OPIc English · Japanese-English · 80 cards · Free

OPIc comparison and preference phrases for Japanese speakers

A free deck of English frames for OPIc comparison and preference questions, with Japanese prompts. Eight pairs of choices, such as cooking at home and eating out, each run through ten moves: differences, common points, your preference, the reason, the downsides and how your view has changed.

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What this deck teaches

Comparison answers need signposts. Without them, the response turns into disconnected sentences. These cards train signposts such as "There are clear differences between...", "One thing they have in common..." and "Overall, my choice depends on...".

The paired topics are ordinary OPIc material: studying places, travel styles, shopping, city life, exercise, movies, cooking and vacation length.

The English answers are reusable frames, not fixed opinions. Say the frame first, then decide your own preference and reason.

Three comparison questions, answered with the cards

Eight pairs of choices each get the same ten moves: differences, common points, your preference, the reason and the downsides.

Studying at home or at a cafe

Open by saying the two are different, then give your preference. The reason comes after these two sentences.

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：比較を始める

There are clear differences between studying at home and studying at a cafe.

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：自分の好みを言う

Personally, I prefer the option that gives me more flexibility when it comes to studying at home and studying at a cafe.

How your view has changed

Comparison questions often ask about the past and now. These two cover both halves for city and suburb life.

都会の生活と郊外の生活：昔との違いを言う

In the past, I thought differently about living in a big city and living in the suburbs.

都会の生活と郊外の生活：今の考えを言う

These days, I care more about convenience when I think about living in a big city and living in the suburbs.

Closing without picking one side

You do not have to name a winner. Admit the downsides of both, then say what your choice depends on.

自炊と外食：欠点も言う

Of course, there are some disadvantages to both sides of cooking at home and eating out.

自炊と外食：比較を締める

Overall, my choice depends on time, money and my mood when I compare cooking at home and eating out.

Japanese compares with AよりBのほうが and leaves the adjective unchanged. English changes the adjective or adds "more", and needs "than". The frames carry that grammar, so you only add the two things being compared.

How to practice comparison answers

Name both sides. Always say both options clearly before choosing. It keeps the listener oriented.
Give one reason. After each frame, add one reason from your real preference. Short, specific reasons beat long generic ones.
Practice tradeoffs. Include a downside even when you prefer one side. It makes the answer more natural and developed.

Sample cards

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：比較を始める

There are clear differences between studying at home and studying at a cafe.

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：共通点を言う

One thing they have in common is that both studying at home and studying at a cafe can be enjoyable.

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：一つ目の良さを言う

The first option is better when I want something simple, especially with studying at home and studying at a cafe.

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：二つ目の良さを言う

The second option is better when I want a more special experience, especially with studying at home and studying at a cafe.

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：自分の好みを言う

Personally, I prefer the option that gives me more flexibility when it comes to studying at home and studying at a cafe.

家で勉強することとカフェで勉強すること：理由を説明する

The main reason is that studying at home and studying at a cafe affects my mood and schedule.

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