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ENG 002 - Writing portfolio 4 – Comparative Paragraph 2 | Page

Comparative paragraph – Writing portfolio 4

Name: ________________________ ID: __________________________ Section: _______

A comparative paragraph is a type of explanation paragraph that compares and contrasts two things. Like any explanation paragraph, the details in a comparative paragraph can contain facts, examples, reasons, or descriptions. More importantly, comparative paragraph usually requires writers to use comparative and superlative adjectives to describe the topic in detail. Take a look at an example of a comparative paragraph below.

Country Life is Better than City Life

I believe small country town is better than a big city in providing people with the good life. First, a country town has fewer people. Therefore, they can live on big lots with plenty of space. Cities have more people on a much smaller space living very close to each other. Secondly, the air in the country is cleaner. On the other hand, city air has a lot more pollution. We know that people who live in industrial city atmospheres have many lung and throat diseases. Third, people move slower in the country. They don’t live in a hurry and don’t have to worry too much about things. In the city, however, people move often and fast, and sometimes reckless. Because of this fast life, they get anxious easily and have many emotional problems. Finally, friendships come easier in the country. People usually chat and take time with each other. That is not always true in the city. City friendships are brief and less meaningful. For these reasons, I think people will have a better quality of life if they live in the country and not the city. (Adapted from Henry Ford College’s Learning Lab Exercise)

Here are some useful signal words that you can use in a comparative paragraph.

To talk about similarity:

in the same way, likewise, similarly, both, too, like, the same

To talk about difference:

yet, but, however, nonetheless, though, in contrast, on the other hand, unlike

To add ideas in a separate sentence:

first, second, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, in fact, even more

To give examples in a separate sentence:

for example, for instance, to illustrate, as an illustration

To talk about reason (cause) and consequence (effect):

because, since ,therefore, so, as a result, thus, consequently

To conclude your paragraph:

In short, in brief, to sum up, in conclusion, in summary

PRE-WRITING

In this portfolio, you are going to write a comparative paragraph. Compare and contrast one of the following topics:

· Compare Saudi culture to another culture that you know.

· Which one do you prefer: Learning in the classroom or learning online?

· WE alternative: Compare job benefits between two companies

· TE alternative: Write a short product recommendation report based on comparative features of Toyota Corolla and Camry.

Write your paragraph in the box below. Underline signal words and unit vocabulary in blue. Make sure that you:

· Use complete sentences (with clear subject and verb in every sentence)

· Capitalize the first letter of every sentence

· Use final punctuation at the end of every sentence (e.g. period, question or exclamation mark)

· Indent your paragraph

First Draft

Topic:

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Check the quality of your writing by using the table below. If you tick “No”, revise your sentence(s).

Yes	No	Self-Assessment
		Does the topic sentence have a controlling idea?
		Do I have at least three supporting sentences?
		Do I organize my comparisons appropriately?
		Do I have a concluding sentence that summarizes my paragraph?
		Do I use signal words to help tie my sentences together?
		Do I write in with consistent tense?
		Do I write in complete sentences?
		Does every subject and verb agree?
		Does every sentence begin with a capital letter?
		Does every sentence have a final punctuation (period, question/exclamation mark)?
		Do I indent my paragraph?

Final Draft

Topic : ____________________________________________________________________

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Comparative Paragraph Rubric:

Criteria	Mark
Content & Ideas There is one clear, well-focused topic. Paragraph compares/contrasts at least 3 features of the topic. The concluding statement is clear and repeats key words from the topic sentence.	/3
Organization Paragraph has topic sentence, body, and concluding sentence. Details are in a clear, effective order: chronological (time), spatial (location), or order of importance. The use of transitions makes the paragraph easy to read.	/2
Word Choice A variety of high frequency vocabulary is used appropriately.	/3
Grammar Sentences are complete, with clear subject and verb. Verb tenses are used correctly and consistently. Correct forms of comparative adjectives are used.	/3
Mechanics Spelling and punctuation are used correctly throughout the entire paragraph. Paragraph is indented.	/2
Process All stages in the writing process (planning, editing & writing) are properly followed and accomplished. Submission deadlines of first and final drafts are met.	/2
TOTAL	/15