READING AND

WRITING
SKILLS
Objectives:
1. Distinguish comparison and contrast
essay and definition essay as well as
their structures and features.
2. Examine a comparison and contrast
essay and a definition essay.

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WEEK 5:

Comparison and Contrast Essay

and Definition Essay as Patterns
of Paragraph Development

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Comparison and
Contrast Essay
Compare
✔ To tell, enumerate, and
examine similarities, how
things are alike and what
do they have in common

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 My color is orange
and yours is red.

Contrast
✔ To tell the differences of
two or more things, how
they are NOT alike, or what
they have in contrary

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COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
ESSAY
✦ Analyzes two subjects by either
comparing them, contrasting
them, or both
✦ Aims not to state the obvious but
rather to illuminate subtle
differences or unexpected
similarities between two subjects
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 Comparison Contrast
is used when is used when
only the only the
similarities are differences are
given. included.

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✦ In aiming for a valid and accurate comparison and
contrast evaluation, you must know the points to
compare first.

✦ Find the similarities and list down

the differences. On what level are
they similar and on what instances
are they different?
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 DIFFERENT
METHODS/
STRUCTURES IN
WRITING A
COMPARISON AND
CONTRAST ESSAY

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1. Basis of Comparison
✦ Requires having a specific
basis, a common point of
comparison or contrast
✦ Justifies similarities and
differences based on
common point of
reference

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1. Basis of Comparison
Points out the
characteristics that the two
components or topics have
in common that will give
you enough supporting
details or sub-details to
make your sentences more
sensible
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 A. Introduction
B. Body
1. Subject 1 and 2
Point to Discuss
and Explanation 1
Basis of 2. Subject 1 and 2
Comparison Point to Discuss
and Explanation 2
3. Subject 1 and 2
Point to Discuss
and Explanation 3
C. Conclusion
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2. Alternating Method
Allows you take turns in
discussing the characteristics
of the first topic, followed by
the second one

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2. Alternating Method
For example, you may discuss
initially the significance of
using Facebook, immediately
followed by the importance of
using Twitter. Then, you may
state the similar attributes of
both the social media
platforms preceded by their
differences.
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 A. Introduction
B. Body
1. Subject 1
2. Subject 2
Alternating 3. Subject 1
Method 4. Subject 2
5. Subject 1
6. Subject 2
C. Conclusion

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3. Block Method
✦ Involves developing ideas
in chunk
✦ For example, the first
paragraph will only
contain the characteristics
of the first topic. While the
second paragraph will
contain discussions about
the second topic.
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 A. Introduction
B. Body
1. Subject 1
2. Subject 1
3. Subject 1
Block Method 4. Subject 2
5. Subject 2
6. Subject 2
C. Conclusion

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4. Combination Method
Refers to the combination of
alternating and block method
in writing. In this kind of
strategy, you will be able to
write a more structured
comparison and contrast
essay

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4. Combination Method
You may run through a series
of sentences or paragraphs
with alternating method and
then eventually use the block
method to explain further
your thoughts.

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TRANSITIONAL DEVICES:
COMPARISON
In the same In addition
way Just as… so
Both The same…
Neither As well as
Similarly Each of
Like Too
And
Also
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TRANSITIONAL DEVICES:
CONTRAST
Although Yet
However Whereas
In contrast While
On the other hand Unlike
Conversely But
Meanwhile

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SAMPLE COMPARISON
AND CONTRAST ESSAY
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 Social Media Giants
Since social media’s origin over a decade ago,
several sites have enjoyed time in the spotlight.
Indeed, 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 the book-sharing site Goodreads.
The two giants of the moment are likely Facebook,
used by tweens and grandparents alike, and Twitter.
Most individuals have one or more of these accounts
and may even use them in integrated ways. For
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example, Twitter has a feature that allows users to
post their tweets to Facebook, thus updating two sites
at once. Often, these sites share the same major
features. Facebook and Twitter are similar on a basic
level but differ in appearance and in the way users
employ them.

