subjects before proceeding to explaining the
Reading and Writing Skills Reviewer
2nd Semester - 3rd Quarter
Prepared by ..-. .-. .- -. -.-. . ... / -- .- . / -... .-.-.- / .-.. . .
Parts of Comparison and Contrast Essay
An essay is...
★ a common piece of writing
★ a formal piece of writing which is usually short and
deals with single subject (Bow Valley College 2020)
★ allows to understand specific ideas and hones your
ability to explain concepts in your own words
Essay Parts
Introduction–is usually written in discursive style which
enables you to present evidences and arguments to
address specific issue of inquiry. Thus it encourages you to
filter out and arrange your ideas in a well thought manner
★ Thesis Statement–serves as the controlling idea of
the entire essay. Provides direction and
encapsulates the content of the essay.
★ Parallel Structure–helps the sentences in your
thesis statement clearer and easier to read. Allows
the readers to easily follow the topic sequence in
each paragraph of your essay.
Thesis Statement with Parallel Structure
★ Thesis Statements – all nouns
Ex. Japanese cars are better that their American
counterparts because of their durability, variety,
and comfort.
★ Thesis Statements – verbs-infinitives to + basic
forms of verb
Ex. Christmas vacations are my favorite holidays
because I love to go shopping around the stores,
decorate the house, and visit my relatives and
friends and their houses. (Note: It is not necessary
to repeat to in all three occasions.)
★ Thesis Statements – all adjectives
Ex. I like to take classes with Ma'am Valdehueza;
she's by far the more knowledgeable, patient, kind
and dedicated than all others.
★ Thesis Statements – verbs with phrases/same verb
tense
Ex. Last year we had the best vacation ever
because we travelled to many places, ate at many
different restaurants, and stayed at different
hotels every day.
Body–also called as the middle section, presents the
writer's point of view which is supported with evidences.
These facts prove the writer's argument and persuade the
reader to accept and agree with the writer's opinion and
perspective.
Conclusion–restates and summarizes the thesis and it
identifies the key points of the essay which proved the
writer's position. May also provide possible implications,
suggestions, and recommendations.
Structure of Comparison and Contrast Essay
★ Subject-by-Subject Format (block method)–the
writer presents all the facts and supporting details
about one subject in separate paragraphs.
★ Point-by-Point Format–the writer organizes
information by discussing each point for both
subsequent points.
Properties of a Well-written Texts
A text is defined as written material or piece of writing
such as an article, essay, novel, book, magazine, or
newspaper.
In writing a paragraph or any composition, we should
always consider the properties of a well-written text which
includes organization, cohesion and coherence, language
use, mechanics.
Organization–An arrangement that refers to the structural
framework for writing. A text is considered organized when
ideas are accurately and logically arranged with a focus on
the arrangements of ideas, incidents, evidence, or details in
a definite order in a paragraph, essay, or speech.
★ text structure - framework
(beginning/introduction, middle/body,
end/conclusion)
★ signal words - text cues
★ physical format - headings, subheadings, bullet
points, or font emphasis
There are three major parts of a texts;
beginning/introduction, middle/body, end/conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion
★ Coherence refers to the overall sense of unity in a
text
★ Cohesion is the connection of ideas both at the
sentence level and at the paragraph level
To achieve coherence and cohesion, one technique is to
use signal devices which that hint readers on how the
points in your paragraph are a progression. This can be
shown in the paragraphs using transitions, repetitions,
synonyms, pronouns, and parallel structures.
★ Transitions or Transition Words refer to words that
connect one idea to another, making the writer's
ideas flow smoothly.
Ex. therefore, in conclusion, to summarize, on the
other hand, thus, moreover, ...
★ Repetitions include a word, a phrase, or a full
sentence, repeated to highlight its importance in
the entire text. The repetition of the main ideas
keeps continuity and helps the readers remain
focused and headed in the right direction.
Ex. If you think you can make it, you can make it.
Ruffa Mae Quinto said, “You’re doing great! Todo
na natin ’to! Go, go, go!”
★ Synonyms are words similar in meaning to
important words or phrases. This technique is used
if direct repetition is too obvious.
Ex. Teenagers face an enormous amount of peer
pressure from friends. Hence, many young adults
are showing signs of great stress or depression at
an early age.
★ Pronouns are used to connect sentences by
referring to preceding nouns and pronouns. They
can also help create paragraphs readable by
removing wordiness and unnecessary repetition.
