Compare/Contrast Paragraph

Katherine HowardWriting 1

Today

• Comparison/Contrast• Organizing and Understanding• Block and Point-by-Point• Outlines• Group Exercise• Independent Practice

Find the differences in the two pictures

Restaurant Paragraphs

Discuss how your restaurant and your partner’s restaurant are different. How are they similar?

Your Restaurant Your Partner’s Restaurant

Turn InYour Restaurant

Paragraph!

Red Like Journalsare Due Today too!

Word DictionaryWORD:WORD:Guess: Definition

Connection Sentence

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Sketch/Image:

comparison

Word DictionaryWORD:WORD:Guess: Definition

Connection Sentence

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Sketch/Image:

contrast

Compare and Contrast

pg. 109 - Comparison and contrast is a technique that we use every day. For example, we compare and contrast courses and teachers when we decide which classes to take. We compare and contrast products and prices when we shop. An employer compares and contrast applicants for jobs, and a job applicant compares and contrasts job offers. In college classes, you will often have to compare and contrast. For example, in a history class, you might be asked to compare and contrast two historical figures or two events. In a literature class, you might have to compare two poems or two characters in a play. Knowing how to write a comparison/contrast paragraph is a very useful skill.

Compare and Contrast

When we compare two (or more) things, we tell what is similar about them. When we contrast things, we tell what is different about them. Usually, the emphasis is on the differences, but sometimes a paragraph describes both similarities and differences. As you read the model paragraphs, decide which one emphasizes differences and which one describes both similar and differences.

Right Brain/Left BrainThe left and right sides of your brain process information in different

ways. The left side of your brain is logical, rational, linear, and verbal. The right side, on the other hand, processes information intuitively, emotionally, creatively, and visually. Left brains think in words, whereas right brains think in pictures. People who depend more on the left side of their brain are list makers and analysts. They are detailed, careful and organized. In contrast, right-brained people are visual, intuitive and sensual. When a left-brained person has to make an important decision, he or she makes a mental list of all the factors involved and arrives at a decision only after careful analysis. When a right-brained person has to make the same decision, on the other hand, he or she is more likely to base it on intuituion and feelings. For example, a left-brained automobile shopper will consider a car’s cost, fuel efficiency, and resale value, whereas a right-brained shopper bases a decision on how shiny the chrome is, how soft the seats are, and how smoothly the car drives. Of course, no one is 100 percent right-brained. Although one side may be stronger, both sides normally work together.

What Types of Transitions Do You See?

• on the other hand• whereas• in contrast• although

Show the differences between the two sides of the brain.

Left Brain Right Brain

Two Job ApplicantsApplicant JZ Applicant SW

Education High school graduate, 2 years college, 3.4 GPA

High school graduate, 2 years college, 3.5 GPA

Work history Summer job as a file clerk in doctor’s office (some patient contact), volunteer in retirement home

Summer jobs – car wash, pizza delivery, hospital volunteer (library, gift shop – no patient contact)

Interview Excellent – friendly, open, likes to be part of a team

Excellent – friendly, open, likes to work independently

Reference check Excellent recommend from one past employer

Excellent recommendations from all past employers

Availability June 1 June 1

Which one would you choose?

Complete the chart to show the similarities and differences between the two

JZ SW

bothHigh school

2 years college

GPA

Good recommendations

Patient contact No patient contact

Team Work Independent Work

Miller Medical LabMemorandum

To: Director of Human ResourcesFrom: Barbra Johnson, Interviewer

From the fourteen applications received for the job of receptionist, two applicants stand out. Following is a summary of the qualifications. Educationally, the two applicants are uite similar. JZ has completed two years of college, just as SW has, their grade point averages are approximately equal. JZ’s one past employer was very positive. Similarly, SW’s employers gave very high recommendations. Finally, both applicants can start work on the same date (June 1). There are two differences between the job applicants that may influence the hiring decision. The first decision is that JZ’s job in a medical office included some contact with patients, whereas SW’s volunteer work in the library and gift shop of a local hospital included no patient contact. Secondly, JZ likes to be part of a team, while SW prefers to work independently. The hiring decision is difficult because both applicants are equally well qualified. However, JZ would be the better choice for the receptionist job because of her experience with patient contact and preference to working with other staff. If there is a future opening for a lab assistant, SW would be an excellent choice that that position.

