IETLS A | WRITING | UNIT 7 – Page 73

WRITING
UNIT 7
SECTION 1
Introduction
Compare And Contrast Essay
Compare and contrast essays are the other big essay types in academic writing. These
essays will follow a specific question and are fairly easy to complete. There are several ways
to write this type of essay. The most important thing to remember is structure. Many wonderful
essays fall victim to the woes of bad structure, making any ingenuity to fall by the wayside. Go
over the rules on how to write a general essay, and then structure your compare/contrast
essay in one of the following two formats:
Introduction: Your introduction — like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally (with a
quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis statement.
Body:
 Topic 1: This next portion of your essay (which may consist of one paragraph or several)
should cover only the first topic of the comparison and contrast.
 Topic 2: Do not discuss Topic 1 in this section. You may allude to Topic 1 briefly; however,
do not analyze Topic 1 in this section. This portion of the paper is to discuss Topic 2 in
great detail.
 Topic 1 & 2 Together: Analyze topic 1 and 2 together. This section may also be one or
several paragraphs.
Conclusion: The conclusion — like the introduction — should be a generalization of the thesis.
This paragraph should express your certainty and absolute knowledge on the subject matter.
You should reaffirm your thesis (essentially restate it in new words) and show how you've
proven it.
OR
Introduction: Your introduction — like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally (with a
quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis statement.
Body:
 All Comparisons (Topics 1 and 2): This section — which should consists of several
paragraphs — should go through all similarities you find in the two topics on which you are
writing. There should be at least three comparisons (essentially three short body
paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in each.
 All Contrasts (Topics 1 and 2): This section — which should consist of several
paragraphs — should go through all differences you find in the two topics on which you
are writing. There should be at least three contrasts (essentially three short body
paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in each.

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Conclusion: This conclusion is wrapping up everything you have just proven in your paper. It
should restate the thesis in a new, more official way, and you should feel quite confident in your
writing.

SECTION 2
Presentation
Structure of Description
Here is a quick breakdown on how the Compare-Contrast Essay should appear:

TYPE A TYPE B

 Paragraph 1: Introduction (with Thesis)  Paragraph 1: Introduction (with Thesis)

 Paragraph 2: Topic 1 (Comparison a)
 Paragraph 3: Topic 1 (Comparison b)
 Paragraph 4: Topic 1 (Comparison c)
 Paragraph 5: Topic 2 (Contrast a)
 Paragraph 6: Topic 2 (Contrast b)
 Paragraph 7: Topic 2 (Contrast c)
 Paragraph 8: (Optional) -
Comparisons/Contrasts together (any topic)
 Paragraph 8: Conclusion
Instructions: This is a compare and contrast type essay. Looking at the differences between
international education in the USA and Australia.
 Paragraph 2: Comparison a (Topic 1&2)
 Paragraph 3: Comparison b (Topic 1&2)
 Paragraph 4: Comparison c (Topic 1&2)
 Paragraph 5: Contrast a (Topic 1&2)
 Paragraph 6: Contrast b (Topic 1&2)
 Paragraph 7: Contrast c (Topic 1&2)
 Paragraph 8: Conclusion

Find 20 mistakes.

The Western style of educate was been gaining popularity over a last decade.
Many foreign students come from countries like Australia and the USA to studying
at university and improve their employment prospects. In this essay I will briefly
comparison and contrast these two countries.
There are many similar between the two countries. Firstly they both have a very
multicultural people so it is possibility to find many countries' food. Also, as they are
both large country it is possible to finding a climate that suits you. Another
similarity is that they both have high quality universities.
On the another hand there are some appreciable difference. The main one are
that education in the USA is much more expensiver than in Australia. But, many
students think that it is worth paying the extra money as the American universities
have a gooder reputation. Furthermore, as the USA has a many larger population
there are the wider range of institutions to choice from.
To sum up, America offers more choice and a better reputation, but at a higher
cost. Australia offers the same quality but is cheaper if you can find the course that
you want.

SECTION 3
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 IETLS A | WRITING | UNIT 7 – Page 75

Practice
a. Some expressions for showing equivalence are:

1. as + adjective as
2. the same + noun as
3. as many + countable noun as
4. as much + non-count noun as
5. as much as
Example: A Ford costs $20,000. A Toyota costs $20,000.

1. The Ford is as expensive/attractive as the Toyota.

2. The Ford is the same (price) as the Toyota.
3. The Ford costs as many dirhams/dollars as the Toyota.
4. The Ford costs as much (money) as the Toyota.
5. The Ford costs as much as the Toyota.

Now write your own sentences comparing any two things. Use the 5 model
sentences/expressions given above.
1....................................................................................................................
2....................................................................................................................
3....................................................................................................................
4....................................................................................................................
5....................................................................................................................
© Note: It is also possible to use both or neither … nor to show equivalence.

Example: 1. The Ford and the Toyota are both $20,000.

