Lesson 1.1: Comparing Sizes: Big and Small, Tall and Short
Learn to compare objects by size and height using real-world examples.
⏱️ Reading Time: 15 mins
• ❓ 50 Interactive Practice Questions
#PreNumberConcepts #ComparingSizes #Grade1Maths
Comparing Sizes: Big and Small, Tall and Short
Before we count numbers, mathematicians learn how to compare objects in the world around us by looking at their size and height!
🐘 BIG (Elephant)
VS
🐭 SMALL (Mouse)
Comparing Sizes: The Elephant is BIG and the Mouse is SMALL!
1. Big and Small Objects
When comparing two objects, the one that takes up much more space is BIG. The one that takes up very little space is SMALL. For instance, an elephant is big, while a mouse is small.
Try It: Is your school bag bigger than your pencil eraser? Yes! The school bag is BIG and the eraser is SMALL.
2. Tall and Short Objects
We use TALL and SHORT to compare how high an object stands from the ground. A giraffe has a long neck and stands tall. A bunny hops close to the ground and is short.
Real Life Example: A tall coconut palm tree reaches high toward the clouds, while a short rose bush grows near the soil.
💡 Key Learning Takeaways
- 'Big' describes large items; 'small' describes little items.
- 'Tall' measures height from bottom to top; 'short' means lower height.
- Always place objects on the same flat base when comparing height.
🎯 Key Learning Takeaways
Big vs Small, Tall vs Short comparison rules.
📄 Printable Worksheets (10 Available)
Download ready-to-print PDFs for offline student practice with separate parent/teacher answer keys.
WL-G1-C01-W10
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 10
Curriculum Excellence & Final Review
WL-G1-C01-W09
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 9
Mastery Assessment & Progress Check
WL-G1-C01-W08
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 8
Mixed Review & Reinforcement
WL-G1-C01-W07
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 7
Everyday Applications & Story Maths
WL-G1-C01-W06
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 6
Critical Thinking & Deep Understanding
WL-G1-C01-W05
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 5
Speed Challenge & Quick Check
WL-G1-C01-W04
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 4
Problem Solving & Real-Life Stories
WL-G1-C01-W03
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 3
Hands-on Visual Activity & Matching
WL-G1-C01-W02
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 2
Essential Practice & Skill Builder
WL-G1-C01-W01
A4 • 15 Qs
Pre-Number Concepts — Worksheet 1
Foundational Concepts & Visual Exploration
✍️ Lesson Practice Questions (50 Questions)
Solve these real-world challenges online, test your understanding, and reveal instant step-by-step explanations.
1
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Box 1 is inside Box 2. Box 2 is inside Box 3. Where is Box 1 in relation to Box 3?
A
Next to Box 3
B
Inside Box 3
C
Outside Box 3
D
Above Box 3
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside Box 3
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Because Box 1 is enclosed within Box 2, which is inside Box 3, Box 1 is also inside Box 3.
2
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Animal A is taller than Animal B. Animal C is taller than Animal A. Which animal is the TALLEST of all three?
A
Animal A
B
Animal B
C
Animal C
D
All are equal
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Animal C
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Since C is taller than A, and A is taller than B, C must be the tallest.
3
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If a balloon is bigger in size than an apple, is the balloon always heavier?
A
Yes, air weighs more than fruit
B
Yes, bigger always means heavier
C
Balloons have no weight
D
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Size and weight are different properties; a large balloon is lighter than a dense apple.
4
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why must two objects be placed on the same flat floor when comparing their heights?
A
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
B
So they don't break
C
It doesn't matter at all
D
Because objects float otherwise
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
Step-by-Step Explanation:
If one object is on a table and another on the floor, the height comparison is unfair.
5
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Maya claims: 'A long snake is taller than a tall tree.' Why is Maya incorrect?
A
Snakes are heavier than rocks
B
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
C
Trees cannot grow
D
Snakes are always blue
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Height measures vertical standing distance, while length measures horizontal distance.
6
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Leo looks at a basketball and a coin and says: 'The coin is bigger because it is shiny.' What is his error?
A
He confused shiny with physical size
B
Both are the same size
C
Basketballs are flat
D
The coin really is bigger
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He confused shiny with physical size
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Size describes how much space an object occupies, not its shine or color.
7
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the rule: If an elephant is big, then a mouse is [ ? ].
A
Tall
B
Long
C
Small
D
Heavy
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Small
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The opposite of big in size is small.
8
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Look at the line: Tree, [ ? ], Grass. Which object is TALLER than grass but SHORTER than a tree?
A
A skyscraper
B
An airplane
C
A bush
D
A mountain
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
A bush
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A bush is medium in height—taller than grass and shorter than a mature tree.
9
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
During clean-up time, Liam puts all crayons inside the drawer. Now, where are the crayons?
A
Inside the drawer
B
Outside in the yard
C
Behind the school
D
On the roof
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside the drawer
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Liam placed them within the drawer.
10
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
At the playground, Mia sits on the top of the slide while Toby stands at the bottom. Where is Mia?
