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The first paragraph sample above is a contrastive paragraph, that is, a paragraph which discusses the differences between potential capabilities of girls and boys. Notice how the ideas in this paragraph are organized. The writer starts with the topic sentence. After that, he presents only the first subtopic (potential capabilities of girls) and their specific details. Finally, he focuses on the second subtopic (potential capabilities of boys) and their supporting specific details. Such way of ordering materials, in which a subtopic and its supporting details are presented fully before dealing with another subtopic and its supporting details is called the block method.

Activity 12. Fill in the scheme of block organization above for the paragraph about differences between the potential of girls’ and boys’

The Point by Point Method

Topic Sentence: Comparison or Contrast between X and Y

A. Sub-topic 1: First Comparison or Contrast

point 1 of X

point 1 of Y

B. Sub-topic 2: Second Comparison or Contrast

point 2 of X

point 2 of Y

C. Sub-topic 3: Second Comparison or Contrast

point 3 of X

point 3 of Y

Paragraph 2

The atmosphere of Earth acts like any window in serving two very important functions: to let light in and to permit us to look out and to guard Earth from dangerous or uncomfortable things. A normal glazed window lets us keep our house warm by keeping out cold air. In such a way, the Earth’s atmospheric window helps to keep our planet to a comfortable temperature by holding back radiated heat and protecting us from dangerous levels of ultraviolet light. Just like a window which prevents rain, dirt, and unwelcome insects and animals from coming in, scientists have discovered that space is full of a great many very dangerous things against which our atmosphere guards us.

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The other method for ordering material in a paragraph of comparison or contrast is known as the point-by-point method. In this approach, the writer compares or contrasts point 1 of subtopic 1 to point 1 of subtopic 2. Then he compares or contrasts point 2 of subtopic 1 to point 2 of subtopic 2. He proceeds until he has covered all the points. This method is used in the second paragraph sample above. The writer begins with the topic sentence. Then he shows how the atmosphere, like a glazed window, lets light in, permits us to look out and guards Earth from dangerous or uncomfortable things. After that he explains that the atmosphere guards Earth against many very dangerous things from the space, like a window prevents rain, dirt, and unwelcome insects and animals from coming in to the house.

Activity 13. Fill in the scheme of point-by-point organization above for the paragraph about the Earth atmosphere.

Activity 14. Work with a partner or a small group. You are a travel agent, and a client has asked you to help her decide on a vacation destination. She wants to go during the summer, and she is considering Alaska and Hawaii. Both places are popular tourist destinations. You have gathered some information about the two places. You now need to organize this information and prepare a written report.

Step 1 Study the list of information about Alaska and Hawaii. Clarify any unfamiliar vocabulary.

Step 2 The information is not in any order. Organize the information by filling in the chart. Begin by assigning the items to one of the following main topics: accommodations, climate, or natural Beauty.

Then put the information in the appropriate boxes.

1. The quality of hotels in Alaska is quite good.

2. It often rains during the summer in Hawaii.

3. The temperature is perfect in Alaska during the summer.

4. Hawaii has Volcano National Park and Waimea Canyon.

5. Accommodations in Alaska vary from basic to luxury.

6. The beaches in Hawaii are among the most beautiful in the world.

7. The glaciers in Alaska are awesome.

8. There is a wide range of excellent hotels and condos in Hawaii, from luxury to budget priced.

9. Alaska has the Chugach Mountains and Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America.

10. It seldom rains during the summer in Alaska.

11. It can be hot and humid in Hawaii in the summer.

12. There is no humidity in Alaska.

Step 3 Decide which pattern of organization to use in your report: block or point-by-point.

Step 4 Make an outline of your report.

Step 5 Write your report.