A comparison and contrast essay may discuss only
similarities, only differences, but more often than not, both comparison and
contrast is used. The essay may be organised in one of two patterns. Either is acceptable, but mixing patterns is
not. Review the two patterns below
carefully, noting the differences in structure that each presents.
►Pattern A: The Block Method. Present all the information about A, and then
present parallel information about B. This pattern tends to work better for
shorter papers, and those with few subtopics It can be used when you have
three or more principal similarities or differences.
present parallel information about B. This pattern tends to work better for
shorter papers, and those with few subtopics It can be used when you have
three or more principal similarities or differences.
point 1 (plus support) point 1 (plus support)
point 2 (plus support) point 2 (plus
support)
point 3 (plus support) point 3 (plus support)
The danger built
into Pattern A is that the writer can
end up with two separate
essays instead of
one unified comparison and contrast essay.
To insure
unity, take note of
the following guidelines:
- Each subtopic in
Part I must also be discussed in Part II.
- Subtopics should be
discussed in the same order in both parts.
- Subtopics in Part II
should generally include reminders of the point made
about the same
subtopic in Part I.
►Pattern B:
The Point-by-Point Method. Present one point about A, and then
go to the parallel point about B. Move to the next point, and do the same thing.
This pattern tends to work better for long papers and those with many sub-
topics. Use this pattern when you have only two principal similarities or
differences.
go to the parallel point about B. Move to the next point, and do the same thing.
This pattern tends to work better for long papers and those with many sub-
topics. Use this pattern when you have only two principal similarities or
differences.
First A: point
1 (plus support)
Then B: point
1 (plus support)
Then A: point
2 (plus support)
Then B: point
2 (plus support)
Then A: point
3 (plus support)
Then B: point
3 (plus support)
- Choose items that are related in some way so
they can be compared or
contrasted.
- Compare according to a single organized
idea.
- Choose a method of development that works
well with your organizing
idea.
- Use specific and relevant examples for
support.
- Give equal treatment to both elements that
you are discussing
- Use transitional words or phrases to help
the reader understand the
similarities and
differences in your subject.
- Conclude your paper by restating your
thesis, summarizing the main
points, and give the reader the final ‘so what’ of the major similarities
and/or differences that you discussed.
points, and give the reader the final ‘so what’ of the major similarities
and/or differences that you discussed.
►Outlines of Sample Essays:
Thesis: Although dogs are often
called man’s best friend, cats make more
convenient pets.
convenient pets.
Block Method
Outline:
Part A Point 1: Cats can clean themselves.
Point 2: Cats
can exercise by themselves.
Point 3: Cats
do not require training.
Part B Point
1: In contrast to cats, dogs need
baths.
Point 2: Unlike
cats, dogs must be walked regularly.
Point 3: Whereas
cats need no training, dogs must be
trained.
Point-by-Point
Method Outline:
Point 1: Para. 1: Cats can clean themselves.
Para. 2: In
contrast to cats, dogs need baths.
Point 2: Para. 3 Cats can exercise by themselves.
Para. 4 Unlike
cats, dogs must be walked regularly.
Point 3: Para. 5 Cats do not require training.
Para. 6 Whereas
cats need no training, dogs must be
trained.
Note that the transitions used in each
outline (in contrast to; unlike; whereas)
emphasise the distinction being made between cats and dogs. For a more
detailed list of transitions, see the Transition Signals handout in the Writing
Centre.
emphasise the distinction being made between cats and dogs. For a more
detailed list of transitions, see the Transition Signals handout in the Writing
Centre.
****************************************************************************
SAMPE1:
Staycations
have in the past few years become the most popular alternative to vacation
travelling. No wonder: staying at home for the holidays is cheaper, safer and
easier. So, it only stands to reason that back-porch vacations and poolside
holidays are becoming the new trend for middle-class Americans, especially in
light of the recent economic crisis. However, there are some very specific reasons why travelling will
always remain a better alternative, despite the cost issues and any possible
inconveniences.
