A Compare And Contrast Paragraph is a fundamental skill in writing, used to analyze similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Whether you’re exploring academic topics, literature, or everyday phenomena, the ability to effectively compare and contrast is invaluable. This article will delve into what makes a strong compare and contrast paragraph, using examples to illustrate key concepts.
The paragraphs below offer clear examples of comparison and contrast. Read them carefully and consider the questions following each to deepen your understanding of this writing technique.
Example 1: Linguistic Landscapes – Cree and English Grammar
The grammatical structures of Cree and English, two languages spoken in Canada, present intriguing contrasts. Cree, the most widely spoken Indigenous language in Canada, with approximately 100,000 speakers, showcases significant grammatical differences from English. One key difference lies in verb complexity. Cree verbs are highly synthetic, often encapsulating an entire English sentence in a single word. For instance, the English phrase “I ate a lot of caribou” becomes the concise “Nichii mishtamuuwaatihkwen” in Cree. This verb-centric nature often leads to the omission of pronouns in Cree. Another distinction is Cree’s noun categorization into animate and inanimate, influencing plural formation. Animate nouns, denoting living entities, take the suffix “-ich” for pluralization, transforming “awaash” (child) into “awaashich” (children). Inanimate nouns, representing non-living things, utilize “-h,” changing “tehtapuwin” (chair) to “tehtapuwinh” (chairs). Finally, Cree lacks separate possessive pronouns. Possession is incorporated directly into the noun. “My book” is “nimasinahiikan,” “your book” is “chimasinahiikan,” and “their book” is “umasinahiikanawaau.” Despite these grammatical variances, Cree’s structure, in some respects, may offer a different kind of linguistic accessibility, suggesting that language learning difficulty is subjective and depends on the learner’s background.
Analysis Questions for Paragraph 1:
- What two subjects are being contrasted in this paragraph?
- Identify three specific points of contrast the writer highlights between Cree and English grammar.
- Reflecting on language diversity, can you think of another language and consider any grammatical contrasts it might have with English?
Example 2: Worlds of Faith – Christianity and Islam
Christianity and Islam, two of the world’s largest religions, are often perceived as vastly different. However, a closer examination reveals notable similarities. A primary commonality is monotheism; both faiths center on the worship of a single God who provides divine laws. These laws share ethical overlaps, including prohibitions against killing and stealing, and the establishment of a specific day for communal worship. Another significant similarity lies in the presence of holy scriptures. Christians revere the Bible, while Muslims hold the Qur’an as sacred. Both texts serve as guiding principles for believers, outlining appropriate conduct and moral frameworks. The tradition of pilgrimage is also shared. While Muslims are obligated to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime, Christianity, though not mandating a specific pilgrimage, has a long history of sacred journeys to significant cathedrals across Europe. Perhaps most importantly, both religions fundamentally advocate for peace. Despite prevalent media portrayals of conflict, Muslims, like Christians, emphasize the peaceful essence of their faith. While differences exist, such as variations in the role of women and Islamic dietary restrictions on pork and alcohol, the shared foundations and values between Christianity and Islam are more substantial than commonly recognized.
Analysis Questions for Paragraph 2:
- What is the overarching point the writer is trying to make by comparing Christianity and Islam?
- List four similarities the author identifies between these two religions.
- What specific differences are briefly mentioned in the paragraph?
- Consider another religion – how might it compare or contrast with either Christianity or Islam in terms of beliefs or practices?
By studying these examples, you can begin to understand the structure and components of an effective compare and contrast paragraph. Remember to clearly identify your subjects, pinpoint specific points of comparison and contrast, and articulate your analysis in a clear and organized manner. This skill will enhance your writing across various contexts, enabling you to present insightful and well-structured arguments.
