Dear All,
In Chapter 6, we have focused on comparison and/or contrast essays: You have 3 alternatives
1- Discussing only similarities : State the topics in the thesis statement (points of similarity)
2- Discussing only differences : State the subtopics in the thesis statement (points of difference)
3- Discussing both similarities and differences : Subtopics are not mentioned in the thesis statement. Mentioning that there are similarities and differences is enough.
Your essay type can be
- point- by -point organization
- block organization
- organization in which you discuss both similarities and differences
Writing Comparison or Contrast Essays
A Comparison or Contrast essay is an essay in which you either compare something or contrast something. A comparison essay is an essay in which you emphasize the similarities, and a contrast essay is an essay in which you emphasize the differences. We use comparison and contrast thinking when deciding which university to attend, which smartphone to buy, or whether to vacation at home or abroad.
When comparing or contrasting something, writers have two classic organizational patterns from which to choose. One is called block arrangement of ideas; the other is called point-by-point or alternating arrangement of ideas. Suppose you are interested in showing the differences between vacationing in the mountains and vacationing at the beach. You will then write a contrast essay. One way to arrange your material is to use the block arrangement which is to write about vacationing in the mountains in one paragraph and vacationing at the beach in the next. If you mention a particular point in the mountains paragraph, you must mention the same point in the beach paragraph, and in the same order. The following outline shows this block organization. The first paragraph (the introduction) is followed by the mountains paragraph, then the beach paragraph, then the conclusion. The fully developed essay is just four paragraphs.
| Block Organization in Four Paragraphs | |
|---|---|
| I. | Introduction: Get your reader's attention and state your purpose which is to discuss the differences between vacationing in the mountains or at the beach. |
| II. | Vacationing in the Mountains, (A) the climate, (B) the types of activities, and (C) the location. |
| III. | Vacation at the Beach, (A) the climate, (B) the types of activities, and (C) the location. |
| IV. | Conclusion: Summarize your ideas and leave the reader with a good impression. |
A second way to organize this material is to discuss a particular point about vacationing in the mountains and then immediately to discuss the same point about vacationing at the beach. This is called point-by-point or alternating arrangement. An outline of this organization follows.
| Point-by-Point Organization in Five Paragraphs | |
|---|---|
| I. | Introduction: Get your reader's attention and state your purpose which is to discuss three differences between vacationing in the mountains or vacationing at the beach which are the climate, the types of activities, and the location. |
| II. | The first difference between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains is the climate. |
| III. | The second difference between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains is the type of activities. |
| IV. | The third difference between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains is the location. |
| V. | Conclusion: Summarize your ideas and leave the reader with a good impression. |
Application: Identification of Block or Point-By-Point in Two Essays
What follows are two short essays, one illustrating block and the other illustrating point-by-point organization. After reading the organizational schemes and seeing how they look in the tables above, it should be relatively simple identifying the organizational pattern in each of the following essays.
Vacationing in the Mountains or at the Beach
People are always looking forward to their vacation period. There are many options where to choose. The two most common places people choose for taking a vacation are the mountains and the beaches. Both places offer a variety of fun activities. The beach offers activities that the mountain cannot offer and vice versa. The mountain and the beach are totally different. The purpose of this essay is to contrast the climate, types of activities and locations of beaches and mountains.
Firstly, vacationing in mountains is different in terms of the 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, but the climate and the temperature of these zones also determine the types of activities they offer. Snow boarding, mountain climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing are some 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 contains many mountain vacation sites where people can go and have fun.
Secondly, vacationing at the beach provides some varieties regarding the 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 water bikes. In most 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 world.
It does not 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. Beach sounds better than the mountains, but sometimes it is better to take a risk and try a different place to enjoy.
(399 words)
Is the "Vacationing" essay above organized using block or point-by-point arrangement of details? First, note the essay is four paragraphs, (1) an introduction, (2) a paragraph about vacationing in the mountains, (3) a paragraph about vacationing at the beach, and (4) a conclusion.
