B2 First Speaking part 2 – comparing and contrasting explained

Do you still think that in this part you have to describe the pictures? Well, don’t!

The instructions say clearly compare or contrast the two pictures.

How do I compare?

The easiest way is to use the comparative.

Place A is bigger/calmer/more difficult than place B.

People in A prefer quieter spaces than people in B.

Let’s not forget as… as…

The person in A isn’t as busy/stressed/excited as the person in B.

The place in B isn’t as green as the place in A.

When the places or the situations look quite similar, use both, the same as or as… as… in positive.

Both places look interesting. Both people seem stressed out/relaxed.

The person in A might be under the same stress as the person in B.

The place in A is as interesting as the place in B.

How do I contrast?

When you want to say that 2 places or 2 situations are completely different, you contrast. Here are some linking words that you should learn.

Whereas or while

The people in A seem interested in walking whereas/ while the people in B are keen on shopping.

The first place is peaceful and quiet whereas / while the second one looks quite busy.

If you speak about two actions happening at the same time use while not whereas.

The woman in the first picture is waling while the couple behind her are sitting at a bench.

Unlike

The person in A, unlike the person in B, is enjoying their job.

The place in B, unlike the place in A, looks more expensive.

However,

The place in A is a popular tourist destination. However, it doesn’t appear busy in this picture.

The person in A looks very busy. However, she seems to be smiling at the customers.

To conclude

As you can see, there are many different ways in which you can compare and contrast instead of merely describing the pictures. So which one are you going to use in your next practice?

Worksheet

If you need a task to practise with and useful phrases, get my B2 First Speaking worksheet.

Good luck on your exams!

Gaby

Need more info on this part? Read my other post on B2 First Speaking part 2 – the pictures or How to manage your time.

Linking words are difficult for you? Check out these resources – Discourse markers quiz or Key word transformations – linking words, Open cloze – linking words.