Casa ESL · A2 Elementary · Unit 9 of 20 · Step 1

The Best Places

Cities & Destinations

Describe and compare places using superlative adjectives
Talk about famous places around the world
Use the + superlative correctly

Name

Date

monument

noun

A structure built to remember an important person or event.

"The Colosseum is one of Italy's most famous monuments."

capital

noun

The main city of a country where the government is.

"Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States."

ancient

adjective

Very old, often from thousands of years ago.

"Athens is one of the most ancient cities in Europe."

crowded

adjective

Full of people with little space to move.

"The market was the most crowded place I visited."

spectacular

adjective

Impressive and beautiful in a dramatic way.

"The view from the top was the most spectacular I had ever seen."

remote

adjective

Far away from towns and people.

"It was the most remote village I had visited."

vibrant

adjective

Full of life, energy, and activity.

"Buenos Aires is one of the most vibrant cities in South America."

landmark

noun

A famous or easily recognised building or place.

"The Eiffel Tower is the most recognisable landmark in Paris."

Superlative adjectives

For short adjectives (1–2 syllables), use the + adjective + -est. For long adjectives, use the most + adjective. Irregular: good → the best, bad → the worst, far → the farthest/furthest. Always use 'the' before a superlative.

That was the most delicious meal I have ever had.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

It was the worst flight of my life — six hours of turbulence.

This is the oldest building in the city — it dates back to 1387.

Exercise 1

Complete each sentence with the superlative form of the adjective in brackets.

1. That was (long) journey of my life.

2. The Sahara is (hot) desert in the world.

3. She is (talented) musician in the orchestra.

4. This is (bad) traffic I have ever seen.

5. It was (beautiful) sunset I had ever witnessed.

Exercise 2

Match each country or city to its superlative description.

1. The Nilethe longest river in Africa
2. Vatican Citythe smallest country in the world
3. Siberiaone of the coldest regions on Earth
4. New York Cityone of the most densely populated cities in the USA
5. The Great Barrier Reefthe largest coral reef system in the world

The Most Unforgettable Trip

My most memorable journey was a two-week trip through Peru. The most incredible part was visiting Machu Picchu at sunrise. It was the most stunning view I had ever experienced — ancient stone buildings surrounded by cloud and mountain. The people were the friendliest I encountered anywhere on the trip. The food was the most varied I had tasted in South America. The only downside was the altitude, which made the first two days the hardest physically. I would go back without hesitation.

1. Where was the most incredible part of the trip?

2. What was the hardest part of the trip?

Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.

1Tell your partner about the most interesting place you have ever visited. Use superlative adjectives.
2Discuss: What is the most famous landmark in your country? Is it the best representation of your culture?

Write 4–6 sentences about the best or most interesting place you have ever visited. Use superlative adjectives.

Example: The most beautiful place I have ever been is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The towns there are some of the oldest in the country. The seafood was the freshest I have ever tasted. The drive along the coast was the most dramatic road journey of my life. I would say it was the best holiday I have taken.

Answer Key — For Teacher Use

Exercise 1

1. the longest · 2. the hottest · 3. the most talented · 4. the worst · 5. the most beautiful

Exercise 2

1. The Nile → the longest river in Africa · 2. Vatican City → the smallest country in the world · 3. Siberia → one of the coldest regions on Earth · 4. New York City → one of the most densely populated cities in the USA · 5. The Great Barrier Reef → the largest coral reef system in the world

Reading Comprehension

1. It was visiting Machu Picchu at sunrise. · 2. The altitude made the first two days the hardest physically.