This is the block arrangement, the first block containing information about mountains and the second block containing information about the beach. The following essay contrasts eating fresh foods and canned foods. Is its organization block or point-by-point? How many paragraphs does it contain? How many "differences" between fresh foods and canned foods does the author discuss?
Consuming Fresh Foods Instead of Canned Foods
Eating is an activity that we as humans do at least two times a day. We live in a world where the variety of food is immense, and we are responsible for what we eat. We decide what we are about to eat and how it will affect our bodies. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the differences between eating fresh foods instead of canned foods. The three main differences are flavor, health benefits, and cost.
The most notable difference between these two kinds of foods is their flavor. Fresh foods have great flavor and taste because they keep all their natural conditions. Canned foods however, lack a lot of its flavor characteristics because there are some other chemical products added to the natural foods. It is logical that the fresh foods will have a greater taste and flavor when consumed just because of the time in which they have been prepared.
Comparing both types of foods we notice another difference. There is a health factor that affects both of them. Canned foods lose some of the original fresh food nutrients when stored, and also it has to be tinned with many conservatives and chemical factors that prolong the shelf life and apparent freshness of the food but could also become toxic if consumed too often.
Yet another difference between these two types of foods is the cost. Canned foods are much more expensive than fresh foods. Here the benefit of buying tinned foods is that they are easier to find, for example, in a supermarket instead of the market like the fresh foods, and they require less work to prepare than fresh foods, just open and serve.
Here are the main three differences between buying fresh foods and buying canned foods. As we can see it comes down to a personal choice, based on the time each person has, the money and the importance he/she gives to his/her nutrition and health. Therefore it is important that you consider your possibilities and choose the best types of foods for your convenience and lifestyle. (347 words)
The "Foods" essay above is the "classic" five paragraph essay that all non-native speakers of English should learn to write. Its organization is the "classic" point-by-point, each point stated and developed in a single paragraph. The essay contains five paragraphs that contrast three differences between fresh and canned foods. The essay includes (1) an introduction, (2) the development of the first difference (flavor), (3) the development of the second difference (health benefits), (4) the development of the third difference (cost), and (5) a conclusion. In the true classic tradition, the three main differences in this contrast essay—flavor, health benefits, and cost—are stated both in the introduction and the conclusion as well. My own observation is this: US kids are taught to organize and write five paragraph essays like this from early childhood, but they rarely attain the degree of perfection of the essay above.
Which Would YOU Prefer, and Why?
For each of the following topics, what support could you imagine yourself making to support one side or the other?A. Vacationing in Paris or taking a three-week trip down the Amazon.
B. Buying an Apple or a PC laptop.
What other topics would allow you to support your point of view?
Additional Points to Remember When Writing a Comparison or Contrast Essay
1. Know what organizational style you are using. Whether you use the block arrangement or point-by-point organization, you should be able to identify it. Being able to identify your organization will not only help you in the organization of your own writing, but it will also help your readers follow the points you make.
2. State your organization. Remember the "straight line of development" that was discussed in the introduction requires that you "tell your audience what you are going to tell them; then tell them; then tell them what you told them." An important objective in academic writing is clarity, and stating your organization puts your ideas front and center. Always err on the side of clarity!
3. Keep your audience in mind. After you finish writing, read your essay from the perspective of readers. How will they respond to your ideas? Will they understand what you have written? Will they agree with your main point? Even if they do not agree, will the support at least appear logical to them?
4. Say what you want to say. Why write unless you can support your own personal point of view in your own writing? It was said at the top of this page that we use comparison or contrast in nearly everything we do, so look for opportunities as a writer to use comparison or contrast to support a personal point of view, your own view!
For more examples check the examples here.
Please have a look at the chart below so as to see your class performance. Please let me know if there is something wrong or missing.
For more examples check the examples here.
Please have a look at the chart below so as to see your class performance. Please let me know if there is something wrong or missing.
B109 avarage from hacersivil
Write a comparison and/or contrast essay on one or more of the topics by 19-05-2015. Remember to add your chart!
1- two books you have recently read.
2- two movies you have recently watched.
