READING & WRITING 3

4.2. Unit assignment

 Objectives
• At the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a compare and contrast
essay and submit your work to ELOLMS.
 Compare and contrast essays
• A compare and contrast essay describes the similarities and differences
between two subjects.
• The introduction engages the reader by introducing the two subjects with
a Hook and describing the relationship between the two subjects with a
strong Thesis Statement.
• The body paragraphs compare and contrast the two subjects in 3
paragraphs with 3 points using point by point method or with similarities
and differences.
• The conclusion summarizes the similarities and differences with a
Restatement and gives the writer’s opinions.
 Unit assignment
• In this assignment, you are going to write a five-paragraph essay to compare
and contrast two methods of writing.
Choose one of the topics below:
1. Write an essay that compares and contrasts two methods of writing, such
as writing in Chinese and writing in English, or printed Arabic and
handwritten Arabic.
2. Write an essay that compares and contrasts speaking and writing in your
native language.
• Think about the unit question, “How important is it to write by hand?”
• Be sure to include an introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs presenting
3 key points of comparison and contrast, a concluding paragraph.
• Refer to the Self-Assessment checklist.
 Write a compare and contrast essay: Writing process

Brainstorm

Think of pairs of methods of writing, such as writing in Chinese and

writing in English or printed Arabic and handwritten Arabic, that you
think have an interesting or important relationship to each other.
Plan

Write Choose the 2 methods of writing you would like to use as your
subject to compare and contrast.

Edit

Write points to compare and contrast and similarities and

differences for your subject.
Rewrite
 Write a compare and contrast essay: Writing process

Brainstorm

Plan
Complete the
Look at the ideas Venn diagram to
Complete the
in the illustrate
outline (next
brainstorming similarities and
slide)
Write stage. differences (next
slide)

Edit

Rewrite
 Write a compare and contrast essay: Writing process

Brainstorm

Subject 1 similarities
Subject 2
Plan

Write

Edit

Rewrite
 Write a compare and contrast essay: Writing process

Brainstorm

Plan

Complete the outline.

Write

Edit

Rewrite
 Writing process: Plan - Example
Thesis statement: The reality is that spoken and written language vary in many ways, and when it comes to English, at times they can feel like two
different languages.
Body paragraph 1: vocabulary
Point 1a: Speaking Brainstorm
a. more slang
b. “and,” “but,” “so”
Point 1b: Writing
a. more formal vocabulary
b. “however,” “in contrast” Plan
Body paragraph 2: unique words
Point 2a: Speaking
a. need time to think
b. “um,” “uh,” “mm”
Point 2b: Writing Write
a. not in written English
b. writers do not need them
Body paragraph 3: grammar
Point 3a: Speaking
Edit
a. contractions
b. eliminate words

Point 3b: Writing

a. complete sentences
b. do not omit words Rewrite
c. avoid contractions
 Writing process - Write
Introduction
Humans have been talking long before they have been writing. In fact, speaking seems to be much more
natural than writing. Whereas our parents and teachers had to teach us how to spell and handwrite,
most of us learned how to talk without very much effort. The reality is that spoken and written
language vary in many ways, and when it comes to English, at times they can feel like two
different languages. Body paragraph 1
Both speakers and writers must make vocabulary choices, but in conversational English that
often means using more slang words. How many times do you hear people say words like “cool” and
“awesome” when they speak? Research has also found that English speakers love the words “and,” “but,”
and “so” and use them much more frequently than writers. In contrast, writing generally uses more
formal vocabulary. For example, in academic English, someone is “talented” or “proficient” instead of
“good at” something. Writers also use a larger variety of transition signals to connect their ideas. In
writing, words like “however” and “in contrast” are acceptable replacements for “but,” whereas speakers
do not tend to use them much.
Furthermore, there are special words that are unique to spoken English. Speaking is done in real-
time. People do not know exactly what they want to say, and they need time to think. English speakers
often say “um,” “uh,” and “mmm” to help themselves manage conversations and buy themselves the time
they need to formulate an answer. Without them, there could be silence, which might make the other
BodyThough
person uncomfortable or confused. paragraph
these 2
are heard daily in all kinds of conversations, you would
never see them in most written English. Writers simply do not need them.
 Writing process - Write
The differences in grammar are also quite distinctive. When people have
conversations, there are different restraints. For example, if people talk too long, they
can appear rude. As a result, English speakers have numerous ways to shorten their
speech. In addition to contractions, English speakers can eliminate words and still be
understood, such as in the expression “gotta go now” or questions like, “Ever been there
before?” On the other hand, writers generally use complete sentences, and they do not
omit words. In academic English, writers even avoid contractions like “don’t” and
“doesn’t.” Their grammar is usually more accurate, and because they do not have to take
turns like speakers do, their sentences are longer,
Bodytoo.
paragraph 3
In all, the English people use depends on many factors, including the formality of the
situation and the amount of time people have to think. Written English is unique
because it tends to use more sophisticated vocabulary and grammar than spoken
English. However, this does not mean that it is better. In fact, because of text messaging,
now people are writing more like they speak, reminding us that langauge is always in a
constant state of change. Conclusion
 Writing process: Edit: Self-assessment checklist

Yes No Self-assessment
V Does the thesis statement explain the relationship between the
two subjects or give reasons why the relationship is important?
V Is the essay organized using one of the compare and contrast essay
types?
V Does the essay contain an introduction, 3 body paragraphs and a
conclusion?
V Does the essay use the subordinators and transitions to compare
and contrast?
V Does the essay include vocabulary from the unit?
v Did you check the essay for punctuation, spelling and grammar?
 Writing process: Rewrite
• Correct any grammatical, spelling mistakes in the essay.
Write a compare and contrast essay: Submit your work

Submit your work to ELO LMS