GUIDED COMPARISON CONTRAST ESSAY: TEAM SPORTS AND INDIVIDUAL SPORTS

 The Task: Compare and contrast team sports and individual sports in terms of the contributions they make to a person’s physical and mental well being.

In your introduction, introduce sports as a pass time and a vocation, discuss various kinds of sports, divide them in to two categories – team sports and individual sports – and write a thesis statement signaling the comparison.

Thesis Statement: There are various similarities and differences between team sports and individual sports in terms of the contributions they make to a person’s physical and mental well being.

In the first paragraph of your development, compare the two groups of sports in terms of the contributions they make to one’s physical well being.

Similarities: physical fitness, weight control, all round good health

Reasons for the above: regular exercise, healthy eating habits

Examples: from both kinds of sports

Differences: In the case of team sports, transfer to the couch facing a TV at some point; in the case of individual sports no such restriction.

Reasons: Work pressure, difficulty of organizing two teams, finding a playing field; i.e., practical considerations.

Examples: Football, Hoops versus swimming, jogging or tennis

In the second paragraph of your development, compare the two groups of sports in terms of the contributions they make to a person’s mental well being.

Similarities: Dealing with stress, a release for pent up energy, sleeping well, relaxation and the like.

Reasons for the above: Exercise helps eliminate signs of physical stress, ensures a good night’s sleep and the like.

Examples: Provide an example of how one feels after doing a sport for a reasonable length of time.

Differences:  In the case of team sports, socialization, cooperative team work, discovering one’s strengths and weaknesses, friendships that carry on, tolerance, respect for achievement and the like; in the case of individual sports, testing the limits of one’s endurance, pitting oneself against nature and wining, stretching oneself and improving one’s personal best, determination and the like.

Reasons: Provide explanations to show clearly how these developments take place.

Examples: No explanation is complete without an example.

In your conclusion, either have a restatement or suggest that the choice of sport depends on individual personality perhaps. Advocate more emphasis on games in school for a healthier future generation. Be careful not to repeat yourself.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

TEXT RELATED COMPARISON CONTRAST ESSAY: WORKING WITH YOUR HANDS VERSUS WORKING WITH YOUR HEAD

In his brilliant article published on the BBC website, Tom de Castella states that people no longer look upon work as a source of deep inner satisfaction but as a way to pay the bills and feed the family. This brings a new dimension to an already existing problem: what is it about a job that brings true satisfaction? He also suggests an answer to this question: working with one’s hands. He claims that this latter form of employment brings far more satisfaction than working with you head. Read the following text off the BBC website (bbc.co.uk/news)“Is Working with Your Hands Better than Just with Your Head?” and make a note of all the points the writer makes about these two forms of employment. Then compare them in terms which leads to greater happiness.

WORKING WITH YOUR HANDS

Job more varied; mixes practicality, logic problem solving; earns better (skilled workers, EU); happier, small satisfactions; less influence; lonelier; experienced trades people undervalued.

WORKING WITH YOUR HEAD

Job specialization, process driven work; can’t see what difference one is making; in a lot of cases a feeling of uselessness; may not earn as well; depressed, no small satisfactions; more influence; more socialization

The students need to be given time to make the notes above and then helped with the organization. The points will need to be grouped or matched up. A thesis statement in which one side is deemed superior or one which strikes a compromise or one which leaves the choice to the individual needs to be formulated. In the conclusion ways in which the profile of certain soul destroying office jobs can be lifted may be suggested.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

TEXT BASED COMPARISON CONTRAST ESSAY: TWO FAMILIES

 YOU WILL NEED TO ACCESS THE TWO TEXTS “TOGETHERNESS BEDHOUIN FAMILY TIES” AND “THE UK FAMILY:  IN STATISTICS” OFF THE BBC WEBSITE

The purpose of this writing task is to get the students to compare and contrast the typical UK, Turkish and Bedouin family for the purpose of proving that the basic characteristics of families are determined by the culture and traditions of the society of which they are a part.  It is important to make it quite clear to the students that they are not out to prove one is better than the other or to criticize but simply to show that families vary a lot round the globe from society to society and it is the latter which determines this variation. It might be interesting to see whether they can remain focused on the topic. With this in mind, it is suggested that you follow the procedure outlined below.

1.      Have students read “Togetherness: Bedouin family ties” off the BBC website and make notes on the basic characteristics of this family unit along with the reasons. The students will be able to identify with some of the features mentioned and the reasons behind them.

2.      Have them read “The UK family: In statistics” off the BBC website. Again have them make notes and invite them to speculate about the reasons for the trends.

