Writing A Compare And Contrast Paragraph
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
Block Method
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. Point by Point
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).
(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.
Examples:
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.
If you could see Tuffy and Hector together, you could scarcely help laughing at the contrast between these two household playmates.
Example:
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
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
Block Method
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. Point by Point
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).
(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.
Examples:
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.
If you could see Tuffy and Hector together, you could scarcely help laughing at the contrast between these two household playmates.
Example:
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