IELTS Functional English: Practise using compare and contrast expressions for the IELTS Speaking exam

IELTS Part 3: Functional English

IELTS Functional English: Comparing

During the IELTS Speaking exam you will sometimes find yourself wanting to compare two or more options. This might be during the Part 2 long turn or in response to one of the examiner's questions.

When comparing and contrasting during the IELTS speaking exam, try using a wide range of expressions to showcase your use of English.

Functional English to Compare and Contrast

Here's a list of common English expressions used to compare and contrast. Which ones do you rarely, if ever use?

there's no difference between ...
there's little to choose between ...
they're much the same ...
to tell the difference ...
to tell apart ...
to make a comparison ...
to draw a parallel ...
it's a bit like ...
as against ...
relative to ...
in contrast to ...
in spite of this
in spite of the fact that ...
for all that ...
all the same ...
having said that ...
mind you ...
at the same time ...
on the other hand ...

Practise Comparing and Contrasting

Click the play buttons below to answer some questions. Try comparing and contrasting using some of the expressions above - especially those that you don't often use. The questions are random and not on a particular subject.

IELTS Functional English

Now try these exercises to practise talking about likes and dislikes.

Current functions
Using fillers
Expressing opinions
Speculating
Comparing
Likes and dislikes

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