What Types of Transitions Do You See?

• Just as• Similarly• Whereas• While• However• Finally• The first decision• Secondly

Which transitions show similarity?

Which transitions show difference?

Which transitions show order?

Two Comparison/Contrast Paragraph Types

DifferencesYou can write about only differences if you’d like. Show the differences between two things and keep it only differences! (Right Brain/Left Brain)

Similarities/DifferencesYou can write about similarities and differences if you’d like. Show how things are the same but also different to make a decision or get a point across. (Miller Medical Lab Memorandum)

Remember Your Syllabus?

Course ContentThis course introduces students to English sentence structure and American style paragraphs and essays.

• Students will use pre-writing strategies: brainstorming, bubble diagrams, tree diagrams or outlines.

• Students will determine audience for and purpose of writing.• Students will write guided and unguided paragraphs, essays and journals.• Students will demonstrate competency in the form of the paragraph: topic sentence,

supporting sentences, and conclusion.• Students will begin to understand and write short essays.• Students will develop ideas cohesively using supporting details.• Students will write process, descriptive, narrative, and opinion paragraphs and essays.

Comparative/Contrastive paragraphs and essays will be introduced.• Students will write at least two 200 word paragraphs or essays.• Students will be able to use standard formatting for paragraphs and essays.• Students will write a blend of compound and complex sentences. • Students will make revising and editing a part of the writing process.• Students will use capitalization and punctuation correctly.• Students will use vocabulary that is varied and appropriate for level one.

Course ContentThis course introduces students to English sentence structure and American style paragraphs and essays.

• Students will use pre-writing strategies: brainstorming, bubble diagrams, tree diagrams or outlines.

• Students will determine audience for and purpose of writing.• Students will write guided and unguided paragraphs, essays and journals.• Students will demonstrate competency in the form of the paragraph: topic sentence,

supporting sentences, and conclusion.• Students will begin to understand and write short essays.• Students will develop ideas cohesively using supporting details.• Students will write process, descriptive, narrative, and opinion paragraphs and essays.

Comparative/Contrastive paragraphs and essays will be introduced.• Students will write at least two 200 word paragraphs or essays.• Students will be able to use standard formatting for paragraphs and essays.• Students will write a blend of compound and complex sentences. • Students will make revising and editing a part of the writing process.• Students will use capitalization and punctuation correctly.• Students will use vocabulary that is varied and appropriate for level one.

Today is the day!

Two Types of OrganizationBlock

Point by Point

all similarities

all differences

Cost of telephone(similarities and differences)

Monthly rates(similarities and differences)

Length of contract(similarities and differences)

Two Paragraphs

Three Paragraphs

Topic Sentence

pg. 112 – A topic sentence for a comparison/contrast paragraph should name the topic and also indicate comparison/contrast organization.

The left and right sides of the brain process information in different ways.

When buying wireless telephone service, you should compare different plans on four points.

Concluding SentencePg. 112 – A concluding sentence for a comparison/contrast paragraph may repeat the main idea

The hiring decision is difficult because both applicants are so similar.

It may also make a recommendation.

However, JZ would be the better choice for the receptionist job because of her experience with patient contact and her preference for working with other staff.

In my opinion, the TeleVox telephone is the best choice for our company.

Word DictionaryWORD:WORD:Guess: Definition

Connection Sentence

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Sketch/Image:

recommendation

Prewriting - Outlining

pg. 54 – The best way to organize a paragraph is to make an outline before you begin to write. An outline is like an architect’s plan for a house. Imagine building a house without a plan. The kitchen might be far away from the dining room, or the house might have no windows. Having a plan not only helps you, the writer, to organize your thoughts but it also ensures that you don’t leave out anything important.

Block Outlining

I. Topic SentenceII. Similarities

a. #1b. #2

III. Differencesa. #1b. #2

IV. Conclusion

This will be two paragraphs.

Block Outlining

I. Topic SentenceII. Similarities

a. #1 – educationb. #2 - recommendations

III. Differencesa. #1 - experienceb. #2 – work ethic

IV. Conclusion

This will be two paragraphs.