3- Baseball and Football
4- Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa.
5- Two famous people (actress/actors, politicians, artists, musicians, etc)
Have a nice weekend:)
1- two books you have recently read.
2- two movies you have recently watched.
3- Baseball and Football
4- Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa.
5- Two famous people (actress/actors, politicians, artists, musicians, etc)
Have a nice weekend:)
Comedy films and shows are the best way in order to spend funny times. Consequently, people follow many comedians who are good at in their jobs such as Şahan Gökbakar and Cem Yılmaz. They are similar in that they are both educated and they have a career in show business.
YanıtlaSilOne marked similarities between Cem Yılmaz and Şahan Gökbakar is that they are both educated. First of all, they got educate from university. Cem Yılmaz went to Boğaziçi University, and his depertmant is tourism and hotel management. Şahan Gökbakar graduated from Bilkent University;furthermore, his department is theater. Secondly, they also got educate from the theater schools. Cem yılmaz went to Türvak Acting School. Like Cem yılmaz, Şahan Gökbakar went to Müjdat Gezen Culture and Arts Center.
Another striking similarities between Cem Yılmaz and Şahan Gökbakar is that they have career in show businees. Firstly, they wrote and starred in the big-budget movies. Cem Yılmaz wrote Arog,Gora and Yahşi Batı. Şahan Gökbakar wrote Recep İvedik and Eyvah Eyvah. Furthermore they were both did stand-up shows and comedy shows on television. Cem Yılmaz’s famous stand-up show is Fundamentals. Şahan Gökbakar’renowned stand-up show is Tek kişilik Dev Kadro. Secondly, they have appeared several times in commercials. Cem Yılmaz played in the Doritos and Turcell commercials. Likewise, Şahan Gökbakar played in Turkcell commercials.
All in all, Cem Yılmaz and Şahan Gökbakar resemble each other in terms of education and career in show business. Hopefully, their success will continue in the future
Football matches and Olympics sports are followed around the world by the million people.There are also millions sport fans that as thousands athletes in the world. Specially,some of them are significant popular than others.I think that the two most famous athletes are Michael Phelps and Lionel Messi.Both athletes have a different life.The purpose of this essay is to contrast the career,hobbies and family life.
YanıtlaSilI am going to discuss Michael Phelps first.The three aspects I am going to discuss are career,hobbies and family life.He begun career of swim at the seven ages old. After that,he continued his career at Loyala High School and joined US National Team in 1999.Michael gained a lot of success in his career.In the 2004 Summer Olympics, he gained eight medals at the Olympics.On the other hand,there are Michaels some hobbies like as playing video games and watching TV.Also,he has got a cat and likes to spend time with its.Besides,Michael Phelps has a nice family life.His family always support him about his sport life.Specially,his sisters have an important role in starting his swimming.
I am going to discuss Lionel Messi second.The three aspects I am going to discuss are career,hobbies and family life.He started his football career when he was eight years old.He was very tolented kids.When he was eleven years old,he was transfered to Barcelona Football Club.Messi won Balloon d'Or price and he was chosen the best player of year all around the world by the FIFA in 21 ages old.He is the only player with top scorer four times in a row in the Champions League.Also,he is known with his social life.He has served in many charity.He established Leo Messi Foundation in order to help children who are helpless.On the other hand,Lionel Messi has a self-sacrificing family.His family moved to Spain for treating him.Because of that when he was eleven years old,the doctors diagnosed him horman disease.
In a nutshell,although Michael Phelps and Lionel Messi differ from each other in terms of career.hobbies and family life, both of them are the best athletes in own branch.I hope that their career continue with the success.
two famous people
YanıtlaSilAt the present time there are several tv series and shows for people to watch in their free times. However, if producers want to get high ratings, they must choose some special actors for their tv series. It is believed that the more loved actors, the more audiences. For instance, Berguzar Korel and Tuba Buyukustun are both good status in their business life. Berguzar Korel and Tuba Buyukustun have two striking similarities: education and acting.