Facebook has the typical offerings associated

with social media sites. Account holders have a home
page containing their “news feed,” a list of posts by
other users with whom the account holder is
“friends.” 25
Additionally, posts by fan pages for businesses,
products, and celebrities the account holder “likes”
will appear on the news feed. Users can arrange their
news feed by “top stories” or “most recent.” The home
page also contains the Facebook chat feature, where
users can instant message one another, and links to
the private message page and the account holder’s
personal profile. The individual’s profile contains a
personal picture – as well as a banner picture –
biographical information, and a compilation of all the
individual’s posts, called the “timeline”
(facebook.com).
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 Twitter is not much different on these points.
The homepage also features a list of tweets by other
users whom the account holder “follows.” The
account holder can choose to view a list of tweets
generated by Twitter’s assessment of his or her
interests under the “Discover” tab. A Twitter user also
has a profile with his or her photograph situated over
a larger photo at the top. Underneath, the user
provides a short biography, his or her location, and a
link to a personal website, if applicable. Direct
messaging is also available on a separate page
(twitter.com).
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 Despite these major similarities, Twitter and
Facebook differ in the details. On Twitter, everything
from the layout to individual tweets is condensed.
Posts are famously limited to 140 letters, numbers,
spaces, and other characters, and on the home page,
tweets are “collapsed,” often hiding photos, links, and
other users’ responses. A user must click “expand” to
view the whole story. This feature keeps the contents
of the homepage uniform. On Facebook, the entire
post (unless the post is unusually long) and many of
the comments are always visible.
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 Additionally, the process for tagging other users in
a post differs between Facebook and Twitter. On
Facebook, a user can only tag individuals with whom
they “friends,” meaning the two share information
with each other, as well as fan pages. Twitter makes
no distinction between the personal accounts utilized
by individuals and the accounts of organizations and
celebrities. Most accounts on Twitter are public, and a
user can “follow” an account without that account
“following” them back. The relationship is not
necessarily mutual, as it is with Facebook friends. Any
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account holder can address another user with that
user’s twitter handle (the @ sign followed by a distinct
name or word combination). This tweet will not
automatically appear on the addressed user’s profile,
as it would on a “friend’s” Facebook page. The
addressed user would have to “retweet” in order for
the tweet to appear on his or her page. “Retweeting” is
similar to “sharing” on Facebook.
These subtle nuances in Twitter and Facebook
impact the way the account holders use the sites.
Facebook emphasizes a circle of friends, family, and
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acquaintances through the mutual relationship of
“friends.” Thus, the information users share on
Facebook tends to be personal. Users are able to post
large numbers of photos in albums and additional
biographical information is compiled under the
“about” tab. A compilation of the pages a user likes is
visible to his or her friends. Twitter is less about
friends and relatives and more about an enlarged
conversation. There is no place for users to upload
200 photos of their latest family vacation. Since most
tweets are public, Twitter users have an expanded
audience, and there are more opportunities to engage
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with other users who are interested in the same news
stories, businesses, and blogs. Twitter also updates
faster because the posts are shorter, creating an ideal
environment for news and conversation in real time.
Facebook and Twitter are similar in their major
features. They both provide account holders with an
online platform for connecting with others through
posts, profiles, and content sharing. However, they
differ in the details of appearance and focus, thus
creating two unique environments: one that
emphasizes friends and personal information and
another that highlights cultural conversations. 32
SAMPLE TOPICS:
✦ Printed books and e-book reader (e.g. Kobo, Kindle)
✦ Android phone and iPhone
✦ Tiktok and Instagram
✦ Millennials and Post-Millennials
✦ Jollibee vs. McDo
✦ Being an employee vs. being an entrepreneur
✦ Mobile Legends and CoDm

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Definition Essay
Define
✔ To state or describe the precise
meaning of a word, concept, term, or
object
✔ When you define something, you
provide a clear and specific explanation,
often outlining its essential
characteristics, boundaries, or
distinguishing features. This process
helps to establish a shared
understanding and clarity of meaning in
communication. 35
DEFINITION ESSAY
✦ Provides an extended and
comprehensive explanation of a
particular term, concept, or idea

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DEFINITION ESSAY
✦ The primary objective of a
definition essay is to present a
clear and detailed definition of the
chosen subject, often going
beyond the standard dictionary
definition, and to explore various
facets and interpretations of the
term.
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DEFINITION ESSAY
✦ Typically involves analyzing
the concept's origins, history,
variations, and applications,
aiming to offer a nuanced
understanding to the reader

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STRUCTURE OF A
DEFINITION
ESSAY

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I. Introduction
II. Body/ Statement of any of the following about the term defined
A. Function
B. Location
C. Physical Description
D. Further Definition
E. Causation
F. Comparison
G. Contrast
H. Exemplification
I. Etymology/ Word Derivation
J. Analysis
K. Basic Principle
L. Negation
III. Conclusion 40
INTRODUCTION
✦ Start with a hook.
✦ Provide a background information.
✦ Write thesis statement that will
help preview the body paragraphs.

