When you compare (talk about the similarities) and/or contrast (talk about the differences) between two things in a paragraph it is important that you make sure your paragraph has a strong topic sentence that helps summarize the similarities and/or differences and doesn't just state that they exist. For instance, don't say "High school and college are very similar to one another." This is too generalized. A stronger topic sentence would be "High school and college have similar content and social activities." This better prepares the reader for what you're about to write about. It also helps you to know what information to include and what information to exclude.
"But" Statements
You may have used the word "but" many times, but have you been using it the correct way?
If you look at the previous sentence, what do you think the main point of this section is going to be.
A. The ways you have used but B. Or the ways you have used it correct or incorrect. If you answered B you are correct. In a "but" statement, the main point of the sentence, the place where most of the emphasis is placed is the part of the sentence that comes after "but." This is important to know for any sentence but especially for compare and contrast sentences. If the main focus is going to be on how things are similar, you put that information after the but. "Me and my best friend don't always see eye to eye, but we have similar upbringings that help us relate to each other." While I expect, you will mention the ways you don't see eye to eye, I expect that the main focus of the paragraph will be about your similar experiences and how they connect the two of you.
Homework
- Aplia Assignment: The Simple Sentence
- Thursday Blog Post Prompt: Write about whatever you want!