2. Both the Ford and the Toyota are $20,000.
3. Neither the Ford nor the Toyota is very expensive.
Now write your own sentences comparing any two things. Use the 3 model
sentences/expressions given above.
1....................................................................................................................
2....................................................................................................................
3....................................................................................................................

b. To show that two things are almost the same, but not totally, you can use
1. alike/similar 4. like
2. similar (+ noun) 5. almost/nearly the same
3. similar to

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Example: The Ford has four doors, power steering, and a top speed of 140 kph.
The Toyota has four doors, power steering and a top speed of 135 kph.
1. The Ford and the Toyota are alike/similar.
2. The Ford and the Toyota are similar (cars).
3. The Ford is similar to the Toyota.
4. The Ford is like the Toyota.
5. The Ford and the Toyota are almost/nearly the same.
Now write your own sentences comparing the features of any two things. Use the 5
model sentences/expressions given above.
1....................................................................................................................

2....................................................................................................................

3....................................................................................................................

4....................................................................................................................

5....................................................................................................................

SECTION 4
Vocabulary Practice
Vocabulary Practice 1
The main expressions for showing difference between two things are:
1. comparative adjective (_____er) + than 5. less than
2. not as/so + adjective + as 6. less + adjective than
3. more than 7. not as many + count noun + as
4. more + adjective than 8. not as much (+ non-count noun) + as

Example: The Toshiba computer costs $3,500. The NEC computer costs $4,000.
1. The Toshiba is cheaper than the NEC.
2. The Toshiba is not as expensive as the NEC.
3. The NEC costs more than the Toshiba.
4. The NEC is more expensive than the Toshiba.
5. The Toshiba costs less than the NEC.
6. The Toshiba is less expensive than the NEC.
7. The Toshiba does not cost as many dollars as the NEC.
8. The Toshiba does not cost as much (money) as the NEC.
Now write your own sentences comparing any two things on the next page. Use the 8
model sentences/expressions given above.

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 IETLS A | WRITING | UNIT 7 – Page 77

1....................................................................................................................

2....................................................................................................................

3....................................................................................................................

4....................................................................................................................

5....................................................................................................................

6....................................................................................................................

7....................................................................................................................

8....................................................................................................................

Vocabulary Practice 2
Complete these sentences with the most appropriate word or expression from A, B or C.
1. The two machines .......... considerably. One has an electric motor, the other runs on oil.

A. differ B. differentiate C. differential

2. The .......... in weather between the north and the south of the country is very noticeable.

A. comparison B. contrast C. compare

3. Many people cannot .......... between lemon juice and lime juice.

A. differ B. differentiate C. contrast

4. Children must be taught to .......... between right and wrong.

A. differ B. contrast C. distinguish

5. There is a .......... between being interested in politics and joining a political party.

A. distinguish B. distinctive C. distinction

6. Can you tell the .......... between a good boss and a bad one?

A. difference B. differentiate C. contrast

7. The management must not .......... between male and female applicants.

A. differ B. contrast C. discriminate

8. Asia covers a huge area. .......... Europe is very small.

A. By way of contrast B. By ways of comparing C. By similar means

9. The new model of car is very .......... to the old one.

A. same B. similar C. common

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10. Her political opinions are .......... to mine.

A. same B. exactly C. identical

11. Some political parties have such similar manifestos that they are difficult to .......... .

A. tell apart B. say apart C. speak apart

12. My friends and I enjoy doing many of the same things. In that respect, we have a lot .........

A. in similar B. in particular C. in common

13. There seems to be a large .......... between the number of people employed in service
industries, and those employed in the primary sector.

A. discriminate B. discretion C. discrepancy

14. British and Australian people share the same language, but in other respects they are as
different as .......... .

A. cats and dogs B. chalk and cheese C. salt and pepper

15. Britain's economy is largely based on its industry, .......... a few hundred years ago it was
an agrarian country.

A. wherefore B. whereas C. whereby

SECTION 5
Grammar Practice
Grammar Practice 1
Notice that in the example paragraph above, which contrasts argument with
counterargument, the writer uses the passive to introduce ideas:
 It is often said….
 It is also argued that…
This is one way to give your writing a more formal style.
Rewrite each of these sentences by putting the main verb in the passive.

1. People say that wind power turbines are completely harmless.

 It is said that wind power turbines are completely harmless.

2. There are people who argue that solar power will never replace fossil fuels.

 ….........................................................................................................
3. Experts predict that very soon China will be the world’s leading economic and political power.

 ….........................................................................................................

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4. Many people regard the Internet as a great force for democracy and freedom of speech.

 ….........................................................................................................
5. Researchers hope that they will soon find a vaccine for avian flu.

 ….........................................................................................................
6. Everyone knows that heart disease is the highest cause of death.

 ….........................................................................................................