A
Underneath
B
Outside
C
At the top
D
At the bottom
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
At the top
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Mia is positioned at the highest point of the slide.
11
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam has a bowl with 12 red apples, and Nina has a bowl with 15 red apples. Who has MORE apples?
A
Sam
B
Both have the same
C
Neither
D
Nina
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Nina
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Nina has 15 apples, which is greater than Sam's 12 apples.
12
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which feather is LIGHTER in weight?
A
A heavy brick
B
A bowling ball
C
A bird feather
D
A wooden chair
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
A bird feather
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A feather floats on air because it is extremely light.
13
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
A pencil is placed inside a pencil box. Where is the pencil?
A
Above
B
Inside
C
Outside
D
Far
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pencil is contained within the box, so it is inside.
14
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which object stands TALLER from the ground?
A
Giraffe
B
Turtle
C
Rabbit
D
Snail
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Giraffe
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A giraffe stands several meters tall, higher than smaller animals.
15
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which of these animals is BIGGER in size?
A
Elephant
B
Ladybug
C
Hamster
D
Ant
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Elephant
Step-by-Step Explanation:
An elephant is much larger in physical size than tiny insects.
16
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Box 1 is inside Box 2. Box 2 is inside Box 3. Where is Box 1 in relation to Box 3?
A
Next to Box 3
B
Inside Box 3
C
Outside Box 3
D
Above Box 3
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside Box 3
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Because Box 1 is enclosed within Box 2, which is inside Box 3, Box 1 is also inside Box 3.
17
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Animal A is taller than Animal B. Animal C is taller than Animal A. Which animal is the TALLEST of all three?
A
Animal A
B
Animal B
C
Animal C
D
All are equal
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Animal C
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Since C is taller than A, and A is taller than B, C must be the tallest.
18
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If a balloon is bigger in size than an apple, is the balloon always heavier?
A
Yes, air weighs more than fruit
B
Yes, bigger always means heavier
C
Balloons have no weight
D
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Size and weight are different properties; a large balloon is lighter than a dense apple.
19
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why must two objects be placed on the same flat floor when comparing their heights?
A
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
B
So they don't break
C
It doesn't matter at all
D
Because objects float otherwise
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
Step-by-Step Explanation:
If one object is on a table and another on the floor, the height comparison is unfair.
20
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Maya claims: 'A long snake is taller than a tall tree.' Why is Maya incorrect?
A
Snakes are heavier than rocks
B
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
C
Trees cannot grow
D
Snakes are always blue
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Height measures vertical standing distance, while length measures horizontal distance.
21
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Leo looks at a basketball and a coin and says: 'The coin is bigger because it is shiny.' What is his error?
A
He confused shiny with physical size
B
Both are the same size
C
Basketballs are flat
D
The coin really is bigger
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He confused shiny with physical size
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Size describes how much space an object occupies, not its shine or color.
22
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the rule: If an elephant is big, then a mouse is [ ? ].
A
Tall
B
Long
C
Small
D
Heavy
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Small
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The opposite of big in size is small.
23
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Look at the line: Tree, [ ? ], Grass. Which object is TALLER than grass but SHORTER than a tree?
A
A skyscraper
B
An airplane
C
A bush
D
A mountain
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
A bush
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A bush is medium in height—taller than grass and shorter than a mature tree.
24
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
During clean-up time, Liam puts all crayons inside the drawer. Now, where are the crayons?
A
Inside the drawer
B
Outside in the yard
C
Behind the school
D
On the roof
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside the drawer
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Liam placed them within the drawer.
25
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
At the playground, Mia sits on the top of the slide while Toby stands at the bottom. Where is Mia?
A
Underneath
B
Outside
C
At the top
D
At the bottom
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
At the top
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Mia is positioned at the highest point of the slide.
26
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam has a bowl with 11 red apples, and Nina has a bowl with 14 red apples. Who has MORE apples?
A
Both have the same
B
Nina
C
Neither
D
Sam
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Nina
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Nina has 14 apples, which is greater than Sam's 11 apples.
27
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which feather is LIGHTER in weight?
A
A heavy brick
B
A bowling ball
C
A bird feather
D
A wooden chair
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
A bird feather
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A feather floats on air because it is extremely light.
28
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
A pencil is placed inside a pencil box. Where is the pencil?
A
Above
B
Inside
C
Outside
D
Far
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pencil is contained within the box, so it is inside.
29
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which object stands TALLER from the ground?
A
Giraffe
B
Turtle
C
Rabbit
D
Snail
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Giraffe
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A giraffe stands several meters tall, higher than smaller animals.
30
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which of these animals is BIGGER in size?
A
Elephant
B
Ladybug
C
Hamster
D
Ant
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Elephant
Step-by-Step Explanation:
An elephant is much larger in physical size than tiny insects.
31
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Box 1 is inside Box 2. Box 2 is inside Box 3. Where is Box 1 in relation to Box 3?