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BODY
✦ Start with the most basic definition.
✦ Expand on the standard definition by
providing your own interpretation or
understanding of the term. Include
any nuances, variations, or cultural
aspects that may influence its
meaning.
✦ Provide categorization/
classification.
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BODY
✦ Offer examples and/or illustrations.
✦ Compare and contrast.
✦ Explore word origins and history.

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CONCLUSION
✦ Summarize the key points from
your body paragraphs, reinforcing
your definition and the main
aspects you've discussed.
✦ Restate your thesis in a slightly
different way, reinforcing your
main argument.

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CONCLUSION
✦ Offer a final reflection on the
significance or implications of your
definition. Consider the broader
context or applications of the
term.
✦ Conclude with a strong,
memorable closing statement that
leaves a lasting impression on the
reader.
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COMMONLY USED EXPRESSIONS:
DEFINITION ESSAY
"The term 'X' can be defined as..."
"In other words, 'X' refers to..."
"To put it simply, 'X' is..."
"One category of 'X' is..."
"There are several types of 'X,' including..."
"Among the various forms of 'X'..."
"To clarify this point..."
"Another way to understand 'X' is by..."
"In essence,..."
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COMMONLY USED EXPRESSIONS:
DEFINITION ESSAY
"In contrast to..." "In other words,..."
"Similar to..." "Put differently,..."
"On the contrary..." "Essentially,..."
"While 'X' is..., 'Y' is..." "In conclusion,..."
"For example,..." "To sum up,..."
"Illustratively,..." "In summary,..."
"To illustrate,..."

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SAMPLE DEFINITION
ESSAY
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 Halcyon Dreams:
Exploring Tranquility Across Myth and Language

The term "halcyon" carries an aura of serenity and

repose, conjuring images of a bygone era characterized by
peace and prosperity. Rooted in Greek mythology, where
the kingfisher bird, Alcyone, was believed to bring calm to
the seas during its nesting period, "halcyon" transcends its
literal definition. As we delve into the layers of this word,
we unravel a narrative that intertwines mythology,
historical usage, and its contemporary resonance.
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 Derived from the ancient Greek myth of Alcyone,
"halcyon" initially denotes a period marked by tranquility,
both in nature and the human experience. This mythical
association, however, extends beyond a mere description
of calm seas. It symbolizes a state of internal and external
harmony, evoking a sense of nostalgia for an idealized
epoch. Literature, from the ancient classics to modern
works, employs the term to capture a yearning for a
utopian existence, an interlude when the world stands still.

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 Beyond its mythological and literary roots, "halcyon"
infiltrates everyday language as a descriptor laden with
sentiment. It articulates a collective longing for a peaceful
and prosperous time, whether referring to a historical
epoch, a personal relationship, or a fleeting moment of
contentment. The word becomes a vessel for expressing a
desire to transcend life's complexities and attain a
semblance of order and peace.

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 Moreover, "halcyon" encapsulates a duality—it is both
a descriptor and an aspiration. In literature, it narrates
stories of idyllic landscapes, unmarred by turmoil. In
everyday language, it becomes a beacon, guiding
individuals toward the pursuit of moments untouched by
discord. This dual nature endows "halcyon" with a richness
that transcends its dictionary definition, offering a nuanced
exploration of the human yearning for tranquility.

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 In conclusion, "halcyon" emerges as more than a word;
it is a vessel that carries with it the weight of mythology,
the echoes of literature, and the aspirations of everyday
language. Its roots in ancient Greek myth, its presence in
timeless works of literature, and its contemporary usage
converge to reveal a term that resonates with a universal
longing for peace and prosperity. As we navigate the
currents of time, "halcyon" remains a linguistic testament
to the enduring human quest for a calm and idyllic
existence—an aspiration that spans myth, literature, and
the shared language of our everyday lives.
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SAMPLE TOPICS:
✦ Value words (e.g. success, happiness, identity)
✦ Newly coined words (e.g. Zoom-bombing, infodemic,
quaranteam, WFH Warrior)
✦ Theories (e.g. Theory of Evolution, Quantum Theory,
Cognitive Dissonance Theory)
✦ Concepts (e.g. Social Contract, Cultural Imperialism
)

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 THANK YOU!
HAZEL MARIE RABANO, LPT
Senior High School Department
Our Lady of Fatima University
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REFERENCES:
TEXTBOOK
Divina, B., Llamado, J., Relos, J., Cruz, K., and Domingo, A. (2020).
Reading and Writing Learning Packet. (pp. 42-45).
Our Lady of Fatima University.
Menoy, J. & Constantino, G. (2016). Reading and Writing
Skills. (pp. 38). Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.

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