CLASS MATERIAL

WEEK 3
CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS
SEMESTER 2, 2021-2022

Developing Introductory Paragraph in Comparison

and Contrast Essay
 Components of an introductory paragraph of a
compare and contrast essay
- Background Information
 Components of an Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph, or opening paragraph, is the first paragraph of your essay. It
introduces the main idea of your essay and tells why your topic is important.

Activity 1
Write the two components in an introductory paragraph of a compare and contrast essay in
the space provided.

a. _________________________________
b. _________________________________

Activity 2
Match the components of an introductory paragraph in Activity 1 to the definitions below.
No Definition Component
Presents your subjects and your points of comparison that you will
1 include in your essay. It should also be clear, and it is the last
sentence of the introduction.
Writes about the specific subjects of your essay. What is your
2
essay about? This part helps to establish the subjects’ context.

Activity 3
Identify the two components of an introductory paragraph in the texts below by writing the
sentence number for each component.

Introductory paragraph 1
1
Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people were communicating over
long distances by using traditional means such as letters and the telephone. 2In the past,
people wrote letters to communicate with friends and family because it was the only way to
communicate long distance. 3Nowadays, a variety of communication tools can complete this
task, ranging from email to instant messaging and video calls. 4While the present and past
means of communication are similar in their purpose, they use different technology.
 Adapted from: Smith, S. (2020, March 3). Compare & Contrast Essay.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/
reference_list_electronic_sources.html

Background information:
Thesis statement:

Background Information

Activity 4
A good background information consists a few elements. Based on the background
information identified in Activity 3, answer the questions that follow.

Introductory paragraph 1
1
Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people were communicating over
long distances by using traditional means such as letters and the telephone. 2In the past,
people wrote letters to communicate with friends and family because it was the only way to
communicate long distance. 3Nowadays, a variety of communication tools can complete this
task, ranging from email to instant messaging and video calls. 4While the present and past
means of communication are similar in their purpose, they use different technology.

Adapted from: Smith, S. (2020, March 3). Compare & Contrast Essay.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/
reference_list_electronic_sources.html

1. Which sentence introduces the topic of the essay?

Sentence Number: _____________

2. What are the subjects stated in the introductory paragraph?

___________________________________________________________

3. Which sentence provides the general statement of the first subject?

Sentence Number: _____________

4. Which sentence provides the general statement of the second subject?

Sentence Number: _____________
Activity 5
Identify the three elements in a background information of an introductory paragraph by
writing the sentence number for each element.

Topic: Similarity and difference between Facebook and Twitter

1
Since social media’s origin over a decade ago, several sites have enjoyed time in the
spotlight. 2Indeed, individuals of all ages and lifestyles often manage several social media
accounts at the same time, ranging from the big names to more specific platforms such as
Facebook and Twitter. 3The most favoured social media is Facebook, and it is used by many
tweens and grandparents alike. 4Most individuals have one or more of these accounts and
may even use them in integrated ways. 5Twitter, on the other hand, is not far behind, as it is
also used by many. 6Twitter has a feature that allows users to post their tweets to other
platforms, thus updating two sites at once. 7Facebook and Twitter have similar function but
differ in the way users employ them.

Adapted from: Williams, S. (2014, May 6). Social Media Giants.

https://owl.excelsior.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/05/CompareContrastEssaySeeItInPractice.
pdf

Introduction of the topic of the essay : Sentence _____________

General statement of the first subject : Sentence _____________
General statement of the second subject : Sentence _____________

Topic: A comparison of cultural practices between United Kingdom and China

1
Different countries across the world have diverse cultural practices, and this has an effect
on work relationships and development. 2Geert Hofstede, a psychologist, came up with a
structured way of comparing cultural dimensions of different countries such as United
Kingdom and China. This theory explains the impacts of a community’s culture on the values
of the community members, and the way these values relate to their behaviours. 3For
example, in China, their attitudes to time are different as the Chinese prefer slower
4
negotiations. Meanwhile, in United Kingdom, their people believe that time is money and
are in a hurry to conclude a deal. 5While United Kingdom and China share cultural
similarities, these two countries also have different cultural practices based on Hofstede’s
Six Dimensions of Culture.
 Adapted from: Comparison Between the United Kingdom and China. (2017, November).
https://samples.essaypro.com/Compare-and-Contrast-Essay/Uk-China-Comparison.pdf

Introduction of the topic of the essay : Sentence _____________

General statement of the first subject : Sentence _____________
General statement of the second subject : Sentence _____________

Activity 5
One of the elements in background information for each introductory paragraph below is
missing. Identify the missing element and complete the introductory paragraph by writing the
relevant sentence for the missing element.

