UPM-CALC/CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS/SEM 1/2022-2023

SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay

Complete the activities and submit by the due date.

Activity 1

Read the model essay below and answer the questions that follow.

Comparing the Methods of Communication of the Present and Past

1
Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over
long distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. 2Nowadays people
have a vast array of communication tools which can complete this task, ranging from email to
instant messaging and video calls. 3While the present and previous means of communication
are similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed and range of tools available.

4
One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the
form of communication. 5In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used,
in addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. 6Similarly, people nowadays use both of
these forms. 7Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for examples
via email and text messaging. 8In addition, oral forms are still used, including the telephone,
mobile phone and voice messages via instant messaging service.

9
However, there are clearly differences in the way people communicate over long
10
distances, the most notable of which are speed and range of methods. In the past, letters
11
would take days to arrive at their destination. In contrast, an email arrives almost
12
instantaneously and can be read seconds after it was sent. Another significant difference is
13
the range of communication methods. Fifty years ago, the tools available were primarily
14
telephones and letters. On the contrary, today, there are a vast array of communication
15
methods available. These include not only the telephone, letter, email and text messages
already mentioned, but also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone
apps such as Whatsapp and social media such as Facebook.

16
In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty
17
years. While the are some similarities, such as the forms of communication, there are
significant differences, chiefly in relation to the speed of communication and the range of
 UPM-CALC/CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS/SEM 1/2022-2023
SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

18
communication tools available. There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress
in future, and the advanced tools which are used today may one day also become outdated.

Adapted from: Smith, S. (2022). Compare & Contrast Essays.

https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/candc/

1. Which sentence in paragraph 1 states the topic and main ideas of the essay?
The similarity of communication in their general form and difference in regard to their
speed and range of tools available.
2. Which paragraph discusses the similarity?
Paragraph 2
3. Which paragraph discusses the difference?
Paragraph 3
4. What are the similarity and difference between the old and the current methods of long
distance communication?
Old method Current method
Similarity Form of communication Form of communication

Difference In the past, letters would take An email arrives almost

days to arrive at their instantaneously and can be
destination. read seconds after it was sent.

Fifty years ago, the tools Today, there are a vast array of
available were primarily communication methods
telephones and letters. available.

5. What words are used to show similarities/differences.

a. just as
b. significant difference
c. in contrast
d. on the contrary
6. What type of organisation method is used in the model essay?
Block
 UPM-CALC/CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS/SEM 1/2022-2023
SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

Activity 2

Read the model essay below and complete the outline below using block organisation.

A Comparison and Contrast on Population of The United States and Russia

1
Besides being the world’s two biggest nuclear superpowers, the United States and
Russia also share great interest in nuclear safety and security, counter-terrorism and space
2
exploration. Despite all these, the two nations have always maintained unique and
challenging foreign relations in the world. 3As many people are aware, there are significant
differences between Russia and the United States in their history and form of government.
4
The United States is a young country with a long history of democratic government. 5Russia
is a country with ancient roots that has experienced different kinds of government. 6However,
there are other areas in which the similarity and difference between these two countries could
influence their relations. 7The United States and Russia are similar in population diversity, but
they have different population growth.

8
One common similarity between the United States and Russia is their population
diversity. 9The United States and Russia have relatively diverse populations. 10They both have
a majority racial group that constitutes about 80 percent of the population and several
significant minority groups (CIA World Factbook, 2011). 11Like the United States, Russia also
has linguistic minorities, and there are parts of both countries in which it is common to see
signs in two or more languages. 12In addition, the United States and Russia are also similar in
religious diversity. 13Although both countries’ populations are largely Christian, they also both
have religious minorities such as Muslim, Jews and other small groups of religious minorities
(Jackson, 2015).

14
Despite the similarity, the United States and Russia are very different in terms of
population growth. 15Russia’s population has been shrinking because the birth rate is fairly low
16
although it has increased in recent years. On the other hand, the fertility rate in the United
States has been consistently high with 2.06 children compared to only 1.6 for Russia (CIA
World Factbook, 2011). 17Moreover, there is comparatively little immigration to Russia mostly
18
from countries that were once part of the former Soviet Union. In the United States, on the
other hand, immigration adds 2.3 million people per year (O’neil, 2013). 19
This consequently
contributes to the rapid population growth of the United States.
 UPM-CALC/CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS/SEM 1/2022-2023
SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

20
In conclusion, while the United States and Russia are different in terms of population
growth, they have similar population diversity. 21Both countries are home to diverse races and
religions. 22On the contrary, contrasting fertility rate and immigration trends lead to difference
23
in their population growth. These significant similarity and difference indicate the needs for
28
these countries to cooperate in the international arena. It will be interesting to see how the
United States and Russia work together in the future.

Adapted from Oshima, A, Hogue, A. and Ravitch, L. (2014). Longman Academic Writing Series 4:
Paragraphs to Essays, Fifth Edition. New York: Pearson Education

I. Introduction (Rewrite the sentence that show the main ideas of the essay)
The United States and Russia are similar in population diversity, but they have
different population growth.

II. Body
A. Similarity between the United States and Russia
Population diversity
a. They both have a majority racial group that constitutes about 80 percent of
the population and several significant minority groups (CIA World
Factbook, 2011).
b. The United States and Russia are also similar in religious diversity
Population growth
a. Fertility rate in the United States is higher than in Russia
b. Russia has less immigration than the United States

III. Conclusion
In conclusion, while the United States and Russia are different in terms of population
growth, they have similar population diversity.