ENG 002 – Writing portfolio 4 – Comparative Paragraph 2 | Page

Comparative paragraph – Writing portfolio 4

Name: ________________________ ID: __________________________ Section: _______

A comparative paragraph is a type of explanation paragraph that compares and contrasts two things. Like any explanation paragraph, the details in a comparative paragraph can contain facts, examples, reasons, or descriptions. More importantly, comparative paragraph usually requires writers to use comparative and superlative adjectives to describe the topic in detail. Take a look at an example of a comparative paragraph below.

Country Life is Better than City Life

I believe small country town is better than a big city in providing people with the good life. First, a country town has fewer people. Therefore, they can live on big lots with plenty of space. Cities have more people on a much smaller space living very close to each other. Secondly, the air in the country is cleaner. On the other hand, city air has a lot more pollution. We know that people who live in industrial city atmospheres have many lung and throat diseases. Third, people move slower in the country. They don’t live in a hurry and don’t have to worry too much about things. In the city, however, people move often and fast, and sometimes reckless. Because of this fast life, they get anxious easily and have many emotional problems. Finally, friendships come easier in the country. People usually chat and take time with each other. That is not always true in the city. City friendships are brief and less meaningful. For these reasons, I think people will have a better quality of life if they live in the country and not the city. (Adapted from Henry Ford College’s Learning Lab Exercise)

Here are some useful signal words that you can use in a comparative paragraph.

To talk about similarity:
in the same way, likewise, similarly, both, too, like, the same

To talk about difference:
yet, but, however, nonetheless, though, in contrast, on the other hand, unlike

To add ideas in a separate sentence:
first, second, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, in fact, even more

To give examples in a separate sentence:
for example, for instance, to illustrate, as an illustration

To talk about reason (cause) and consequence (effect):
because, since ,therefore, so, as a result, thus, consequently

To conclude your paragraph:
In short, in brief, to sum up, in conclusion, in summary
PRE-WRITING

In this portfolio, you are going to write a comparative paragraph. Compare and contrast one of the following topics:

·
Compare Saudi culture to another culture that you know.

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Which one do you prefer: Learning in the classroom or learning online?

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WE alternative: Compare job benefits between two companies

·
TE alternative: Write a short product recommendation report based on

comparative features of Toyota Corolla and Camry.

Write your paragraph in the box below. Underline signal words and unit vocabulary in blue. Make sure that you:

· Use complete sentences (with clear subject and verb in every sentence)

· Capitalize the first letter of every sentence

· Use final punctuation at the end of every sentence (e.g. period, question or exclamation mark)

· Indent your paragraph

First Draft

Topic:

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Check the quality of your writing by using the table below. If you tick “No”, revise your sentence(s).

Final Draft

Topic : ____________________________________________________________________

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Comparative Paragraph Rubric:

/3

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ENG 002 – Writing portfolio 4 – Process Paragraph 2 | Page

Process paragraph – Writing portfolio 3

Name: _____________ ID: __________________________ Section: _______

A process paragraph explains how to do something step by step. If the process paragraph is written clearly, the reader should be able to follow the steps to complete the task.

One of the most important features of a process paragraph is the use of time-order signal words. These signal words tell the order of the steps in the process. In this example, the author uses the words first, second, also, and finally. Other common words that you can use include: then, next, later, before, before that, after, after that.

Another common feature in a process paragraph is the use of imperative verbs. Imperative verbs are verbs that are used to give instructions, directions, or steps in a process by addressing the reader/listener directly. In the sample paragraph above, we have the imperative verbs like stay away, swim, avoid, and others.

When writing a process paragraph, sometimes you will encounter circumstances where you have to write in passive voice and modals + passive to explain step-by-step instructions

Exercise 1:

To practice turning imperative sentences in a process paragraph into passive voice, change all of the sentences in the following paragraph. You can use either present simple passive or modal with passive.

How to Boil an Egg

To boil an egg, first, get a pot big enough to hold one egg. Next, fill the pot ⅘ full with water. Put in the pot on the stove. After that, turn the heat to high and wait until the water boils. Boil the egg in the water for three minutes. Finally, take the egg out of the pot and put it in an egg cup. Now you can eat the egg.

(University of Victoria, 2018)

How to Boil an Egg

To boil an egg, first the egg must be put in a pot that is big enough to hold one egg. …………………….

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Pre-writing
In this portfolio, you are going to write a 150-word process paragraph about one of the following topics:
· How to submit an assignment to Google Classroom
· How to do a DIY project (you can choose a project that you like)
· How to make a dish (you can choose a recipe that you like)
· How to change an iPhone battery on your own

First Draft

Topic:

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Check the quality of your writing by using the table below. If you tick “No”, revise your sentence(s).

Yes

No

Self-Assessment

Does my topic sentence tell what the task/process is about?

Does my topic sentence contain a controlling idea?

Do I give detailed information, background details, tools needed for the tasks, or reason?

Does my concluding sentence offer a suggestion or warning to help the reader understand the importance of following the steps?

Do I use time-order words to connect the steps?

Do I write with appropriate tenses? (imperative verbs, present simple passive, modal + passive)

Does every sentence begin with a capital letter?

Does every sentence have a final punctuation (period, question/exclamation mark)?

Do I indent my paragraph?

Final Draft

Topic : ____________________________________________________________________

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Process Paragraph Rubric:

Criteria

Mark

Content & Ideas
There is one clear, well-focused topic.
Process is described with clear steps.
Steps are explained with enough details.
The concluding statement is clear and repeats key words from the topic sentence.

/3

Organization
Paragraph has topic sentence, body, and concluding sentence.
Steps follow chronological or logical order.
The use of transitions makes the paragraph easy to read.

/2

Word Choice
A variety of high frequency vocabulary is used appropriately.

/3

Grammar
Sentences are complete, with clear subject and verb.
Correct forms of imperative verbs and passive voice of modals and present simple are used.

/3

Mechanics
Spelling and punctuation are used correctly throughout the entire paragraph.
Paragraph is indented.

/2

Process
All stages in the writing process (planning, editing & writing) are properly followed and accomplished.
Submission deadlines of first and final drafts are met.

/2

TOTAL

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