Introductory Paragraph 1
Printed books are books in their physical form, consisting of pages or sheets of paper
glued together inside the cover. However, with the world’s current pandemic situation, all
learning has been shifted to online platforms. Electronic books have now become
ubiquitous and a part of life for the students. An electronic Book is a non-editable book
that can be read on any electronic device with a configurable viewing display. Although
books and electronic books provide an excellent and effective way of reading, they differ
in accessibility.

Adapted from: eBooks vs Books Essay. (n.d.). https://swiflearn.com/study-material/essay/ebooks-

vs-books-essay/

Missing element: ___________________________________________________________

Answer: __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Introductory Paragraph 2
It would almost seem abnormal for a person to not own a cell phone nowadays, but for
some choosing which phone is right for them is rather difficult. With so many options to
choose from, one may not know where to even begin in choosing a cell phone. Apple and
Android are the two biggest companies currently on the market, with a lot of different
models. Android, which is Linux-based and partly open source, is more PC-like which its
interface and basic features are generally more customisable from top to bottom. Apple
 and Android are similar when it comes to cost; however, they have different features.

Adapted from: Bramer, D. (n.d.). iPhone vs Android.

https://www.coursehero.com/file/19809364/Compare-and-Contrast-Essay-Don-Bramer/

Missing element: ___________________________________________________________

Answer: __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Introductory Paragraph 3

Education is a process of
facilitating learning or
acquisition of knowledge.
Education
is a never ending learning
process that has always been a
part in our life to continue the
path
of success. Learners can
also educate themselves
without the guidance of
educators.
Education can be formal
or informal depending to
the situation. Formal
education is
commonly divided into
many stages such as
kindergarten, school and
university. In
university, students can
choose to further their study
abroad or in local university.
Recently,
studying abroad has become a
trend among the students.
Nonetheless, studying locally
and
abroad has its own benefits
and uniqueness.
Education is a process of
facilitating learning or
acquisition of knowledge.
Education
is a never ending learning
process that has always been a
part in our life to continue the
path
of success. Learners can
also educate themselves
without the guidance of
educators.
Education can be formal
or informal depending to
the situation. Formal
education is
commonly divided into
many stages such as
kindergarten, school and
university. In
university, students can
choose to further their study
abroad or in local university.
Recently,
studying abroad has become a
trend among the students.
Nonetheless, studying locally
and
abroad has its own benefits
and uniqueness.
Education is a process of
facilitating learning or
acquisition of knowledge.
Education
is a never ending learning
process that has always been a
part in our life to continue the
path
of success. Learners can
also educate themselves
without the guidance of
educators.
Education can be formal
or informal depending to
the situation. Formal
education is
commonly divided into
many stages such as
kindergarten, school and
university. In
university, students can
choose to further their study
abroad or in local university.
Recently,
studying abroad has become a
trend among the students.
Nonetheless, studying locally
and
abroad has its own benefits
and uniqueness.
Education is a process of
facilitating learning or
acquisition of knowledge.
Education
is a never ending learning
process that has always been a
part in our life to continue the
path
of success. Learners can
also educate themselves
without the guidance of
educators.
Education can be formal
or informal depending to
the situation. Formal
education is
commonly divided into
many stages such as
kindergarten, school and
university. In
university, students can
choose to further their study
abroad or in local university.
Recently,
studying abroad has become a
trend among the students.
Nonetheless, studying locally
and
abroad has its own benefits
and uniqueness.
Studying is a never-ending learning process that has always been a part in people’s life to
continue the path of success, be it studying locally or abroad. Recently, studying abroad
has become a trend among the students. This is because it paves the way for new
avenues as far as job openings are concerned. In today’s global economy, employers
often look for employees who have some international experience, as this provides a
whole new level of global and cultural understanding. Although studying locally and
abroad are similar in its benefits, they provide different opportunities.

Adapted from: A Compare and Contrast Essay About Education. (n.d.)

https://www.studocu.com/my/document/universiti-pendidikan-sultan-idris/english-profienciency-
 4english-profienciency-4/biu-2042-compare-and-contrast-essay-education/16123086

Missing element: ___________________________________________________________

Answer: __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Activity 6

Below are the introductory paragraphs of compare and contrast essay. Identify whether the
background information is acceptable or unacceptable and justify your reason.