Grammar Practice 2
Read the below text then answer the questions on the next page.
McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King! Fast food outlets
provide a great option for active families. I am going to
compare and contrast the similarities and differences
between fast food and home cooked meals. There are
some distinct similarities between the two. The first
similarity is that they both provide a variety of
choices. There are a number of selections available in
restaurants; salads, burgers and more. Of course if
the ingredients are available, anything can be cooked
in your own kitchen. Each can be relatively
inexpensive. Fast food can be very cheap since many
meals are under 20 dirhams. Home cooked meals also can be reasonable especially if
ingredients are carefully considered for the cost. Both fast food and home cooked meals
can be delicious. We know that many people enjoy the taste of fast food because it is
popular around the world. Home cooked meals can certainly be yummy if they are
prepared just as you like them. Although there are a number of similarities there are
several differences between fast and home cooked meals. The first difference is that fast
food is generally more fattening since oil is frequently used in the cooking process. In
contrast the fat content can be controlled in home cooking. Another important
difference is the amount of time that each takes. Fast food is obviously quick since
menus are limited and a number of staff are involved in the preparation and cooking.

Process. Home cooked meals however take longer to complete since one person is
usually responsible for the entire meal. Yet another difference is convenience. Fast food
is ready made and always available whereas home cooked meals are not instant. We can
see that fast and home cooked meals are similar in many ways but very different in
others. I prefer home cooked meals since I like preparing my own food and can be sure
of the ingredients. Enjoying a meal at home with my family is a great end to my busy
day!

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Answer these questions:

1. What are the introducing paragraph, the body, concluding paragraph?

 ….........................................................................................................
2. What does the writer select to compare and contrast?

 ….........................................................................................................
3. Do you agree with what the writer mentions?

 ….........................................................................................................
4. What will you choose to compare and contrast?

 ….........................................................................................................
5. Write 5 sentences of what you choose to compare and contrast here:

 ….........................................................................................................

Grammar Practice 3
To show relationships among more than two things, use superlatives - usually adjectives
with “est” are added.

§ the most + multi syllable adjective (base form)

§ the least + multi syllable adjective (base form)

Example: The Nike shoes cost $120. The Reeboks cost $150. The Adidas cost $50.

1. Reeboks are the most expensive shoes.

2. The Reeboks are the dearest shoes.
3. The Adidas are the least expensive shoes.
4. The Adidas are the cheapest shoes.
Now write your own sentences comparing 3 + things. Use the 4 model sentences/
expressions given above (you can also write in the singular – e.g. "The Toyota is the
most expensive car.")

1.......................................................................................................................

2.......................................................................................................................

3.......................................................................................................................

4.......................................................................................................................

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Look at the below picture and write some superlative sentences about these people

Write your sentences here:

1.......................................................................................................................

2.......................................................................................................................

3.......................................................................................................................

4.......................................................................................................................

5.......................................................................................................................

6.......................................................................................................................

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Grammar Practice 4
Look at the below list and ask yourself some questions.

Autumn Spring
cooler warmer
leaves change flowers bloom
brilliant colors trees bloom
precedes winter precedes summer
death birth

¤ Is there something important, significant, or interesting in the similarities and differences on

the list?
¤ What have you discovered about autumn and spring?" ….......

Write your sentences here:

1.......................................................................................................................

2.......................................................................................................................

3.......................................................................................................................

4.......................................................................................................................

5.......................................................................................................................

6.......................................................................................................................

SECTION 6
Homework
Homework 1
Carl wants to begin a regular exercise program, but he can't decide between running
and walking. To make a rational choice, he lists what he knows about each activity:

Running Walking
improves cardiovascular endurance can be done in an urban or rural area
burns 800 to 1000 calories per hour is relatively injury-free
can be done in an urban or rural area requires no special equipment
can cause shinsplints and muscle strain improves circulation and posture
requires no special equipment burns 300 calories per hour

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Step 1: Organize the two lists according to related points:

Running Walking
1. Can be done in a rural or urban area Can be done in a rural or urban area

2............................................................ ............................................................

3............................................................ ............................................................

4............................................................ ............................................................

5............................................................ ............................................................

Step 2: Using the coordinators and, but, and yet, and the subordinators while, whereas,
although, (or even though), write five sentences in which you compare and
contrast running and walking, using the information you organized in Step 1.

1.......................................................................................................................

2.......................................................................................................................

3.......................................................................................................................

4.......................................................................................................................

5.......................................................................................................................

Step 3: Based on what you have done above, write an essay to tell Carl what exercise he
should take, use no more than 300 words.

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Homework 2
Your family is in the process of buying a new car. Your parents have narrowed their
options down to two choices: a Ford Explorer and a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

At home, write an essay to help them make their final decision by comparing and
contrasting the two cars.

* Use the factors people consider when they’re ready to purchase a new car as your points of
comparison:
 Price
 Size
 Safety
 Gas mileage
 Performance

Write your essay here:

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

….................................................................................................................................................

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