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Compare Contrast Paragraph

The document discusses two basic methods for organizing comparison/contrast paragraphs: the block method and the point-by-point method. The block method discusses the attributes of one subject, then the other, while the point-by-point method compares corresponding attributes of both subjects within each point. The document also provides examples of well-written paragraphs using each method to compare the lecturing styles of two teachers, Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith.

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411 views3 pages

Compare Contrast Paragraph

The document discusses two basic methods for organizing comparison/contrast paragraphs: the block method and the point-by-point method. The block method discusses the attributes of one subject, then the other, while the point-by-point method compares corresponding attributes of both subjects within each point. The document also provides examples of well-written paragraphs using each method to compare the lecturing styles of two teachers, Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith.

Uploaded by

moon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Writing A Comparison / Contrast Paragraph

Comparison shows similarities between persons, places, things, ideas, or


situations.
Contrast points out the differences between persons, places, things, ideas,
or situations.
Two Basic Methods for Organizing Comparison / Contrast Paragraphs
1. If you let A and B stand for the two things (subjects) being compared, then
you can use the block method in which you tell all about A, then tell all about
B. Thus you discuss A in a block and B in a block.
2. If you let A and B stand for the two things (subjects) being compared, then
you compare them point by point. Every time you say something about A,
you also say something about B right in the same sentence or in the
sentence immediately following.
The Topic Sentence
Your topic sentence should identify both items (subjects) to be compared or
contrasted and tell the reader exactly what you are going to say about these
items (attitude).
e.g.,
(poor)
Our pup, Tuffy is different from our cat, Hector.
(good)
The difference in temperament between our pup, Tuffy, and our cat, Hector,
is a constant source of amusement.
The Body
Once you have decided on a good topic sentence, list all the points of
comparison/ contrast that you can think of. Next, review the list and
eliminate any points, which are irrelevant or unimportant. Now, organize
your details in a logical sequence, and begin your rough draft.
The Conclusion
The most effective conclusion for a comparison/contrast paragraph is usually
a final sentence, which reinforces the controlling idea. e.g., If you could see
Tuffy and Hector together, you could scarcely help laughing at the contrast
between these two household playmates.

A Good Example of the Block Method:


Students who have Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith are immediately aware of the difference in the
lecturing manner of each teacher. Mr. Jones has a pleasant voice, which helps hold the
interest of the students. He pronounces clearly in a rhythmic pattern emphasizing key
words. His moderate tone and inflected words make his lectures interesting. Mr. Jones also
adds humour to his subject, and he welcomes questions from students who dont
understand the material. He takes his time and explains slowly. He tries to make sure that
his students understand a concept before he moves on to something new, and he is very
enthusiastic about his subject. Mr. Smith, on the other hand, has a different tone,
pronunciation, expression and attitude from Mr. Jones. He has a booming voice, which
commands rather than teaches, and sometimes it is hard to understand because he runs
his words together. His lectures are not as interesting as those of Mr. Jones, either, because
Mr. Smith speaks in a boring monotone. He also hates to be interrupted; feeling that he
must cover everything. Mr. Smith teaches every class in a serious, determined mood. Thus,
as the above points illustrate, the lectures of Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith are quite different.

A Good Example of the Point-by-Point Method:


Students who have Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones are immediately aware of the difference in the
lecturing manner of each teacher. Mr. Jones has a pleasant voice, which helps hold the
interest of the students. Mr. Smith, however, has a booming voice, which commands rather
than teaches. Mr. Jones pronounces clearly in a rhythmic pattern emphasizing key words.
On the other hand, Mr. Smith mumbles, running his words together. The moderate tone and
inflected words of Mr. Jones make his lectures more interesting than those of Mr. Smith,
who speaks in a boring monotone. Mr. Jones also adds humour to the subject, whereas Mr.
Smith is always serious about each lesson. Mr. Jones welcomes questions from students
who dont understand the material, as compared to Mr. Smith who hates to be interrupted.
Mr. Jones takes his time and explains slowly, whereas Mr. Smith rushes through each
lesson. Mr. Jones is very enthusiastic about his subject: he tries to make sure everyone
understands a concept before he moves on to something new. Mr. Smith, however, is
always in a determined mood; he feels that he must cover everything. Each teacher has a
different voice, tone, pronunciation, expression, and attitude: and as a result, their lectures
are quite different.

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