Comparison Response Structure
| Template part | How this sample does it |
|---|---|
| Main difference | done "the eating habits of today and of the past are quite different" — signals a clear contrast |
| Side A | done "people today often don't know how to grow or even prepare their own food… most of the food we eat is processed, and we buy it in supermarkets" — describes the modern side |
| Side B | done "people in the past had to be able to farm to live" — describes the historical side |
| Extension | done "we have more different kinds of foods to eat than ever before, which helps us have better balanced diets… eating habits today are probably healthier than before" — evaluative conclusion favouring the present |
General Template
[Main difference] I think the [habits] of today and of the past are quite different.
[Side A] For instance, people today often [modern trait], while [contrast]. Now, most of the [items] we [consume] are [modern characteristic], and we [modern behaviour].
[Side B] People in the past had to [old skill] to [purpose].
[Extension] But on the other hand, we have more [variety] than ever before, which helps us [benefit]. In the end, [habits] today are probably [assessment] than before.
Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| don't know how to grow or even prepare their own food | don't know how to cultivate or even cook their own food don't know how to produce or even make their own food |
| most of the food we eat is processed | most of the food we eat is pre-packaged most of the food we eat is factory-made |
| people in the past had to farm to live | people in the past had to grow crops to live people in the past had to work the land to live |
| more different kinds of foods than ever before | more different kinds of foods than at any time in history more different kinds of foods than in previous generations |
| helps us have better balanced diets | helps us have better nutritional variety helps us have more well-rounded diets |
| eating habits today are probably healthier | eating habits today are probably more nutritious eating habits today are probably better for our health |
Comparison Response Structure
| Template part | How this sample does it |
|---|---|
| Main difference | done "eating habits have changed a lot in my country over the years" — acknowledges significant change |
| Side A | done "In the past, most people ate home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients… Meals used to be more traditional and based on local recipes, with very little processed food" — describes past eating habits |
| Side B | done "nowadays, many people are busy and often eat out or choose quick and easy foods like instant noodles or fast food. There is also more variety now, including international dishes" — describes modern habits |
| Extension | done "lifestyles have changed, and convenience is often more important… eating habits are much more modern and diverse now than in the past" — wraps up by linking lifestyle change to dietary change |
General Template
[Main difference] Actually, [topic] has changed a lot in my country over the years.
[Side A] In the past, most people [old habit] made with [old quality]. [Topic] used to be more [old characteristic] and based on [old source], with very little [modern element].
[Side B] However, nowadays, many people are busy and often [modern behaviour 1] or choose [modern behaviour 2]. There is also more [variety] now, including [new category].
[Extension] While some people still try to follow [old habits], lifestyles have changed, and [modern priority] is often more important. So, overall, [topic] is much more [quality 1] and [quality 2] now than in the past.
Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients | homemade dishes made with fresh ingredients meals prepared at home with fresh ingredients |
| based on local recipes | based on regional dishes based on traditional cuisine |
| choose quick and easy foods | choose fast and convenient foods choose ready-made foods |
| convenience is often more important | ease is often more important practicality is often more important |
| eating habits are much more modern and diverse | eating habits are much more contemporary and varied eating habits are much more up-to-date and wide-ranging |
| very little processed food | very little pre-made food very little manufactured food |