60   I can explain similarities and differences

Labradors

In looks, Boss and Sam are almost identical except that Sam is a bit bigger. Jake and Boss are similar except for their colour. The similarity between Sam and Jake is that they both have large ears. In character though, they’re not alike. Compared with Jake and Boss, Sam is very lazy. In fact, he’s completely different from the other two, apart from the fact that he’s greedy - all labradors are greedy given the opportunity. With the other two, the main difference is that Boss is rather quiet in comparison with Jake.

 

Glossary

identical  without a single difference. SYN exactly the same.

except  not including sb/sth (except that + clause or except for + noun).

similar (to sb/sth)  like sb/sth but not the same. similarity N (a similarity between things).

alike  very similar (don’t use alike before a noun).

completely different  different in every way.

apart from sb/sth  SYN except for sb/sth.

greedy  wanting to take more than you need (usually food).

the main difference  the most important difference.

 

spotlight  compare V, comparison N

When you compare people or things, you say how they are different.

If you compare dogs and/with cats, dogs are usually more greedy.

Compared with/to dogs, cats are very clean.

In comparison with dogs, cats are more independent.

3     ABOUT YOU AND YOUR COUNTRY Write sentences about the similarities and differences between two members of your family or two cities in your country. 

Answers from a British person

Oxford and Cambridge are alike in many ways. They both have famous universities, and many beautiful old buildings. Another similarity is that it takes about an hour to get to London on the train. However, apart from the universities, there is one main difference. Compared with Cambridge, Oxford is very cosmopolitan.