The document provides two examples of contrast paragraphs. The first example compares Jessica Simpson and Ashley Simpson by highlighting their differences in career paths, musical styles, and personalities. The second example contrasts the lifestyles of alcoholics and non-alcoholics, noting how alcoholics prioritize drinking over family and use it to cope with difficult emotions rather than seeking other forms of support like non-alcoholics. Transition words for writing contrast paragraphs are also listed.

1. CONTRAST PARAGRAPH<br />A contrast paragraph labels the differences between two persons, places, or things. Once all of the information for the paragraph is obtained one must organize it in one of these two ways: <br />Option One: First present all of the points of one subject, and then contrast the points with all of the information about the other subject. This is a good way to organize the information of a short paragraph because the reader can readily recall the first points that are stated.<br />Option Two: Make a point about the first subject and then contrast it with a point from the other subject. Alternating between points. This is a good option for longer paragraphs because the reader does not have to search for the contrasted point.<br />Transition Expressions for Contrast <br />*although, whereas, but, however, conversely, on the other hand, in contrast, while, yet, unlike<br />Here is an example of contrast paragraphs: <br />Singers and Sisters<br />Jessica Simpson and Ashley Simpson are both same in a sense that they are both famous singers and even sisters, yet they are quite different in many ways. Jessica was always sure what she wanted to do with her life and worked very hard whereas Ashley enjoyed what life had to offer her at the moment. Jessica was in voice lessons and started to sing Gospel music during her high school career. On the other hand, Ashley took dance classes and learned how to perform to Hip-hop music. Jessica is more well known as the air head sister. For example, they both did a breath mint commercial together, and it poked fun of Jessica’s blond moments by having Ashley point them out. Jessica is more “girly” of the sisters. She loves to wear dresses, high-heels, and has the blond bombshell look, unlike Ashley who has more of a punk style. Jessica Simpson’s music has more of a classical pop tone, while Ashley’s music has more of a pop-rock ring to it. Both of these girls are hard workers and both are very successful singers although they are very extraordinary in their own ways.<br />The Alcoholic Verses the Nonalcoholic<br />Alcoholism is a disease that the nonalcoholic has a hard time understanding, and the two lifestyles are quite different. The nonalcoholic has a lifestyle that involves family and friends. He enjoys going to family functions and interacting with his loved ones. In contrast, the alcoholic tries to avoid family functions unless alcohol is offered. Even then, the alcoholic is consumed with drinking rather than interacting with loved ones. If the nonalcoholic is lonely, he tends to seek out a family member or friend to talk to. He will find ways to fill the void of loneliness. However, when the alcoholic feels lonely, sad or angry, he turns to the alcohol to fulfill that void so he does not have to deal with his feelings. Disagreements with a nonalcoholic are often handled quite differently than with an alcoholic. As an example, a nonalcoholic may often walk away from an argument opting for a time to come back when both parties have had time to cool down. Because the disease of alcoholism has a detrimental effect on the judgment of the alcoholic, he may simply lash out relentlessly, not realizing his tactlessness and the hurt he is causing. Goals can be very different for the afflicted person. An unaffected person will set goals to ensure the basic necessities of life, whereas an alcoholic will orientate his goals to achieve a result that satisfies his needs for alcohol. To a nonalcoholic, family rates number one in his life. To the alcoholic, alcohol is number one in his life. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that alcohol is the single factor that consumes the life of an alcoholic. <br />~© 2005 Kim Ripley~<br />The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph:<br />SimilaritiesExample is similar toSpring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in Halifax.bothBoth Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.alsoHalifax also has a rainy spring season.tooHalifax has a rainy spring season, too.as wellAs well, Halifax has rainy spring season.<br />DifferencesExample on the other handOn the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.howeverHowever, winter is much colder in Halifax.butVancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.in contrast toIn contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.differs fromHalifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.whileWhile Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold winter.unlikeUnlike Halifax, Vancouver doesn't get much snow.<br />