First of all, travelling involves experiencing with your own
senses: seeing, touching, hearing and smelling the new, unusual and unique
atmosphere of places you visit while on vacation. If someone described to you
what a new ice-cream flavor tastes like using a hundred words, but instead you
could choose to simply try it yourself, would you have preferred the
description or the experience of your own? It is the same with travelling.
Unlike watching Discovery Channel or National Geographic, reading about exotic places on somebody’s blog and watching
even the most colorful and fun podcasts about travelling, actually visiting the place is ten times
more powerful of an experience. Plus, you get to form your own opinion
about what you see instead of just watching it through the eyes of a documentary
director or through the lens of a photographer.
Secondly, travelling is arguably the best source of inspiration
one could think of. Even if you have been to the place a few times already,
the next time you visit it the impressions can be yet very different, have a
new spice or a fresh hint, since the weather, your mood and the people you come
across will be different, and your impression of the place can change radically
or just become fuller and more holistic. To me, travelling always brings new discoveries,
whether they are discoveries of the outer worlds externally or discoveries
within yourself. And, in this regard, travelling can be the best cure for
depression, the feeling of inner perplexity and fears for what future may bring
and where you are heading. Sometimes, a vacation to a place you have never been
before or know very little about can do a lot more than just broaden your knowledge
and inspire new emotions. It can change your whole life perspective and cause
you to revise your life values. So, no wonder that a lot of people return from
vacations as completely new persons and never come back to their old
lifestyles.
Finally, travelling means meeting new people. Unlike staycations,
that normally evolve around the same group of people you are already on good
terms with, travelling brings together at times absolutely different people,
from various cultures and backgrounds. Travelling is always a chance to get to
know others better and to learn to adjust to new traditions and other people’s
lifestyle. While on the road, you can meet someone you would never get a chance
to meet if you stayed within your comfort zone, at home or with a group of
people you’ve known for ages already. Travelling is always a chance to make new
friends and change the cycle of the everyday routine that you’ve gotten trapped
in over the years.
All in allnhìn_chung,
there is always a place for discussion of whether travelling is worth the money
you will spend on it or is it simply better to save up, spend your vacation at
home and stay within your comfort zone.
Sure, travelling may seem like a challenge – it needs a great deal of planning,
a decenttươm_tất budget,
and a certain enthusiasm and willingness to challenge yourself. But those who
have the courage to follow their dreams and overcome any obstacles will always
find a way to pursue a hobby they like. And if you feel that overwhelming
desire to see a place far away, don’t let the fears take over your dream.
Having once travelled, you will probably never again ask yourself whether to
spend your vacation at home or travel – staycations will simply not be an
option.
SAMPLE 2:
Vacation at the Beach or in the Mountains
I’m going to discuss mountains first. The three aspects I’m going to discuss are climate, types of activities and location. Climate is always important in order to enjoy vacations. If a person dislikes cold weather, he or she might have a hard time in the mountains. The cold climate in the mountains is the first barrier to enjoying them]. As I said before, many people don’t enjoy cold temperatures. The climate and the temperature of these zones are what determine the types of activities they offer. Snow boarding, mountain climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing are some of the activities people can enjoy when going to the mountains. There are many regions that have mountains where people can go and have a great vacation. Canada is a country located in North America and full of mountain vacation sites. Inside Canada there are many interesting places where people can go and have fun.
I’m going to discuss the beach second. The three aspects I’m going to discuss are climate, types of activities and location. Warm climate is one of the most important features that the beach has. Sun and fun are two words that describe the beach. The temperature in those places is always hot. The sea and the warm climate determine the activities that are available at the beach. People can swim, play volleyball, play soccer, and ride waterbikes. In most of the coastal sites, there are discos and restaurants where people can dance or party throughout the night. Mexico offers many amazing coastal sites to visit. Acapulco and Cancun are two of the most beautiful and famous beaches in the word.
It doesn’t matter what place a person decides to choose. The fun is 100% guaranteed. People often choose one of these two options to spend their vacations. Depending on what the person likes is what he or she will choose. I like the beach better than the mountains, but sometimes it is better to take a risk and try different places to enjoy.
(All refer to eslbee.com)
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