CLASS MATERIAL

WEEK 10
CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS
SEMESTER 2, 2021-2022

Developing the Concluding Paragraph in a

Comparison and Contrast Essay

 Components of a concluding paragraph of a

compare and contrast essay
- Restatement of thesis statement
- Summary of points of comparison

 Language
- Transition signals to conclude

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 Components of the Concluding Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay

The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to emphasise the differences or similarities
between two or more objects, people, phenomena and others. Therefore, a logical
conclusion should highlight how the reviewed subjects are different or similar.

Activity 1
Identify and describe the three different components of a concluding paragraph.

Component Description

Activity 2
Identify the sentences that represent components of the concluding paragraphs and write
the sentence number in the blanks given.

Conclusion 1
In conclusion, while the past and present methods of communication share similar
1

forms, there are significant differences in relation to speed and the range of tools
available. 2Both written forms such as letters and oral forms such as telephone calls are
3
currently and previously used as methods of communication. On the contrary, the
speeds people communicate over long distances have improved tremendously at
present. 4This is currently possible with the present large array of communication tools
accessible. 5There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress in future and the
advanced tools which people use today may one day also become out-dated.

Adapted from: Kevin, W. (2001). Comparison of the Past and Modern Methods of Communication.

Restatement of thesis:
Summary of points of comparison:
Author’s opinion:
What is transition signal used to open the concluding paragraph?

2
__________________
Conclusion 2
To conclude, both traditional classrooms and online classrooms have the same purpose,
1

making sure the student is taught the intended material; however, both differ in terms of
experiences faced during class. 2If one prefers the flexibility of not having a set schedule,
limited communication and personal thriving from learning at one’s own pace, then online
classes may be worth looking into. 3On the contrary, if one prefers a structured schedule,
retains information best from lectures and taking notes and enjoys face to face
communication with peers and teachers, then the traditional classroom could work best.
4
Online classrooms and traditional classrooms share the same purpose but allow
students to face different experiences in scheduling, communication and personal
preferences.

Adapted from: Papadopoulou, A. (2020). Online classes and traditional classes.

https://www.learnworlds.com/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes/

Restatement of thesis:
Summary of points of comparison:
Author’s opinion:
What is transition signal used to open the concluding paragraph?
__________________

3
 Restatement of Thesis Statement

The concluding paragraph should open with a restatement of the thesis statement.

Activity 3
Based on the introductory and concluding paragraph from an essay entitled “High Schools
and Colleges" below, answer the questions that follow.

Introductory paragraph

These days more and more people have realised that high schools and colleges have
great importance in their lives. Everyone should benefit from the education of both high
schools and colleges, and they need to see the distinctive features between them.
Therefore, when students choose a school, they research every aspect of the school. In
return they may also compare high schools with colleges. Although the education methods
of high schools and colleges are alike, there is a difference in tuition fees.

Adapted from: Ferguson, C. (2021). Compare and Contrast Essay Structure.

https://proessayhelp.co.uk/

Concluding paragraph

To conclude, both high schools and colleges have a similar teaching approach; however,
there is a significant difference in cost. Teachers at high schools and colleges educate
students by using the same method such as having examinations to assess their students.
On the contrary, high school students do not have to pay their tuition fee for every term
compared to the college students. Indeed, students have to understand all the features of
high schools and colleges before choosing one.
Adapted from: Ferguson, C. (2021). Compare and Contrast Essay Structure.
https://proessayhelp.co.uk/

1. Which is the thesis statement for this compare and contrast essay?
______________________________________________________________________

2. Which is the restatement of the thesis statement for this compare and contrast essay?

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 ______________________________________________________________________

3. In the restatement of the thesis statement, identify the key word(s) that can be found in
the thesis statement.
______________________________________________________________________

4. By comparing the thesis statement and the restatement of the thesis statement, identify
the words with the same meaning.
Thesis statement Restatement of the thesis statement
education method
tuition fees

5. How is the restatement of thesis statement different from the thesis statement?
______________________________________________________________________

Activity 4
Restate the thesis statements below for a concluding paragraph. Use the concluding signals
from Activity 2 and 3 to begin your restatement of thesis statement.

Thesis statement 1:
Although both the Summer and Winter Olympics offer viewers impressive feats of speed and
strength, they are different in the venues at which they are held and the games that they
showcase.

Paraphrased thesis statement:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Thesis statement 2:
Even though choosing to major in information technology or physical therapy could provide
today's college students with a bright future, both majors offer different opportunities in
expanding their networking activities.

Paraphrased thesis statement:

_________________________________________________________________________

5
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Thesis statement 3:
While there is a similarity in how Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear disasters had affected
the local populace, the difference in the way the disasters were managed suggest that
humans still have a great deal to learn about controlling the terrible force the explosions
created.

Paraphrased thesis statement:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Thesis statement 4:
While both running and walking offer undeniable health benefits, running is more suitable for
younger age groups whilst walking is a better regimen for older age groups with health
conditions.

Paraphrased thesis statement:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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 Summarising of Points of Comparison

A concluding paragraph should reiterate the main points by giving a summary of all the
points discussed.

Activity 5
Complete the concluding paragraphs below by adding a summary of points of comparison
from the body paragraph outlines given.

Concluding paragraph 1

Points of Subject: Walking Subject: Running

comparison
Body Overall goal to a. Boosts stamina a. Boosts stamina
paragraph 1 gain a healthy
– Similarity body b. Strengthens heart b. Strengthens heart and
and extends life extends life
Body Suitability a. For beginners or a. For experienced or
paragraph 2 heavier people lighter people
– Difference
b. Low-impact exercise b. High-impact exercise
as build up to more to improve endurance
intense exercise

Concluding Paragraph:

To conclude, walking and running are exercises that are similar in the overall goal of gaining
a healthy body, but their suitability depends on the person’s body type and ability.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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 One way or the other, always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Concluding paragraph 2

Points of Subject: e-Sports Subject: Traditional

comparison sports
Body Competitive sports a. Requires a. Requires
paragraph 1 communication communication
– Similarity
b. Requires b. Requires
physiological and physiological and
psychological efforts psychological efforts
Body Popularity a. Less popular a. More popular
paragraph 2
– Difference b. Less viewership (1-2 b. More viewership (3-4
hours broadcast hours broadcast
time) time)

Concluding Paragraph:

In conclusion, since e-sports have grown over the last decade, they have come to have
some similarities and differences to traditional sports like football and baseball.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Despite their difference, in future, e-sports and traditional sports might complement each
other and lead to a more vibrant global sporting scene.