UPM-CALC/CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS/SEM 1/2022-2023

SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay

Complete the activities and submit by the due date.

Activity 1

Read the model essay below and answer the questions that follow.

Comparing the Methods of Communication of the Present and Past

1Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating

over long distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. 2Nowadays
people have a vast array of communication tools which can complete this task, ranging from
email to instant messaging and video calls. 3While the present and previous means of
communication are similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed and
range of tools available.

4One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to

the form of communication. 5In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently
used, in addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. 6Similarly, people nowadays use both
of these forms. 7Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for
examples via email and text messaging. 8In addition, oral forms are still used, including the
telephone, mobile phone and voice messages via instant messaging service.

9However, there are clearly differences in the way people communicate over long
distances, the most notable of which are speed and range of methods. 10In the past, letters
would take days to arrive at their destination. 11In contrast, an email arrives almost
instantaneously and can be read seconds after it was sent. 12Another significant difference is
the range of communication methods. 13Fifty years ago, the tools available were primarily
telephones and letters. 14On the contrary, today, there are a vast array of communication
methods available. 15These include not only the telephone, letter, email and text messages
already mentioned, but also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone
apps such as Whatsapp and social media such as Facebook.

16In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty
years. 17While the are some similarities, such as the forms of communication, there are
significant differences, chiefly in relation to the speed of communication and the range of
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SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

communication tools available. 18There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress
in future, and the advanced tools which are used today may one day also become outdated.

Adapted from: Smith, S. (2022). Compare & Contrast Essays. https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/

essays/candc/

1. Which sentence in paragraph 1 states the topic and main ideas of the essay?
Sentences 3

2. Which paragraph discusses the similarity?

Paragraph 2

3. Which paragraph discusses the difference?

Paragraph 3

4. What are the similarity and difference between the old and the current methods of long
distance communication?

Old method Current method

Similarity ● written forms: letters
● Oral forms: telephone
calls
Difference ● speed: letters would
take days to arrive at
their destination.
● Range of method: the
tools available were
primarily telephones
and letters.
● written forms: email and
text messaging
● Oral forms: telephone,
mobile phone, voice
message via instant
messaging serving.
● speed: an email arrives
almost instantaneously
and can be read seconds
after it was sent.
● Range of methods: vast
array of communication
methods available such as
Skype and mobile phone
apps such Whatsapp and
Facebook.
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SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

5. What words are used to show similarities/differences.

a. Both
b. Similarly
c. In contrast
d. On the contrary

6. What type of organisation method is used in the model essay?

Block organisation

Activity 2

Read the model essay below and complete the outline below using block organisation.

A Comparison and Contrast on Population of The United States and Russia

1Besides being the world’s two biggest nuclear superpowers, the United States and
Russia also share great interest in nuclear safety and security, counter-terrorism and space
exploration. 2Despite all these, the two nations have always maintained unique and
challenging foreign relations in the world. 3As many people are aware, there are significant
differences between Russia and the United States in their history and form of government.
4The United States is a young country with a long history of democratic government. 5Russia
is a country with ancient roots that has experienced different kinds of government. 6However,
there are other areas in which the similarity and difference between these two countries
could influence their relations. 7The United States and Russia are similar in population
diversity, but they have different population growth.

8One common similarity between the United States and Russia is their population
diversity. 9The United States and Russia have relatively diverse populations. 10They both
have a majority racial group that constitutes about 80 percent of the population and several
significant minority groups (CIA World Factbook, 2011). 11Like the United States, Russia also
has linguistic minorities, and there are parts of both countries in which it is common to see
signs in two or more languages. 12In addition, the United States and Russia are also similar
in religious diversity. 13Although both countries’ populations are largely Christian, they also
both have religious minorities such as Muslim, Jews and other small groups of religious
minorities (Jackson, 2015).

14Despite the similarity, the United States and Russia are very different in terms of
population growth. 15Russia’s population has been shrinking because the birth rate is fairly
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SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

low although it has increased in recent years. 16On the other hand, the fertility rate in the
United States has been consistently high with

2.06 children compared to only 1.6 for Russia (CIA World Factbook, 2011).
17Moreover, there is comparatively little immigration to Russia mostly from countries that
were once part of the former Soviet Union. 18In the United States, on the other hand,
immigration adds 2.3 million people per year (O’neil, 2013). 19This consequently contributes
to the rapid population growth of the United States.

20In conclusion, while the United States and Russia are different in terms of
population growth, they have similar population diversity. 21Both countries are home to
diverse races and religions. 22On the contrary, contrasting fertility rate and immigration
trends lead to difference in their population growth. 23These significant similarity and
difference indicate the needs for these countries to cooperate in the international arena. 28It

will be interesting to see how the United States and Russia work together in the future.

Adapted from Oshima, A, Hogue, A. and Ravitch, L. (2014). Longman Academic Writing Series 4:
Paragraphs to Essays, Fifth Edition. New York: Pearson Education

Introduction (Rewrite the sentence that show the main ideas of the essay)
The United States and Russia are similar in population diversity, but they
have different population growth.

Body
A. Similarity between the United States and Russia

Population diversity

a. Both have linguistic minorities

b. Both have religious minorities

Population growth

a. Russia has low birth rate than the United States

b. Russia has less immigration than the United States

Conclusion
In conclusion, while the United States and Russia are different in terms of population
growth, they have similar population diversity.
UPM-CALC/CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS/SEM 1/2022-2023
SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1