Reading a Comparison-Contrast Paragraph and Essay
This lesson lets you discover how another student analyzed two topics in a comparison-contrast paragraph and essay.
Reading a Comparison-Contrast Paragraph
A comparison-contrast paragraph has three main parts. The topic sentence introduces two subjects and says something about them. The body sentences give details about how the two subjects are alike and different. The ending sentence sums up how the subjects are the same or different.
Sample Paragraph
BMX Bikes Versus Mountain Bikes
Topic SentenceBMX bikes and mountain bikes are built in different ways. BMX bikes are great for tricks because they have a low, light frame and short tires. Mountain bikes have a high, heavy frame and thick tires. Body Sentences This makes them great for off-road riding on bumpy surfaces. Another way the two types of bikes differ is the number of gears. Mountain bikes have many different gears, but BMX bikes normally have just one gear. The number of gears relates to the main difference between the two bikes. Ending Sentence BMX bikes are built in a way that lets riders do tricks, while mountain bikes are built for off-road riding, including up and down hills.
Respond to the paragraph.
Answer the following questions about the reading.
- Does the reading mostly focus on the way the two bikes are the same or different?
- Name three ways the bikes differ.
Reading a Comparison-Contrast Essay
A comparison-contrast essay has three main parts. The beginning paragraph hooks the reader’s interest and gives a focus statement. The middle paragraphs explain how the two subjects are similar and different. The ending paragraph offers a final thought about how the subjects compare and contrast.
Sample Essay
Tricks or Travel?
Beginning ParagraphNot all bikes are created equal. Some people like BMX bikes best. Other people prefer mountain bikes. It all depends on how you like to ride. Focus Statement BMX bikes and mountain bikes look and ride in different ways.
The first major difference is the frame. BMX bikes have a short, light frame. This makes them easy to pick up and maneuver. Middle Paragraphs It also allows them to get bigger air when riding off ramps. On the other hand, mountain bikes have a high, heavy frame. This makes them sturdy, even when riding over bumpy surfaces, such as logs and rocks.
The bikes have different-sized wheels, too. BMX bikes have 20-inch wheels, which are short compared to most bike wheels. The tire has medium thickness. In contrast, mountain bikes have 26-inch wheels with thick tires. Bigger wheels give mountain bikes better balance than BMX bikes.
TransitionsA final major difference is gears. BMX bikes typically only have one gear. They rely on momentum to gain speed. But mountain bikes have many different gears. Multiple gears allow mountain bikers to go up and down all sorts of surfaces more easily. For example, low gears help riders pedal steadily up steep inclines without straining their legs. High gears allow riders to descend with speed and control, as each pedal turn gains greater distance than low gears.
The contrasting frame, tires, and gears make for a different riding experience. Because they are short and light, BMX bikes are great for doing tricks and getting lots of air. The handlebars even spin all the way around. On the other hand, mountain bikes’ heavy frames, big wheels, and multiple gears make them great for riding up and down hills and off the road.
Ending Paragraph The bike type for you depends on how you like to ride. Do you like doing tricks? A BMX bike is built for you. Do you like traveling off road? A mountain bike is built for you. Try riding both types of bikes to experience the differences for yourself.
Teaching Tip
Show students how an essay is an expanded paragraph: the topic sentence becomes the beginning paragraph, the body sentences become middle paragraphs, and the ending sentence becomes an ending paragraph.
Respond to the essay.
Work with a partner to answer these questions.
- How does the essay get your attention in the lead sentence?
- What sentence gives the essay a focus?
- Do the middle paragraphs focus on the similarities or differences between the bikes? Give examples to support your answer.
- Do any transitional words or phrases signal new differences? Give an example.
- What final thought does the essay leave you with?
Teaching Tip
Help students realize that the key features in the model essay can inspire them as they create their own essays.