This week, you will use the writing process steps to develop a well-written compare and contrast paragraph. Keep in mind that the three characteristics of a good paragraph are unity, support, and coherence.

The final draft of the paragraph, with all supporting work (reflection, prewriting notes, outline, and first draft)

Your paragraph should also include a heading, a title, and an indent.

Reflecting

Before starting this assignment, review the comments and corrections on your last writing assignment. At the top of your prewriting, write down two areas you wish to improve on or two goals you wish to accomplish in this assignment.

Step 1: Prewriting

A compare paragraph compares two subjects, discusses how they are alike, and lists a few examples. On the other hand, acontrast paragraph discusses the differences between two subjects and, again, lists a few examples.The compare and contrast paragraph does both: it tells how two subjects are alike and how they are different.

For this assignment, you need to pick two subjects you know very well (2 of your children, you and a sibling, 2 jobs you had, 2 classes you are taking, 2 houses you have lived in, etc.) By choosing something very personal, you will know your subjects well and it will make the writing task much easier and enjoyable.

Consider formulating your topic sentence based on some of the examples in the attached link: Compare and Contrast Topic SentencesLinks to an external site.

Ask yourself:

• What two subjects would you like to compare and contrast?
• What are the similarities and differences between your two subjects?

Step 2: Planning

Consider the material you gathered in your prewriting and create an outline for your paragraph. Organize your ideas logically. Organize your ideas following the template below or better yet, the A-Z Compare and Contrast Template.Download A-Z Compare and Contrast Template.

Topic sentence

Compare A B

Detail 1

Detail 2

Detail 3

Detail 4

Contrast Detail 1 Detail 1

Detail 2 Detail 2

Detail 3 Detail 3

Detail 4 Detail 4

Conclusion

Check your outline for unity, development, and coherence by asking yourself:

• Does your topic sentence clearly state that you will compare and contrast? And does it clearly identifies both subjects?
• Do your supporting details actually support the main idea? Delete anything off topic
• Do you have a list of parallel points of comparison and contrast for both A & B?
• Are your supporting details organized in a logical order?

Step 3: Drafting

Using that outline, write the first draft.

• "Flesh out" the ideas from your outline
• Include transitional words and phrases to form a flow between sentences. See this week's reading for a list of transitions for a descriptive paragraph
• Compose a title for your work

Step 4: Polishing

Ask yourself:

• Are my sentences too long or too short?
• Do I have enough sentence variety?
• Are my words appropriate for academic purposes?
• Do I have any major grammatical errors (e.g., fragments, comma splices, or run-on sentences)?
• Do I have any spelling or mechanical errors?
• Are my verb tenses or persons (first, second, third) consistent?
• Are there verbs or adjectives I could replace with better ones (e.g., nice = cordial, amiable, gracious; do = accomplish, undertake, perform)? Let www.thesaurus.comLinks to an external site. become your new best friend.