t want to miss it. What about you? What are you doing tomorrow?

Takondwa: I’m going to study for Tuesday’s Physical Science test. I want to have a higher score than the one I got last term. Your schedule sounds more exciting though! I wish I could go to the fashion show with you. Learning something by heart is not as fun as watching beautiful girls parade in wonderful clothes. Your weekends plan are definitely better than mine!

Rachel: Yes, come with me! It will be more exciting if you come. I promise we will have real fun! You can’t be studying all the time Takondwa. Look at how busy your schedule is! You don’t have to be as hardworking as you are.

Takondwa: I really don’t know Rachel. Maybe the test will be more difficult than last time. I keep on working harder each day because I want to be an engineer. This is my dream job and no sacrifice is bigger than my dream!

Rachel: No, I don’t think the test will be harder. It will be easier as a matter of fact. Anyway, your results won’t be worse than last time’s.

Takondwa: You never know Rachel. How long is the fashion show going to last?

Rachel: Three hours, I guess, not longer. I’m very sure of that. The organisers are the best you can find around here. Three hours- that’s not much.

Takondwa: How are you going to go there? I think we will be faster if we take a minibus. We are not going to walk, are we?

Rachel: Of course not! My mother has already given me the transport and pocket money. The tickets are not expensive on top of that! It’s a popular fashion show so it’s something we shouldn’t miss.

Takondwa: When is the fashion show starting?

Rachel: At 3 o’oclock p.m.

Takondwa: Can’t it start earlier? It will be dark when the show is over! How are we going to come back home? Have you got any rescue plan?

Rachel: My father said that he was going to pick us up after the show. Isn’t it great?

Takondwa: I don’t know Rachel. What I know is that there are some sacrifices I need to make now in order for me to have a greater future. If I come with you tomorrow, I will waste a whole afternoon. At least you will be getting something from the fashion show since you want to become a top model. This show will be of no greater value to me. I’m sorry Rachel. I won’t be able to come with you tomorrow.

Rachel: Don’t worry Takondwa, I understand. Next time will do. Maybe during the holidays? I know how becoming an engineer is so important for you. I won’t stand in the path of your dreams. I will be the first to celebrate your success anyway!

Takondwa: (Her eyes getting misty): Thank you so much Rachel. You are a real friend. Yes, I will have more time during the summer holidays. I just can’t wait!

Rachel: Me too! (The girls hug) Ok, so we know what our plans are like for tomorrow. I need to go home now. See you on Monday then!

Takondwa: See you and don’t forget to have fun!

Rachel: You too!

Takondwa and Rachel: Ha, ha, ha, ha,…

YOUR TURN: Did Takondwa make a good choice? Imagine what the women below could talk about in a dialogue using Comparatives? Be creative!