Ex. He, She, They, Them
★ Parallel Structures include the use of matching
words, phrases, clauses, or sentence structures to
express similar ideas. It allows the reader to
understand the connections between ideas and to
flow smoothly from one idea, sentence, or
paragraph to the next.
 Ex. In the conference hall, the students attended a
lecture where the speaker demonstrated how to
properly wear a PPE. They also attended a lecture
where their school nurse explained how to keep
one's health protected from COVID-19.
Language Use refers to the appropriateness of
word/vocabulary usage. Proper language use enables you,
the writer, to capture the message that you want to give to
your readers. Language use is one of the strongest
indicators of a well-written text because it leads writers to
effectively communicate ideas without confusing the
reader.
Six Characteristics of Effective Language:
1. concrete and specific, not vague and abstract
2. concise, not verbose
3. familiar, not obscure
4. precise, not ambiguous
5. constructive, not destructive
6. appropriately formal
Mechanics are conventions that have to be considered in
writing. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are some
of the examples. To prevent confusion, it is necessary to
know and follow these conventions in writing.
★ Spelling when writing, always make sure that you
are consistently using one standard regarding the
spelling of your words. There are slight differences
in American English spelling and British English
spelling.
airplane – aeroplane
analyze – analyse
tire – tyre
color – colour
maneuver – manoeuver
★ Punctuation is the act of using a system of
symbols used to provide structure to and
organize a text, such as comma, period,
quotation, marks, question marks, etc. The use
of punctuation directs the reader to interpret
the text.
Commas , (a) used to separate items in a series. If all items
in the series are followed by and or or, use a comma. (b)
Comma is also used to separate two complete sentences
joined by a conjunction (and, but, or, nor, or, for, and
sometimes yet and so).
Semicolons ; (a) is used to separate tow sentences when
there is no coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or,
nor, or for. (b) If the two sentences are joined by a
conjunctive adverb, such as however, consequently,
therefore, or moreover, use a semicolon before the
conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. (c) Use a
semicolon to separate two sentences joined with
coordinating conjunction when commas are contained
within either of the sentences. (d) Use a semicolon to
separate items in a series if there are commas within the
items.
Colon : (a) use a colon for conventional items: giving the
time, separating chapter from a verse in Bible references,
separating volume from a page in bibliography references,
and writing a salutation in a business letter. (b) Use a colon
to introduce a formal list. Words such as the following or as
follows frequently signal a formal list.
Apostrophe ‘ is used as a substitute for a missing letter or
letters in a word (as in the contraction cannot = can't), to
show the possessive case (Jane’s room), and in the plural of
letters, some numbers and abbreviations. Note: groups of
years no longer require an apostrophe (ex. the 1950s or
the 2000s)
Dash — used to separate parts of a sentence. It is also
known as “em dash” because it is the length of a printed
letter m — is is longer than a hyphen.
Ellipsis ... it indicates that part of the text has been
intentionally been left out.
Exclamation Point ! used to show excitement or emphasis.
Hyphen - used between parts of a compound word or
name. It is also used to split a word by syllables to fit on a
line of text.
Parentheses () used to separate explanations or qualifying
statements within a sentence (each one of the curved lines
is called a parenthesis). The part in the parentheses is
called a parenthetical remark.
Period . used to note the end of a declarative sentence.
Question Mark ? used at the end of the question.
Quotation Mark “” used at the beginning and end of a
phrase to show that it is being written exactly as it was
originally said or written.
★ Capitalization, like punctuation, it also helps
express details. Any sentence’s first word is
capitalized, signaling that a new sentence has
started. To signify uniqueness, proper nouns are
capitalized. However, using capitalization merely to
make a word appear or sound significant is not
right.
Identify Claims in Texts
A Claim is the most important part of the text or it is also
called as the central argument or thesis argument or
thesis statement of the text. It's a sentence that
summarizes the most important thing that the writer
wants to say as a result of his/her thinking, reading, or
writing.
Claims in texts are significant propositions/arguments.
3 Types of Claim
1. Claim of Fact states a quantifiable assertion, or a
measurable topic. Usually answers a “what” question. Is
an inference made based on data, documents, scientific
