Adapted from Fowler, Henrey Ramsey; Aaron, Jane E., and Janice Okoomian. The Little, Brown Handbook. 10th ed. New York: Longman. 2007.
Adapted from Fowler, Henrey Ramsey; Aaron, Jane E., and Janice Okoomian. The Little, Brown Handbook. 10th ed. New York: Longman. 2007.
Adapted from Fowler, Henrey Ramsey; Aaron, Jane E., and Janice Okoomian. The Little, Brown Handbook. 10th ed. New York: Longman. 2007.
Compare and contrast
- Compare – to show similarities between the chosen objects
- Contrast – to show differences between the chosen objects
- Transitional words are important!
- Two basic ways of organizing:
o A) the block method
o B) the point-by-point method
Exercise – write the following using either the block method or the point-by-point method
Topic sentence: Newest poll finds that book sales in general are increasing due to e-books and audio books; the sales
of printed books have decreased by 8% since 2008, yet printed books are still popular according to the latest poll.
Sentences:
- Around 65% of readers like the feeling of a real book.
- E-readers are easier to carry around than printed books.
- E-readers often have a built-in dictionary that provides quick reference when needed.
- The physical aspect of a book is good for writing down notes.
- Shopping in bookstores rather than browsing online is for many a positive experience.
- E-readers can hold hundreds of books.
- Books can be resold, collected or given as a gift.
- Shopping online for e-book can be done from the convenience of your home.
Exercise – Writing with the patterns of development
Write at least three unified, coherent, and well-developed paragraphs, each one developed with a different pattern.
Draw on the topics provided below:
a) Narration: an experience of public speaking; a disappointment; leaving home; waking up
b) Description (objective or subjective): your room; a crowded or deserted place; a food; an intimidating
person
c) Illustration or support: why study; having a headache; the best sports event; usefulness or uselessness
of a self-help book
d) Definition: humor; an adult; fear; authority
e) Division or analysis: a television news show; a barn; a web site; a piece of music
f) Classification: factions in a dispute; styles of playing poker; types of Web sites; kinds of teachers
g) Comparison and contrast: surfing the Web and watching TV; radio/online DJs; youth and professional
hockey/football; movies on TV and in a theater
h) Analogy: paying taxes and giving blood; the US Constitution and a building’s foundation; graduating from
high school and being released from prison
i) Cause-and-effect analysis: Connection between tension and anger; causes of failing or acing a course;
connection between credit cards and debt; causes of a serious accident
j) Process analysis: preparing for a job interview; setting up a web log; protecting your home from
burglars; making a jump shot