analyzing compare and contrast essays: dna profiling

DNA Profiling in the US and

England

Compare and Contrast

Introduction

Clearly introduces the two items being compared (X and Y)

Explains why the comparison matters

Briefly introduces the criteria used for comparison, focusing on criteria that are appropriate for the purpose, audience and topic

Introduction

The two items being compared here are the forensic DNA analysis systems in the United States and in England. This comparison is introduced in this section of the Introduction.

Introduction

The comparison in this essay matters because there might be ways that the US can learn from England's system in order to solve crimes more effectively.

IntroductionThis sentence introduces the three criteria that will be used for comparison. We need to learn more about these criteria, but it seems like they are all central to the effectiveness and efficiency of a forensic DNA analysis system.

First Body Paragraph

Includes a topic sentence that clearly introduces one comparison criterion.

Supporting details discuss similarities and/or differences between X and Y in relation to the criteria.

Transition words connect ideas, and help to signal similarities and differences for the reader.

First Body Paragraph

This topic sentence lets us know that the first body paragraph will compare the US and English systems' approaches to data collection, processing, and storage. This is our first criterion for comparison.

First Body Paragraph Supporting details throughout this paragraph address the differences and similarities in the data collection, processing, and storage of forensic DNA in each country. While both countries collect and store samples in a similar way, there are differences in the organization and oversight of databases as well as the type of data collected and the length for which it is held.

First Body Paragraph

The word "both" used here lets us know that this sentence introduces a similarity between the two systems.

First Body Paragraph

The transition phrases "in contrast," "however," and "meanwhile" are all used to signal statements about contrasts between the two systems.

Second Body Paragraph

Includes a topic sentence that clearly introduces one comparison criterion.

Supporting details discuss similarities and/or differences between X and Y in relation to the criteria.

Transition words connect ideas, and help to signal similarities and differences for the reader.

Second Body Paragraph

This topic sentence introduces the second comparison criterion: sample backlog and turnaround time. It also sets the expectation that this paragraph is going to introduce significant contrasts between the two systems.

Second Body Paragraph The details in this paragraph compare the large number of backlogged samples and long turnaround times in the US with the quick turnaround and absence of a backlog in England. They also provide important information explaining why this difference exists.

Second Body Paragraph

The transition phrases "in stark contrast" and "conversely" indicate significant differences between the two systems in relation to this criterion.

Third Body Paragraph

Includes a topic sentence that clearly introduces one comparison criterion.

Supporting details discuss similarities and/or differences between X and Y in relation to the criteria.

Transition words connect ideas, and help to signal similarities and differences for the reader.

Third Body Paragraph

In the third body paragraph, the topic sentence introduces the criterion of "hit rate," and defines it as the likelihood of finding a match.

Third Body Paragraph

The details in this paragraph, explain the differences between England and the U.S. in relation to hit rate, and the various contributing factors to these differences.

Third Body Paragraph

“Hit rate” is defined as the likelihood of getting a DNA profile that yields a match in the database. Available data show that England’s database has a higher “hit rate” than the U.S. database system. Again, there are various contributing factors. The NDNAD has DNA profiles on 7.4 percent of England’s entire population. In contrast, CODIS represents about 2.4 percent of the U.S. population. The likelihood of a hit is higher in England’s database merely because of its higher percentage of population. However, it’s unclear whether a larger database is always better. Some evidence suggests that crime scene data, as opposed to offender data, is more helpful in solving crimes: England also collects more crime scene data than does the U.S. Another reason for England’s higher hit rate might be that it uses fewer biomarkers in its DNA analysis, which can, unfortunately, yield more erroneous matches. It’s important to state that a higher hit rate does not necessarily mean a higher prosecution rate. DNA matches are used in a variety of ways, such as for investigative purposes, which do not necessarily lead to arrest or conviction.

The transition words, "in contrast" let us know that there is a strong difference between the percentage of each country's population that is represented in its DNA database.

Conclusion

Makes a simple statement that summarizes the most important similarities and/or differences between X and Y.

(Optional) Include a recommendation, opinion, or argument, based on the evidence and criteria provided.

ConclusionThe first part of this concluding paragraph describes the key similarities and differences between the two systems.

Conclusion

The conclusion includes a recommendation that the US learn from England to improve its forensic DNA system. This connects well to the topic and purpose of the essay.