Welcome to the World of Comparisons!
In Part 5 of the TOEIC Listening & Reading test (Incomplete Sentences), grammar questions appear frequently. One of the most common topics is Comparatives and Superlatives. This chapter will teach you how to choose the right form of an adjective or adverb to compare products, services, and performances. Mastering this will help you answer questions quickly, saving valuable time for the Reading Comprehension section!
Section 1: Making Comparisons (The "ER" and "More" Rules)
We use comparatives when we are looking at two things and seeing how they are different. In the TOEIC exam, this often relates to prices, delivery speeds, or employee experience.
1. Short Words (1 Syllable)
Add -er to the end of the word. Usually, the word than follows the adjective.
Example: This new printer is faster than the old one.
2. Long Words (2+ Syllables)
Use the word more before the adjective. Do not add -er.
Example: The marketing campaign was more successful than we expected.
3. Words ending in "y"
Change the "y" to -ier.
Example: The new software is easier to use.
Show, Don't Just Tell: The Comparison Contrast
Weak: The gold package is more cheap than the silver package. (Incorrect: "cheap" is a short word).
Improved: The gold package is cheaper than the silver package. (Correct! This earns you marks because it follows the 1-syllable rule).
Section 2: The Best of the Best (Superlatives)
We use superlatives when we compare one thing against a whole group (three or more things). In TOEIC, look for the word the before the blank space; it is a huge clue!
1. Short Words
Add -est to the end.
Example: Mr. Kim is the tallest manager in the office.
2. Long Words
Use the most before the word.
Example: This is the most expensive laptop in the catalog.
Quick Review:
- 2 things = Comparative (-er / more)
- 3+ things = Superlative (-est / most)
Section 3: Irregular Forms (The "Must-Memorize" List)
Some words don't follow the rules. These are high-value words because they appear often in the exam. If you use "gooder" or "badder," you will lose marks!
Good → Better (Comparative) → The Best (Superlative)
Bad → Worse (Comparative) → The Worst (Superlative)
Far → Farther/Further (Comparative) → The Farthest/Furthest (Superlative)
Example: Our best customer gave us a better review than last year.
Section 4: TOEIC Strategies for Part 5 Success
Part 5 is all about speed. You have about 30 seconds per question. To earn marks here, you must identify "signal words" immediately.
Strategy 1: Look for "Than"
If you see the word than after the blank, you almost certainly need a comparative (-er or more).
Example: The seminar was (A) long (B) longer (C) longest than the one in June.
Tip: "Than" is your signal for choice (B).
Strategy 2: Look for "The"
If you see the word the before the blank, you usually need a superlative (-est or most).
Example: Of all the applicants, Ms. Lopez is the (A) qualified (B) more qualified (C) most qualified.
Tip: "The" tells you to pick (C).
Strategy 3: Adverbs of Degree
Sometimes the TOEIC tries to trick you by putting a word before the comparison to show "how much."
Key Vocabulary: much, far, significantly, slightly, considerably.
Example: The new engine is much quieter than the previous model.
Don't worry: Even if "much" or "slightly" is there, the comparison rules remain the same!
Section 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: The Double Comparative
Never use "more" and "-er" together.
Wrong: This task is more easier.
Correct: This task is easier.
Mistake 2: Forgetting "The" with Superlatives
In the TOEIC, a superlative adjective almost always needs "the" to be grammatically correct.
Weak: He is most efficient worker.
Improved: He is the most efficient worker.
Section 6: Pacing and Reality Check
In the real test, you don't have time to read the whole sentence twice.
1. Scan the sentence for "than" or "the."
2. Check if you are comparing two things or many.
3. Select the answer and move to the next question immediately.
Did you know?
The TOEIC often uses business collocations with comparisons, such as: "a more competitive price," "the most reliable supplier," or "a significantly higher profit." Learning these pairs will help you recognize the correct answer by "feel"!
Key Takeaways Summary
1. Comparatives (-er / more): Used for 2 things. Look for the word than.
2. Superlatives (-est / most): Used for 3+ things. Look for the word the.
3. Short words: Use suffixes (-er/-est).
4. Long words: Use extra words (more/most).
5. No Double-Ups: Never say "more better" or "most fastest."
6. Accuracy = Points: In Part 5, a single letter (like -er vs -est) is the difference between a correct and incorrect answer.
Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! With practice, your eyes will learn to spot "than" and "the" in less than a second. Keep practicing with sample questions!