Write a lead.

Read each lead-writing strategy and example and write your own.

The first sentence in your essay should grab the reader's attention. It is called a "lead." The following activity will help you write an effective lead sentence.

1. Explain why the subject matters:

Dolphins and whales are among the most majestic creatures on earth.

2. Provide a surprising fact:

Two of the smartest animals on earth live in the ocean.

3. Ask a question:

Did you know dolphins and whales come from the same biological family?

Write your focus statement.

Read about focus statements. Then write your own focus statement.

Your beginning paragraph should end with a focus statement. The focus statement names the two subjects and starts to compare and contrast them.

Dolphins and whales share some traits and features but also have key distinctions.

Write your beginning paragraph.

Write your lead sentence. Add detail sentences that build toward your focus statement.

Lead Sentence

Detail Sentences

Focus Statement

Choose a pattern of organization.

The following graphics show three common ways to organize the details in your middle paragraphs. Review the patterns, and pick the one that best fits your topics. Then follow that pattern as you begin writing your essay.

Write topic sentences.

Write a topic sentence for each middle paragraph. Follow the directions for the type of essay you are writing—point-by-point, subject-to-subject, or similarities-differences.

Topic sentence 1:

Topic sentence 2:

Topic sentence 3:

Topic sentence 4:

Write your middle paragraphs.

Write your topic sentences. Add detail sentences to support them. Use comparison-contrast transitions to connect your ideas.

 Use a variety of details to compare and contrast: facts, examples, definitions, qualities, or details related to the senses—see, hear, smell, taste, or touch.

Comparison-Contrast Transitions

Middle Paragraph 1

Middle Paragraph 2

Middle Paragraph 3

Middle Paragraph 4

Write your ending paragraph.

Try these ending strategies. Then combine some into an ending paragraph.

1. Restate your focus.

Dolphins and whales are more alike than their size might suggest.

2. Offer a final comparison or contrast:

Two of the smartest ocean dwellers are dolphins and whales.

3. Give a last thought.

Cooperation makes dolphins and whales truly special.

Read the following draft.

Note how the writer put the parts together.

Dolphins Versus Whales

Did you know dolphins and whales come from the same biological family? It’s true. They’re both part of the “cetacean” order, aquatic mammals that evolved from hoofed land mammals. Focus statement Like many family members, dolphins and whales share some traits and features but also have key distinctions.

Dolphins and whales share some similar physical features. Both are long and slender, and they have fins on their back, sides, and ends of tails. Finally, both use a blowhole to breathe air. Breathing air is one reason why both are marine mammals, warm-blooded animals that live in the ocean.

Dolphins and whales share key social behaviors, too. Both are intelligent and cooperative. They travel in pods. That means they live, hunt, and raise their young in groups. Pod members use sounds to communicate and warn of danger. This type of communication is a form of echolocation, meaning they use sound waves and echoes to “see” objects and danger, even in dark or murky water.

Of course, dolphins and whales have one very noticeable difference: size. Whales are much bigger than dolphins. Most dolphins are about 10 feet long and weigh 400 pounds. On the other hand, whales can grow up to 115 feet long and weigh 100 tons! Think of dolphins as the little cousins of whales.

Another major difference is their habitat. Whales are found in oceans all around the world no matter if the water is hot or cold. In contrast, dolphins live in ocean waters near the equator because they prefer warm water. And while many whale species take long migrations in search of food, dolphins don’t travel much outside their immediate habitat.

Scientists say dolphins and whales are two of the smartest animals. You can see why by comparing the way they live and work together. Even though they are different sizes and live in different places, both value cooperation. This makes whales and dolphins special.