observation results, and research. Could be found in
historical facts, in relational-causal events/concept, and
prediction based on plausible evidence.
Ex. The sampaguita’s roots are used for medical purposes,
such as an anesthetic and a sedative. This inference is
based on scientific observation results, and research.
2. Claim of Value asserts something that can be qualified.
It consists of arguments about moral, philosophical, or
aesthetic topics. It makes judgements, based on certain
standard, on whether something is right or wrong, good or
bad, or something similar. It also use of credible
authority/experts for support.
Ex. Food for thought on Sunday of the 18th week in
ordinary time on August 2, 2020 by Monsignor Bonifacio
Burlaza,—Do I acknowledge my need for God's help or do I
look to other things to satisfy this need?
3. Claim of Policy 2. Network Tree is used to present hierarchy, classification,
specific and and branching. It is useful in showing relationships of
measurable action scientific categories, family trees, snd even lineages.
should be chosen as
solutions to a 3. Spider Map or also known as semantic map is used to
particular problem in investigate and enumerate various aspects of a central
order to address issues or concerns presented in an idea, which could be a concept, topic, or theme.
argument or proposition.
This requires proposals of 4. Problem-Solution Map displays the nature of the
clear and measurable problem and how it can be solved. It usually contains the
actions or steps, problem's description, its causes and effects, and logical
justification of the proposed action, advantages of the solutions.
proposed action,
possible counter 5. Timeline is used to show how events occurred
arguments. You can chronologically through a long bar labeled with dates and
easily identify a claim of specific events. It can be linear or comparative.
policy because they
begin with —“should”, a. Linear Timeline shows how events happened within one
“ought to” or “must”, period.
claims of policy because
they defend actionable plans, usually answering — “how”
questions.
b. Comparative Timeline shows two sets of events that
Ex. On the foregoing happened within the same period.
Covid-19 Pandemic,
Mayor Sarah Duterte 6. Plot Diagram used to map events in the story and to
urged Dabawenyos to stay at home, unless they are analyze the major parts of a plot.
working or need to go
out to buy food and 7. Series of Events Chain is used to show the logical
medicines; must wear sequence of events.
face-masks in public
places, observe physical
distancing, and practice
frequent handwashing 8. Fishbone Map is used to better understand the casual
with soap. relationship of a complex phenomenon. It shows the
factors that cause a specific event or problem, as well as
Techniques in Selecting and details of each cause.
Organizing Information
9. Cycle describes how a series
Brainstorming is the most of events interact to produce a
popular tool in generating set of results repeatedly.
creative and rich ideas. First,
you gotta decide for the 10. Persuasion Map is used to
general or primary topic. map out arguments and
Second is to get ideas from everyone. evidence that prove a viewpoint.
It is especially useful when
Two Methods in Brainstorming processing persuasive or
argumentative texts.
1. Idea List involves writing the main topic and listing down
the related ideas.
2. Idea Map is a visual representation of ideas and their
connections with one another. It is more structured, and
shows how one idea subordinates another idea. OUTLINE is considered as a
plan for writing; a dummary
that gives the essential
feature of a text. It shows how
the parts of a text are related
to one another as psrts that
are of equal importance, or
sections that are subordinate
to a main idea.
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER are visual representations of Two Outline Formats
concepts that help us structure information into
organizational patterns. It presents essential information 1. Alphanumeric Outline uses both letters and numbers as
and connect these pieces of information into a coherent labels.
framework.
2. Decimal Outline uses only
1. Venn Diagram is used to compare and contrast ideas numbers as labes.
and events. It uses two or more overlapping circles to show
similar and different attributes. Principles of Outlining
1. Coordination requires ideas of the same relevance to be
labeled in the same way.
2. Subordination shows that minor details have to be
placed under their respective major details.
3. Division requires that no cluster should contain only one
item.
4. Parallel Construction requires all entries in each cluster
to use the same structure and format.

Kind of Outline According to Structure

1. Topic Outline a systematic arrangement of ideas using
broad topic in the form of words or simple phrases as
headers.

2. Sentence Outline uses complete sentences as its entries.

It is also known as expanded outline.

Prepared by ..-. .-. .- -. -.-. . ... / -- .- . / -... .-.-.- / .-.. . .