To compare travel arrangements well, set the two options side by side, compare them on two or three points, and then choose one with a reason. This skill appears in speaking tasks about holidays, in written messages to a friend and in reading tasks where two offers are described.
It is part of places, travel and the environment and builds on the comparisons you may already know from people and personal experiences.
What does a comparison need?
A good comparison has three layers: facts such as time, price, comfort or distance; comparative words such as plus, moins, aussi… que; and a decision with parce que.
The facts come from the task. The comparative words make the facts speak. The decision shows that you can use French to argue, not just to list.
Fictional scenario: a class trip
A class of twenty pupils from an imaginary town, Marbrel, plans a day trip to Valmont. This is invented material for practice.
| Train | Autocar (coach) | |
|---|---|---|
| Départ | 8 h 10 | 7 h 00 |
| Arrivée | 11 h 40 | 12 h 15 |
| Durée | 3 h 30 | 5 h 15 |
| Prix par élève | 32 € | 18 € |
| Arrivée en ville | gare au centre-ville | arrêt à 2 km du centre |
How do I build the comparison?
- Pick the points. Time, price and convenience are enough.
- Compare each point. Le train est plus rapide que l’autocar. L’autocar est moins cher que le train.
- Quote the figures. Le voyage dure trois heures et demie en train, mais cinq heures et quart en autocar.
- Add a link of contrast. mais, alors que, par contre.
- Choose and justify. Je choisis le train parce que…
Worked example
Model answer: Je choisis le train. Il est plus rapide que l’autocar : le voyage dure trois heures et demie, alors que l’autocar met cinq heures et quart. Le billet est plus cher, trente-deux euros contre dix-huit, mais la gare est au centre-ville, donc nous n’avons pas besoin d’un autre transport. À mon avis, la différence de quatorze euros par élève vaut la peine.
Check the arithmetic. From 5 h 15 to 3 h 30 is 1 h 45, so the train saves one hour forty-five. The price gap is 32 − 18 = 14 euros per pupil, so for 20 pupils the train costs 20 × 14 = 280 euros more in total. Always check figures before you quote them.
What mistake should I watch for?
Mistaken answer: Le train est plus rapide de l’autocar.
The word after a comparative is que, not de.
The correction is Le train est plus rapide que l’autocar. A second slip is to forget agreement: la voiture est plus chère que le train needs the feminine chère. Say the noun first, then check the adjective.
Check yourself
1. Complete: L’autocar est ___ cher ___ le train.
Show answer
The coach costs less, so L’autocar est moins cher que le train.
2. How much longer does the coach journey take than the train journey?
Show answer
5 h 15 minus 3 h 30 is 1 h 45. In French: L’autocar met une heure quarante-cinq de plus que le train.
3. Write one sentence giving a reason to choose the coach.
Show answer
One correct answer: Je choisis l’autocar parce qu’il est moins cher : dix-huit euros au lieu de trente-deux. Any sentence with a choice, a reason and a correct figure works.
Where does this lead next?
Next, describe an environmental action without unsupported factual claims, which also needs reasons but careful ones. When you want a teacher to hear your comparison and push you to give a second reason, our online one-to-one French tuition works that way.