Topic outline

  • General

  • Venn Diagram

    Highlighted

    Use the Venn diagram while draftining:

  • Block method

    A compare and or contrast paragraph is required if you are asked to examine similarities and/or differences. Compare focuses on similarities. Contrast focuses on differences.

    Structure: 

    Topic sentence: identifies the topic and the intention to compare and/or contrastX and Y; comments on the degree of similarity or difference.

    Support sentences: describe and compare features of chosen topics.

    Concluding sentence: summarises and interprets differences and similarities.

    Block method: 

    Describe all of the features for each element then compare and contrast
    Topic X — describe X — features 1–n
    Topic Y — describe Y — features 1–n
    Describe and discuss points of similarity and/or difference.

  • Point by point method

    Compare and contrast feature by feature
    Feature 1 — describe X, describe Y — identify similarities and differences
    Feature 2 — describe X, describe Y — identify similarities and differences.
    Feature n — describe X, describe Y — identify similarities and differences.

  • Samples of Compare & contrast paragraph

    Comparing Algerian students' motivations to major in English and French.

    Block method 

    Choosing to major in French or English is deemed hard for many Algerian students,  and although their motivations are mainly the same,  like obtaining a university degree that allows them to work afterward, they have also many different reasons. For instance, owing to historical background, French is considered as the second foreign language in Algeria. As result, it is used both formally or informally,  in people’s daily life. Moreover, as many Algerian families have relatives living in France, many students decide to study French to  communicate with them easily. Furthermore, regardless whether it is right or wrong, French is still regarded as a language of high prestige, rich culture and a beautiful life style. Consequently, some students love French and study it for the sake of looking civilized and fashionable. In contrast, students like to major in English because it is an international language, and hence very useful for employment, travel and business. Besides, thanks to the large range of the educational resources available on line, many students find it easier to study English. Whether you agree with those motivations or not, studying a foreign language is always beneficial.

    Point by point method

    Choosing to major in French or English is deemed hard for many Algerian students since their  motivations are basically  the same: obtaining a university degree that allows them to work afterwards. Also, both majors require students to pass three years to have a bachelor degree and five years for a master degree. Similarly, after graduation, students of both majors can choose either to be teachers or translators. Like many English graduates, some French students have the intention to go abroad and explore the world. In addition, comparing to French, English is a European language that is taught in different stages of the educational system. It is also used in many administrations such as petroleum companies. However, the differences are more significant than the similarities, and Unlike  French, whose use is limited, English is an international language, and students tend to learn it to communicate globally. Nevertheless, there are more Algerian families living in French speaking countries than in English speaking ones. As a result, many students prefer studying French to English because it helps them have stronger bonds with their relatives. It is worth mentioning that French is for many Algerians a language of a high prestige, a rich culture and admired life style. Consequently some students lean towards it for the sake of looking civilized and fashionable. On the other hand, the new generation’s tendencies are different, and the Algerian youth think English is not merely prestigious, it is also practical and easier to learn. To sum up, mastering both English and French will help in Algeria because each has its convincing reasons to be learnt.  

    Task: correct wordiness in the above paragraph.



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