Directions: Select the blank lines to choose the words or phrases that best complete the following
statements.
Error! Filename not specified.Transitional expressions are words and phrases that point out the
exact relation between one idea and another, or one sentence and another. For the comparison or the
contrast paragraph in particular, transitional expressionsError! Filename not specified.emphasize
similarities or differences between the points of comparison or contrast that make up the body
of the paragraph. Transitional expressions such as equally, in addition, and in the same way are
appropriate for aError! Filename not specified.comparison paragraph ; transitional expressions
6 . Comparison Paragraph and Contrast Paragraph - Transitional Expressions
In a comparison or contrast paragraph, your reader will follow your paragraph better if you
use transitional expressions to connect your ideas. In a contrast paragraph, you must use
transitional expressions that emphasize opposition and difference, such as conversely, in
contrast, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, but, whereas, and so on. In a comparison
paragraph, you must use transitional expressions that emphasize similarities, such as also, equally, in
addition, in a similar way, likewise, in the same way, and so on.
The following table shows an example of a contrast paragraph. Select Topic Sentence or Body
Sentence in the left-hand column to see an explanation of how each transitional expression functions
within the paragraph.
Topic
Sentence:
Body
Sentence:
Body
Sentence:
Body
Sentence:
Body
Sentence:
Example Contrast Paragraph
Although Billy Morrissette's 2002 Scotland, PA and Roman Polanski's
1971 Macbeth are both adaptations of Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth,
the films present very different visions of the story.
The location of Polanski's Macbeth is a realistic representation of the moors of
Scotland, full of bleak landscapes and eerie fog, whereas Morrissette's film
changes the location from Scotland to a small Pennsylvania town in 1975.
Polanski's script closely reflects the language of Shakespeare, although it
shortens or changes several scenes to accommodate the length of the film; on
the other hand, Morrissette's script modernizes Shakespeare's language and
changes lines to fit the times.
Overall, Polanski's Macbeth presents an attempt at a realistic representation of
Shakespeare's play and has a dark, grim, and tragic tone.
In sharp contrast, Scotland, PA offers a spoof of the tragedy, often mixing in
ridiculous, over-the-top, and comical elements, such as hippie witches and
1970s music.
Points:
0.5 / 1
Explanation:
Close Explanation
such as conversely, on the other hand, and in opposition are appropriate for aError! Filename not
specified.contrast paragraph .
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Transitional expressions" help the reader see the relationship between sentences or ideas; for the
comparison or the contrast paragraph, transitional expressions "emphasize similarities or differences"
between the points of comparison or contrast that make up the body of the paragraph. Transitional
expressions such as "equally", "in addition", and "in the same way" are appropriate for a "comparison
paragraph" because they stress similarities; transitional expressions such as "conversely", "on the
other hand", and "in opposition" are appropriate for a "contrast paragraph" because they stress
differences.
Directions: In the following table, choose the correct number order for the jumbled sentences on the
left from the dropdown menus on the right. (Hint: Choose the topic sentence as sentence 1.)
Paragraph Sentences
Judy Garland's version is linked to her filmic role as
Dorothy, a dreamy teenage girl in Kansas, who wishes to
escape to another world; in contrast, video recordings of
Kamakawiwo'ole display a gigantic yet sensitive artist
playing the song to his native Hawaii.
Although Judy Garland and Hawaiian ukulele singer Israel
Kamakawiwo'ole both recorded legendary versions of the
classic song "Over the Rainbow," their versions of the same
song leave very different impressions.
First, small differences in the musical arrangement have an
impact on the song: Garland's 1938 version for The Wizard
of Oz is accompanied by an orchestra, giving the tune an
old-fashioned nostalgia, whereas Kamakawiwo'ole's version
features his sweet, high voice accompanied by a ukulele,
which gives the song a very contemporary sound.
Furthermore, the visual imagery that accompanies each
version of the song gives it different meaning.
Correct Position
Error! Filename not
specified.3
Error! Filename not
specified.1
Error! Filename not
specified.2
Error! Filename not
specified.4
Correct Sentence Order
Sentence 1: Although Judy Garland and
Hawaiian ukulele singer Israel
Kamakawiwo'ole both recorded legendary
versions of the classic song "Over the
Rainbow," their versions of the same song
leave very different impressions.
Sentence 2: First, small differences in the
musical arrangement have an impact on the
song: Garland's 1938 version for The Wizard
of Oz is accompanied by an orchestra, giving
the tune an old-fashioned nostalgia, whereas
Kamakawiwo'ole's version features his sweet,
high voice accompanied by a ukulele, which
gives the song a very contemporary sound.
Sentence 3: Furthermore, the visual imagery
that accompanies each version of the song
gives it different meaning.
Sentence 4: Judy Garland's version is linked
to her filmic role as Dorothy, a dreamy
teenage girl in Kansas, who wishes to escape
to another world; in contrast, video recordings
of Kamakawiwo'ole display a gigantic yet
sensitive artist playing the song to his native
Hawaii.
Explanation
This is the topic sentence for this paragraph.
The topic of the sentence indicates that the
paragraph will talk about two different
versions of "Over the Rainbow." The
phrase leave very different
impressions indicates that the paragraph
will contrast the two versions of the song.
This sentence provides the first point of
contrast: the songs have different musical
arrangements. The word whereas serves to
indicate that a contrast will occur between
the Kamakawiwo'ole version and the
Garland version.
This sentence provides the second point of
contrast: the visual imagery that
accompanies each version of the song.
This sentence provides specific information
about the contrast in visual imagery
between Garland's version of the song and
Kamakawiwo'ole's rendition and uses the
transitional expression in contrast.
Which of the following statements is true about the passage?
The passage is a comparison between the Judy Garland and the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole versions of
"Over the Rainbow."
The passage is a contrast between the Judy Garland and the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole versions of "Over
the Rainbow."
The passage shows the similarities between two versions of the same song.
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"The passage is a contrast between the Judy Garland and the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole versions of 'Over
the Rainbow'" is the correct answer. The phrase very different impressions shows that the paragraph
will discuss the things that are different between the two recordings.
Which of the following words from the passage are transitional expressions particular to comparison or
contrast paragraphs? Check all that apply.
Whereas
In contrast
Dreamy
Linked
Although
Points:
0.8 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Although," "in contrast," and "whereas" are all transitional expressions in this passage that emphasize
the differences between the two versions of "Over the Rainbow."
