DEGREES OF COMPARISON : BAHASA INGGRIS KELAS 8 SMP

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on the degrees of comparison in English, specifically designed for 8th-grade students. Understanding these concepts will enhance your ability to compare different qualities and characteristics in your writing and speaking.

Step 1: Understanding Comparison

Comparison in English is used to show the differences or similarities between two or more things. There are three degrees of comparison:

1. Positive Degree: This is the base form of the adjective. It describes a quality without comparing.

   • Example: "She is tall."

2. Comparative Degree: This form is used to compare two items or groups. It often ends with "-er" or uses "more" before the adjective.

   • Example: "She is taller than her brother." or "He is more intelligent than her."

3. Superlative Degree: This form is used to compare three or more items, indicating the highest degree of the quality. It typically ends with "-est" or uses "most."

   • Example: "She is the tallest in the class." or "He is the most intelligent student."

Step 2: Forming Comparatives and Superlatives

When forming comparatives and superlatives, follow these guidelines based on the number of syllables in the adjective:

• One-Syllable Adjectives: Add "-er" for comparatives and "-est" for superlatives.

  • Example:
    • Positive: "small"
    • Comparative: "smaller"
    • Superlative: "smallest"

• Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in 'y': Change 'y' to 'i' and add "-er" for comparatives and "-est" for superlatives.

  • Example:
    • Positive: "happy"
    • Comparative: "happier"
    • Superlative: "happiest"

• Two or More Syllables: Use "more" for comparatives and "most" for superlatives.

  • Example:
    • Positive: "beautiful"
    • Comparative: "more beautiful"
    • Superlative: "most beautiful"

Step 3: Special Cases and Irregular Adjectives

Some adjectives have irregular forms that do not follow the standard rules. Here are a few examples:

• Good

  • Comparative: better
  • Superlative: best

• Bad

  • Comparative: worse
  • Superlative: worst

• Far

  • Comparative: farther/further
  • Superlative: farthest/furthest

Step 4: Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding, try these practice exercises:

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the adjective:

   • My dog is (big) __________ than my cat.
   • This is the (fast) __________ car in the race.

2. Convert the following adjectives into their comparative and superlative forms:

   • Tall
   • Happy
   • Expensive

Conclusion

Understanding the degrees of comparison is essential for effective communication in English. By mastering positive, comparative, and superlative forms, you can express comparisons clearly. Practice these concepts with exercises and try to incorporate them into your daily conversations or writing. For further improvement, engage with additional resources or practice with peers.