When it comes to opportunities to make grammar lessons fun, comparisons are as good as it gets. At SMAN 3 Kota Jambi, ETA Payton Storey and co-teacher Bapak Nofriyen made the most of the class with many lively activities, including “whos shoes are bigger?” and “wow, you’re old.” But the most exciting activity of all was the “SUPER SUPERLATIVE SMACKDOWN!!!” (also known as an arm-wrestling contest). A boy and a girl (who we will call Rizqi and Zahra) faced off against Mr. Payton to see who was not just strong, nor stronger, but the strongest. Who would win?!

Rizqi and Mr. Payton started the showdown, tensions high, but after steady resistance, Rizqi won, to the cheers of all! Then he readied himself to face off against Zahra, who waited nervously nearby. How could she possibly win against Rizqi, apparently the strongest of the boys, who had won against even Mr. Payton?! But she steeled herself. Everyone stood staring in anticipation to see who would win, or how long she could hold out. Mr. Payton counted down. 3… 2… 1… Go!

The match began. And ended. Against everyone’s expectations (including her own), Zahra did not need to last long; during the lesson she was reminded that she was not just strong or stronger than others: she was superlatively strong—the strongest! The classroom exploded with applause as her opponent crumpled. From that day on, everyone would always remember how to compare things in English and how fun learning grammar can be.

Payton Storey is currently teaching at SMAN 3 Kota Jambi, Jambi.