Prime Time 5, Coursebook mit Audio-CD

Comparison and contrast 1 Forms of comparison Fill in the forms of comparison in the following sentences. Choose the correct phrases. as important as more densely populated more powerful than the least powerful the most important the worst much older than not as large as The democratic traditions in England, which go back to the 13 th century, are (1) the American Constitution, which was adopted on September 17, 1787. Britain is (2) the US but it is much (3) . The American President is (4) any other head of state in the world. The British monarch, however, is one of (5) political figures worldwide. Voting in the US is (6) in the United Kingdom and in any other country because it gives you the chance to influence political decisions. (7) political figure in Britain is the Prime Minister, who is in charge of the Cabinet. “It has been said that democracy is (8) form of government except all the others that have been tried.” (Winston Churchill) 2 Expressing comparison and contrast: House of Lords vs. House of Commons Highlight the phrases that express contrast and comparison in the following passage in two different colours. Whereas the Members of the House of Commons are elected, most Members of the House of Lords are nominated by the government. However, some Members of the House of Lords are still hereditary peers. Compared to the House of Commons, the House of Lords is less powerful. It can only delay legislation but it cannot stop it. With its more than 720 members the House of Lords is larger than the House of Commons (about 645 MPs). In contrast to the House of Commons (which is presided over by The Speaker), the House of Lords elects the Lord Speaker, who presides over the sessions of the House of Lords. On the one hand the British system of government seems to be rather old- fashioned with its long-standing traditions, on the other hand the parliamentary system has been adapted over the centuries to live up to the demands of the 21 st century. And yet, it remains to be seen if the House of Lords will survive in its present form. WORD BANK Comparison and contrast but • on the one hand – on the other hand • however • yet • in contrast to • contrary to • whereas • while 66 Politics 5 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv