A compare and/or
contrast paragraph points out the similarities and/or differences
between two persons, places, or things. This pattern usually
follows either point by point or block form. The following example
uses point by point.
. . . In
building a log house, an important decision which must be made
is the choice of the style of logs to be used. Two popular choices
are round logs and D-shaped logs. First of all, authentic log
homes are constructed of round logs with traditional chinking
between the logs. The look is rustic and appropriate for mountain
or lake cabins. On the other hand, a modern variation is the
D-shaped log. These machined logs use the tongue and groove system
to join the logs together which seals more effectively than the
traditional chinking method. Also, the style is cleaner and more
uniform. Secondly, when rounded logs are used, they are uneven
on the inside which makes it difficult to hang pictures straight
or even to attach the interior walls effectively. On the contrary,
D-shaped logs mean flat interior walls which are easier to decorate
and easier to attach to interior walls. Although the D-shaped
logs do give a contemporary feeling to the dwelling, the logs
are still rustic in style and are often the style chosen today.
Notice the transitions used which make the contrasting points
stand out: first of all, on the other hand, also, secondly, and
on the contrary.