One striking similaries between Berguzar Korel and Tuba Buyukustunis that they are both educated. Both of them graduated from university. Berguzar Korel studied at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and her department was show business. Besides, Berguzar played in Kuva-yi Milliye in State Theatre as a understudy. Likewise, Tuba Buyukustun also studied at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and her department was Scenery and costume design. After graduating from university she started acting thanks to director Tomris Giritoglu.
Another striking similarities between Berguzar Korel and Tuba Buyukustun is that they are both actress. Firstly, they are working as an actress in Turkish tv series now. For instance, Berguzar Korel has starred in Karadayi for three years. She won lots of awards while she has been playing in Karadayi. Likewise, Tuba Buyukustun is also an actress ,and has been playing in Kara Para Ask that made her the most successful actress. Secondly, both Tuba Buyukustun and Berguzar Korel appeared several times in commercials. Tuba Buyukustun has played Pantene advertising, but she played it in the Middle East. Likewise, Berguzar Korel is also a advertising face in Pantene in Turkey.
To sum up, Berguzar Korel and Tuba Buyukustun resemble each other in terms of education and acting. I hope that they will not lose their likeables.
Everbody knows that sports activities play a vital role in every person's life. According to sports experts , hundreds of millions of people prefer to be interested in sports which are playing with ball such as baseball and football.However, baseball and football are totally different. The two main differences are game form and history.
YanıtlaSilThe most difference between these two kinds of sports is their game form. Baseball is played between two teams of nine players. Football has got eleven players and two teams.Baseball is a team sport played on a special field over the course of several periods of play called innings. However, footbal is the course of two periods which are forty five minutes of play and if you want to play football you must learn dribble , which is controlling the ball while running. Baseball is a bat and ball game. Comparing both types of sports we notice another difference. Baseball fields diamond in shape nevertheless footbal fields square in shape .
Yet another difference between these two types of sports is the history. The history of baseball in the United States can be traced to the 18th century when amateurs played a baseball game by their own informal rules using improvised equipment. However football was first introduced in England as early as 1170 when an account describes youth going to the fields for a 'game of ball'. The popularity of the sport inspired the semipro national baseball clubs in the 1860s. Sheffield FC is the first and oldest football club in the world founded in 1857 by the pioneers Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest.
All in all here the main two differences between baseball and football. People , without doubt , should do sports activities for having healty and confortable life .
Throughout the invention of television, authiors need floor shows except the news and films. As a result of that, many talk shows and attractions started to be featured in television. The media of Turkey has a number of great comedians like Şahan Gökbakar and Beyazıt Ozturk. There are not only similarities but also differences between Şahan Gökbakar and Beyazıt Öztürk.
YanıtlaSilOne vital similarity between Beyazıt Öztürk and Şahan Gökbakar is that both of them are comedians. First of all, the two comedians have been arcing a part in many films. For instance, Şahan Gökbakar had shooted film series which names is Recep Ivedik. Beyazıt Öztürk had arced a part in Yalan Dünya in 3 years. Besides, both of them have a talk show in difference channels. Beyaz Show has been being broadcasted live in Channel D since 1996. Accordingly, Şahan Gökbakar had presidented a lot of tv shows like Dikkat Şahan Çıkabilir and Zoka. On the whole, two of them are succesful comedians in Turkey.
Despite all similarities, they are different people from each other in many ways. One significant difference is eduation. Even though Şahan Gökbakar graduated from Bilkent University Music and Performing Arts Faculty, Beyazıt Öztürk did from Eskişehir Anatolia University Fine Arts Faculty. Second significant difference is music experience. Unlike Şahan Gökbakar, Beyazıt Öztürk vocalized lots of songs in his youth ages. In 1998, he released an album which name is White Folk Songs. On the other hand, Şahan Gökbakar has not any album apart from his takeoffs like Irem Derici song, To only owner of my hearth.
Even though there are a number of similarities between Şahan Gökbakar and Beyazıt Öztürk, there are some striking differences, too. It is likely that these two comedians will continue to put their signature under important successes.