Job Applications

Miller Medical LabMemorandum

To: Director of Human ResourcesFrom: Barbra Johnson, Interviewer

From the fourteen applications received for the job of receptionist, two applicants stand out. Following is a summary of the qualifications. Educationally, the two applicants are qite similar. JZ has completed two years of college, just as SW has, their grade point averages are approximately equal. JZ’s one past employer was very positive. Similarly, SW’s employers gave very high recommendations. Finally, both applicants can start work on the same date (June 1).

There are two differences between the job applicants that may influence the hiring decision. The first decision is that JZ’s job in a medical office included some contact with patients, whereas SW’s volunteer work in the library and gift shop of a local hospital included no patient contact. Secondly, JZ likes to be part of a team, while SW prefers to work independently. The hiring decision is difficult because both applicants are equally well qualified. However, JZ would be the better choice for the receptionist job because of her experience with patient contact and preference to working with other staff. If there is a future opening for a lab assistant, SW would be an excellent choice that that position.

Point to Point Outlining

I. Topic SentenceII. Point 1

a. Detail #1b. Detail #2

III. Point 2a. Detail #1b. Detail #2

IV. Point 3a. Detail #1b. Detail #2

V. ConclusionThis will be three paragraphs.

Point to Point Outlining

I. Topic SentenceII. Point 1 – process information

a. Detail #1 – left brainb. Detail #2 – right brain

III. Point 2 - thinkinga. Detail #1 – left brainb. Detail #2 – right brain

IV. Point 3 – decision makinga. Detail #1 – left brainb. Detail #2 – right brain

V. ConclusionThis will be three paragraphs.

Right Brain/Left BrainThe left and right sides of your brain process information in different

ways. The left side of your brain is logical, rational, linear, and verbal. The right side, on the other hand, processes information intuitively, emotionally, creatively, and visually.

Left brains think in words, whereas right brains think in pictures. People who depend more on the left side of their brain are list makers and analysts. They are detailed, careful and organized. In contrast, right-brained people are visual, intuitive and sensual.

When a left-brained person has to make an important decision, he or she makes a mental list of all the factors involved and arrives at a decision only after careful analysis. When a right-brained person has to make the same decision, on the other hand, he or she is more likely to base it on intuitution and feelings. For example, a left-brained automobile shopper will consider a car’s cost, fuel efficiency, and resale value, whereas a right-brained shopper bases a decision on how shiny the chrome is, how soft the seats are, and how smoothly the car drives. Of course, no one is 100 percent right-brained. Although one side may be stronger, both sides normally work together.

Travel Agent’s Opinion on Travel Destination

Alaska Hawaii

With a partner, put the information into the chart. Then together, decide how you want towrite the paragraph. Write one paragraph for the both of you about the assigned support..

pg. 112-113

Use the information to complete the chart.

Main Topics Alaska HawaiiAccommodation

Climate

Natural beauty Chugach Mountains and Mount McKinley

Good quality hotels

Rains in summerPerfect temperature in summer

Volcano National Park

Basic to luxury

Beautiful beaches

Amazing glaciers

Excellent hotels and condosLuxury to budget priced

No rain in summer Hot and humid in summer

No humidity

What Type of Compare/Contrast Paragraph Should You Write?

BlockSimilarities of Alaska and HawaiiDifferences of Alaska and Hawaii

Point by PointAccommodations

AlaskaHawaii

ClimateAlaskaHawaii

Natural BeautyAlaskaHawaii

Which one do you think is the best way

to present this information?

Point by PointAccommodations

AlaskaHawaii

ClimateAlaskaHawaii

Natural BeautyAlaskaHawaii

Alaska and Hawaii are similar in accommodations. Alaska has quite good hotels. Their accommodations vary from basic to luxury. Similarly, in Hawaii, they have a wide variety of hotels and condos. They range from luxury to budget priced.

Block1 -- Similarities of

Alaska and Hawaii2 -- Differences of

Alaska and Hawaii

There are many similarities between the two states. Both of them have good quality hotels and affordable pricing. They also have amazing natural beauty.

What is Our Topic Sentence?

What is Our Conclusion?

Homework:

Complete the graphic organizer about two vacation places in the United States. Do some research on the computer and find out the differences and similarities between the two places. Write a block composition or point by point composition. Bring your draft with you next week.