1. UNIVERSIDAD TECNOLÓGICA DE PEREIRA – LICENCIATURA EN LENGUA INGLESA
COURSE: INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH – DEVELOPING WRITING SKILLS
A contrast essay
When we compare two things, we show how they are similar; when we contrast two things, we
show how they are different. We may compare or contrast two products (for example, Sony
versus LG TV), two TV shows, two cars, two teachers, two jobs, two friends, or two courses. The
purpose of comparing or contrasting is to understand each of the two things more clearly and,
at times, to make judgments about them.
The contrast essay examines the differences between two things in order to make a point. It
establishes an opinion about two items and contrasts them to support that opinion.
PARTS OF THE ESSAY
Introduction of an essay
A. Opening statement:
This sentence is viewed as an invitation. You need to capture the readers’ attention and invite them to
read the essay. Your opening statement usually determines if the reader will be interested in reading the
rest of the essay. In this sentence you should use catchy words, humorous remarks, exclamations, irony,
and/or savvy expressions to spark the readers’ interest and curiosity into reading what you wrote.
1. General to specific
2. Quotations
3. Irony
4. Short anecdote
5. Warning
6. Question
I. Title (a word or group of words that tells what the topic is)
II. Introduction
A. Opening statement (it may include 2 or 3 techniques)
B. Thesis statement (the student’s position and 2 or 3 reasons)
III. Body (two or three paragraphs to support each detail of the
thesis statement. Each one with the topic sentence and 2 or 3
supporting details)
IV. Conclusion

2. Exercise 1: Identify what types of opening statements are being used for each extract.