Most people play sports because of relaxing and getting more healty. On the other hand, some people do them professonally. It is a matter of preference which sports to play. Some people prefer to play basketball, some people would rather play football. Even though there are a number of similarities between playing basketball and playing football, there are some striking differences, too.
YanıtlaSilThere are three main differences between playing football and playing basketball. Firstly, the two sports are played with a ball. Secondly, there are special area for playing these sports. Both of them have private zone which plays on. Finally, there two hole in zone. If you want to get point, you must go through the ball from inside of the hole.
There are three main significant differences between playing basketball and playing football. The first is that basketball is played with five person for each group. However, while football is played, there are twenty two players in the area. Secondly, football is played with food. Footballer kick the ball, while there are playing. On the other hand, basketball is a hand game. Players hold ball and throw each other with hands. Thirtly, basketball players have to be tall, yet it does not matter for football players. It is enough that the players are good at playing football.
All in all, football differs greatly from basketball, but these two sports also resemble each other in some aspects. If you do a sport,it provides you to be more healty whatever it is.
Similarities and Differences between Two Rapper
YanıtlaSilNumber of both people who listen rap music and rapper increase, from past to present. Because of it, rap sector has been developing since 1885 in Turkey. Even though there are some similarities between Sagopa Kajmer and Ceza, there are also some differences.
To begin with, it is clear that there are some similarities between Sagopa Kajmer and Ceza. First of all, both some skills, more or less, have similar themes. For example; not only Ceza but also Sagopa Kajmer might play the piano; besides, they play piano in many clips. Another similarity is that Sagopa and Ceza have many fan groups in social media. For instance, Ceza has 123 groups in facebook such as; Ceza, Ceza&Ayben, Ceza Fan…ex. Sagopa has 132 groups in facebook such as; SagopaKajmerTurkceRap, SaGoLeRa, Sagopa Kajmer…ex. In short, there are two of the similarities between Sagopa and Ceza.
Despite similarities, there are also several differences between Sagopa and Ceza. Firstly, they have different physical properties. For example, Sagopa has 1.92 meters length, unlike him, Ceza has 1.73 meters length. Sagopa Kajmer is both longer and more overweight than Ceza. Unlike Sagopa, Ceza is a bald man. The second difference is their rap speeds. For example; Ceza may say 153 words in a minute. Unlike him, Sagopa may say 92 words in a minute. If you hear their songs, you can notice easily this difference.
All in all, there are not only similarities but also differences between Sagopa Kajmer and Ceza. Hopefully, they continue to sing rap songs. It is belived that they will sing together although they have some difference.
Movies which have variant and imaginary topic are watched so much by cinemagoer as people enjoy watching imaginary characters and events. One of this movies is ''The Lord Of The Rings'' and other is ''Harry Potter''. Although there are a number of similarities between TLOR and HP, there are some striking differences as well.
SilTLOR resembles HP in some aspects and objects which have perfect power and are desired to use by leading roles are first similarityabout similaryties of TLOR and HP .First wonderful object is a ring which is mensioned in TLOR. The ring which gives grate power it's user is wished by Saruman, who obeys evil. Also the ring atrack it's user people.People who use the ring can not be seen by anyone. Likewise, that time and places are imaginary is the other similarity between TLOR and HP. For instance, Isengard is a city which is mensioned in TLOR. Likewise, Hogsmeade is a town which is mesioned in HP . You can not find and see this places because of their imaginaryties. Besides, there is no time in both of them.
Apart from similarities, there are also some significant differences between TLOR and HP. First difference is the still of wars. Magic is used in HP . Wars contain magics and sticks are used to win. For example, ''Avada Kedavra'' is the most strong magic.'' Bomborda'' is used to create explosion.. On the other hand, elfs, orks and hobits use sword , axe and arrow during a war. Elfs move very quickly and can use their sword skilfully. Also they are master about using arrow. Orks move slowly and often use arrow and sword.Hobits use often sword and axe .They are seen strengthless , yet they are strong to carry axes.
In conclusion, there are both similar and differing aspects between TLOR and HP. Both of them are known the best movie;also, they can be watched a lot of times without boredom.