As with any language, there are always exceptions to the rule. In this activity,students will create a grid that illustrates the four comparative and superlative exceptions. Having students create a column of cells demonstrating how not to use the exceptions can be helpful in ultimately understanding how to use them correctly. Often students try to pair “more” with “better”, for example, rather than seeing that “better” will be used alone.
The first column is to demonstrate the common error. You may want to have two error columns if you want students to demonstrate these errors for comparative and superlative in each instance. If not, just have students alternate whether the errors are in comparative or in superlative constructions. Be sure to have students make it obvious that these columns include incorrect grammar, at least in part by having them include the English translations for the incorrect sentences. In the model storyboard, the English word focused on for the incorrect example has been highlighted. This may or may not be used with your students depending on how you specify grid setup.
The next column will be for properly used comparatives, and the last column for properly used superlatives. In each cell students will write original sentences using the specified exception and a comparative or superlative construction. For reinforcement, have students capitalize the section of the sentence that is comparative or superlative.
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Student Instructions
Create a grid storyboard that practices and illustrates the four comparative and superlative exceptions.
Engage students by making learning interactive and enjoyable with a game that reinforces comparative and superlative exceptions.
Foster collaboration by splitting your class into 3–4 student groups. Working together helps students spot and discuss exceptions more effectively.
Prepare cards with adjectives that include both regular and exception forms. This variety keeps the activity challenging and educational.
Ask teams to group each card based on whether it shows a correct use, an incorrect use, or a common exception. This step reinforces rule awareness and critical thinking.
Lead a class discussion to explain each answer. Highlight why certain forms are exceptions and correct misunderstandings as a group.
The four main comparative and superlative exceptions in Spanish are mejor (better/best), peor (worse/worst), mayor (older/oldest), and menor (younger/youngest). These words do not use más or menos before them; they change form instead of adding 'more' or 'most.'
Use a visual grid with columns for Incorrect, Comparative, and Superlative forms. Have students write examples of each, highlight mistakes, and create original sentences. This hands-on approach helps reinforce the unique rules for these exceptions.
Saying 'más mejor' or 'más peor' is incorrect because mejor and peor already mean 'better' and 'worse.' Adding más (more) is redundant and ungrammatical in standard Spanish.
Create a grid storyboard where students label columns as 'Incorrect', 'Comparative', and 'Superlative.' For each exception, students provide examples of common errors and correct forms, plus illustrations to visualize the differences. This helps clarify the rules through active learning.
Students often mistakenly add más or menos to exceptions, like saying 'más mejor' or 'más peor'. Another frequent error is translating directly from English, creating phrases like 'the most best' or 'the most worst', which are not correct in Spanish.