Introductory paragraph 1

Marriage therapist and researcher John Gottman, Ph.D., has found that criticism, contempt,
defensiveness and stonewalling are serious threats to a marriage. Marriage based on love is
the pure feeling of attachment. Meanwhile, arranged marriage is like a blind date in hopes to
find love. It could be love at first sight or love after a while. No matter whether it is love
marriage or arranged marriage, some people think that eventually, the couple will be in love.
Although arranged marriage and love marriage requires a lifelong commitment, they are
different in terms of prior understanding towards each other.

Acceptable or unacceptable: _____________

Reason: __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Introductory paragraph 2
Over the last two decades, the demand from consumers for organic foods has increased
tremendously. In fact, organic fruits and vegetables are more nutritious and wholesome than
non-organic food. Organic foods have more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients
than commercially grown foods because the soil is nourished with sustainable farming
practices. On the other hand, inorganic foods are those that are grown using artificial
chemicals. Inorganic food products are those that have been treated with artificial additives,
such as preservatives, sweeteners, and flavouring. Organic and inorganic foods possess a
number of significant differences. While organic and non-organic foods provide good nutrient
contents, the cost between this type of foods is different.
Acceptable or unacceptable: _____________

Reason: __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Introductory Paragraph 3
School is one of the most important stages of educational system in children’s lives where
they are trained to absorb basic knowledge and prepare for their future. Often times, schools
are divided into single-sex schools, where only boys or girls study, and co-ed schools, where
boys and girls study together. These choices demand that parents choose between co-ed
school and single-sex school and decide what would be better for their children. Although
both co-ed schools and single-sex schools provide good learning experience to their
students, they differ in terms of social skills.

Acceptable or unacceptable: _____________

Reason: __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Introductory Paragraph 4

The 21st century is the age of visual information. Most places are surrounded by all kinds of
graphics, charts, commercials, logos, banners and other images. Be it a website, a billboard,
a magazine, a comic book, a package—all the images are created by graphic designers:
people whose profession is to draw. Unlike usual artists, graphic designers mostly work with
customers, creating images based on their specific requirements; there is also one more
difference: instead of a canvas, pencils, and dyes, graphic designers utilise special software
programmes. Among the most popular and the most advanced programmes, Adobe
Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are the favourites of the majority of graphic designers.
While Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator have many benefits in editing images, they
differ in terms of the function.

Acceptable or unacceptable: _____________

Reason: __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
Activity 7
Write an introduction of the topic for each background information in the introductory
paragraph below.

Topic: Similarity and difference between two soft drinks: Pepsi and Coca-Cola

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Pepsi is a company known for a highly diversified product portfolio, both within the beverage
industry and in other industries such as the consumer-packaged goods industry. Meanwhile,
Coca-Cola focuses on a diversified product portfolio within the beverage industry and has
few products outside of that industry. While Pepsi and Coca-Cola have a similarity in
marketing strategy, these drinks contain different nutritional content.

Topic: A Comparison of two cities in Japan: Tokyo and Kyoto

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Tokyo is the political and economic capital of Japan, so it is much more bustling, modern
and new. Kyoto, on the other hand, is the storehouse of Japan's traditional culture. To most
people, Tokyo and Kyoto brings no difference as they have rich historical background, but
these two places offer different outdoor experiences.

Topic: Similarity and difference of Boeing and Airbus

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Boeing came into commercial aviation by launching its first aircraft, the B&W Seaplane, in
1916. The company went on to develop several small passenger and military aircraft in the
two decades that followed, becoming a frontrunner in all-metal aircraft construction. The
European company Airbus had a modest beginning with the launch of the A300B, which is
based on the A300 wide-body jetliner. These companies have shared the sky for over 50
years and both brands have their adherents. Airbus and Boeing maybe almost similar when
it comes to overall appearance, but they differ in the technical aspect.

Activity 8
Write the general statements for both subjects for each of the introductory paragraph below.

Topic: The similarity and difference of attending public school and home school

When deciding on the best schooling option for children, more parents find themselves
asking the question whether home schooling is better than attending public school.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Topic: A comparison between the benefits of drinking coffee and drinking tea

A new study of 2,000 Americans examined the personality differences in people based on
their morning beverage of choice: coffee or tea. ___________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Topic: The similarity and difference of public universities and private universities

With 20 public universities and over 400 private institutions (including colleges, university
colleges and universities) in Malaysia, it is understandable that students may have a hard
time deciding between the two. _______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________