Compare and Contrast

Compare and Contrast Paragraph

 

     The comparison paragraph compares two subjects (A & B) and discusses how they are alike and lists a few examples. In the contrast paragraph, two subjects (A & B) are discussed as to how they are different, again, listing a few examples. In the compare and contrast paragraph, two subjects (A & B) are discussed as to how they are different, again, listing a few examples and as they are similar, again, listing a few examples. Whatever you apply to A, you have to apply to B.

    There are two ways to write a paragraph, first, there is the point by point paragraph and there is the blocked (whole to whole) paragraph. In the point by point, writing back and forth between the two subjects. First, talking about topic A. then talk about topic B., then right back to topic A. and so on. Finally, the block paragraph only discusses one topic and then finishes the paragraph with the other subject that is to be compared or contrasted with the first. Then the conclusion puts what you are comparing or contrasting together.

 

Transitional expressions used in comparison:

· in the same way

· and, also, in addition

· as well as

· both, neither

· each of

· just as...so

· similarly

· like

· too

· the same

 

Transitional expressions used in contrast:

· although

· whereas

· but

· however

· conversely

· on the other hand

· in contrast

· while

· yet

· unlike

·  

· My Brothers

·     There are many differences and likenesses between my two brothers. Glenn, my eldest brother, was very rebellious as a teenager. For example, he would go out drinking all night with his buddies and was always looking for trouble. Eric, who is older than me, but younger than Glenn, was not rebellious as a teenager. A couple of examples are the fact that Eric always put his academics ahead of everything and stayed out of trouble. Glenn did not attend college, but pursued a career in the military; whereas, Eric did attend college, became a pharmacist, and is in the Army National Guard. They are both religious, but Glenn is a Catholic who speaks with anyone and everyone about his religion, and Eric is a Christian who lets you believe what you believe. Glenn is a very “manly” person. He hides his emotions, is very handy around the house, and runs his family in the military-style. Eric is a “semi-feminine” person. He shows his emotions, hires someone else to fix things around the house, and does not run his home in the military lifestyle. Glenn is overly protective of his family. Eric is protective, but not overly protective of his family. Both Glenn and Eric have a wonderful sense of humor. There is never a dull moment when they are in the same room. Another likeness is that they both have served time in Iraq. They went over to Iraq within one month of each other and came home within one or two months of each other. Glenn and Eric are both married to their high school sweethearts and have had large families. Glenn has three boys and one girl. Eric has three girls. Lastly, they both own beautiful homes that are comfortable for their family sizes. My brothers are very different, yet similar.

 

Outline:

 

TS: There are many differences and likenesses between my two brothers.

Contrast:                     Glenn                                                  Eric

Personality                  Rebelious                                            Studious

Education                    No college                                           College

Religion                       Catholic                                               Christian

Mannerism                 Manly                                                  Semi-feminine

Family                          Protective                                            Semi-protective

Compare:

Personality                                          Sense of humor

Military                                               Served in Iraq

Marriage                                             High-School sweetheart

Family                                                 Large

Homes                                                 Beautiful and comfortable

Conclusion: My brothers are very different, yet similar.