A
Next to Box 3
B
Inside Box 3
C
Outside Box 3
D
Above Box 3
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside Box 3
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Because Box 1 is enclosed within Box 2, which is inside Box 3, Box 1 is also inside Box 3.
32
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Animal A is taller than Animal B. Animal C is taller than Animal A. Which animal is the TALLEST of all three?
A
Animal A
B
Animal B
C
Animal C
D
All are equal
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Animal C
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Since C is taller than A, and A is taller than B, C must be the tallest.
33
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If a balloon is bigger in size than an apple, is the balloon always heavier?
A
Yes, air weighs more than fruit
B
Yes, bigger always means heavier
C
Balloons have no weight
D
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Size and weight are different properties; a large balloon is lighter than a dense apple.
34
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why must two objects be placed on the same flat floor when comparing their heights?
A
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
B
So they don't break
C
It doesn't matter at all
D
Because objects float otherwise
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
Step-by-Step Explanation:
If one object is on a table and another on the floor, the height comparison is unfair.
35
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Maya claims: 'A long snake is taller than a tall tree.' Why is Maya incorrect?
A
Snakes are heavier than rocks
B
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
C
Trees cannot grow
D
Snakes are always blue
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Height measures vertical standing distance, while length measures horizontal distance.
36
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Leo looks at a basketball and a coin and says: 'The coin is bigger because it is shiny.' What is his error?
A
He confused shiny with physical size
B
Both are the same size
C
Basketballs are flat
D
The coin really is bigger
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He confused shiny with physical size
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Size describes how much space an object occupies, not its shine or color.
37
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the rule: If an elephant is big, then a mouse is [ ? ].
A
Tall
B
Long
C
Small
D
Heavy
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Small
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The opposite of big in size is small.
38
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Look at the line: Tree, [ ? ], Grass. Which object is TALLER than grass but SHORTER than a tree?
A
A skyscraper
B
An airplane
C
A bush
D
A mountain
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
A bush
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A bush is medium in height—taller than grass and shorter than a mature tree.
39
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
During clean-up time, Liam puts all crayons inside the drawer. Now, where are the crayons?
A
Inside the drawer
B
Outside in the yard
C
Behind the school
D
On the roof
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside the drawer
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Liam placed them within the drawer.
40
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
At the playground, Mia sits on the top of the slide while Toby stands at the bottom. Where is Mia?
A
Underneath
B
Outside
C
At the top
D
At the bottom
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
At the top
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Mia is positioned at the highest point of the slide.
41
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam has a bowl with 10 red apples, and Nina has a bowl with 13 red apples. Who has MORE apples?
A
Nina
B
Sam
C
Both have the same
D
Neither
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Nina
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Nina has 13 apples, which is greater than Sam's 10 apples.
42
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which feather is LIGHTER in weight?
A
A heavy brick
B
A bowling ball
C
A bird feather
D
A wooden chair
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
A bird feather
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A feather floats on air because it is extremely light.
43
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
A pencil is placed inside a pencil box. Where is the pencil?
A
Above
B
Inside
C
Outside
D
Far
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pencil is contained within the box, so it is inside.
44
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which object stands TALLER from the ground?
A
Giraffe
B
Turtle
C
Rabbit
D
Snail
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Giraffe
Step-by-Step Explanation:
A giraffe stands several meters tall, higher than smaller animals.
45
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which of these animals is BIGGER in size?
A
Elephant
B
Ladybug
C
Hamster
D
Ant
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Elephant
Step-by-Step Explanation:
An elephant is much larger in physical size than tiny insects.
46
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Box 1 is inside Box 2. Box 2 is inside Box 3. Where is Box 1 in relation to Box 3?
A
Next to Box 3
B
Inside Box 3
C
Outside Box 3
D
Above Box 3
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Inside Box 3
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Because Box 1 is enclosed within Box 2, which is inside Box 3, Box 1 is also inside Box 3.
47
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Animal A is taller than Animal B. Animal C is taller than Animal A. Which animal is the TALLEST of all three?
A
Animal A
B
Animal B
C
Animal C
D
All are equal
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Animal C
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Since C is taller than A, and A is taller than B, C must be the tallest.
48
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If a balloon is bigger in size than an apple, is the balloon always heavier?
A
Yes, air weighs more than fruit
B
Yes, bigger always means heavier
C
Balloons have no weight
D
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
No, a balloon is filled with light air so it is lighter
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Size and weight are different properties; a large balloon is lighter than a dense apple.
49
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why must two objects be placed on the same flat floor when comparing their heights?
A
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
B
So they don't break
C
It doesn't matter at all
D
Because objects float otherwise
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
So the comparison starts from the exact same base level
Step-by-Step Explanation:
If one object is on a table and another on the floor, the height comparison is unfair.
50
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Maya claims: 'A long snake is taller than a tall tree.' Why is Maya incorrect?
A
Snakes are heavier than rocks
B
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
C
Trees cannot grow
D
Snakes are always blue
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Length along the ground is not height standing upright
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Height measures vertical standing distance, while length measures horizontal distance.