3.      At this point you might like to divide the blackboard into three columns and transfer this data along with information concerning the typical Turkish family to the board. The students might want to distinguish between rural and urban environments: this is fine

4.      Last of all ask them to write the essay. It is suggested that you follow the plan below

I.                    Introduction (Introduce the family as the basic social unit). Thesis statement has to state that the basic characteristics of families are determined by the society and culture of which they are a part. ,

II.                 Dev : What is a “typical family”

III.               Dev: Where families live

IV.              Dev: “Work – life” balance

V.           Conclusion

Make sure to remind students that each paragraph of the development requires its own topic sentence which in turn has to fit in with the thesis statement.

COMPARISON CONTRAST ESSAY: BOARDING SCHOOLS AND DAY SCHOOLS

Compare and contrast boarding schools and day schools in terms of the contributions they make to a child’s development. Formulate a thesis statement stating clearly which kind of establishment you regard as more beneficial to a child educationally and psychologically. Then convince your reader of the soundness of your view by comparing and contrasting the two establishments.  You may consider the following points of comparison:

Living quarters: home versus dormitory and study hall

Social environment: family, neighbors, friends and classmates versus teachers, classmates and friends.

Life experience versus homesickness

The quality of education offered: material teaching staff and methods

Reading material to make notes on before doing your writing:
1. "Are boarding schools better than day schools?"

http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-boarding-schools-better-than-day-schools
2.  "Five good reasons"http://www.boardingschools.com/for-students/5-good-reasons.aspx
3. "Benefits of day schools over boarding schools" http://www.thinkvidya.com/a/the-benefits-of-day-schools-over-boarding-schools

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

COMPARISON CONTRAST ESSAY: WATCHING A FILM AT A CINEMA AND WATCHING A DVD AT HOME

Compare and contrast watching a film at a cinema and watching a DVD at home. Use the points below and any others you wish. Make sure to formulate a thesis statement in which you state your choice and then convince your reader of the soundness of your view. Points to consider:

Preparation: dressing, leaving the house, purchasing a ticket versus sitting down infront of your TV or computer.

Location: the cinema versus your home

The actual viewing: sound and picture quality, the screen…

Cost
Reading material to make notes on
1.     "Why watching a movie is better that going to the cinema" http://bestinclasseducation.com/essays/march2013/Home_Cinema.pdf
2.       http://www.elllo.org/english/Mixer001/T004-Cinema.html

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: ARE DRONES A LEGITIMATE WEAPON OF WAR?

Currently, drones are being used ever more widely to target specific individuals considered a threat by the US. What are the merits and demerits of the use of this new weapon of war? Do your research and write an argumentative essay on the issue.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Reading Material to Annotate

1.       “The arguments for and against drones” by John Rentoul

http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/11/22/the-arguments-for-and-against-drones/

2.       “Everything you need to know about the drone debate in one FAQ” by Dylan Matthiews

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/03/08/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-drone-debate-in-one-faq/

3.       What is not wrong with drones? By Rosa Brooks

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/09/05/whats_not_wrong_with_drones

4.       The case for and against drones

http://opengeography.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/the-case-for-and-against-drones/

Listening Material to Make Notes on

1.       The legal, political arguments for drones

        http://video.msnbc.msn.com/up/50760344#50760344

2.       Drones are not ethical and effective

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARk9xD3cBFk

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU SUPPORT CURRENT METHODS OF SURVEILLANCE?

In the modern world, where modern technology is making ever more devious and complex crimes and acts of terror possible, governments and security forces are trying to do everything in their power to preempt strikes of all kinds. Security agencies in USA are being blamed for allowing the Boston bombers to slip through the net; UK security forces will probably also be blamed for being unable to prevent the attack of two men with meat cleavers and knives on a soldier in the street in broad daylight. No one with a modicum of feeling and common sense would object to the need for intelligence to be able to prevent such horrific attacks but is the price we pay too high? Discuss the extent to which you support current methods of surveillance. Below you will find links to reading you can annotate. After you have completed your reading, write an argumentative essay. You can support the thesis, refute it or take a middle ground.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Reading Material: all the texts below are, with one exception, out of The Economist and cover various aspects of the issue

 The Surveillance Society; http://www.economist.com/node/202160

 Reports: Move over Big Brother; http://www.economist.com/node/3422918

 No Hiding Place; http://www.economist.com/node/1534283

Technology and Society: Here Comes Anyware; http://www.economist.com/node/21531113

Surveillance and Morality: The Rambles and the Panopticon

http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/20http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-video-surveillance-cameras-in-public-places-a-good-idea10/06/surveillance_and_morality

Are Video Surveillance Cameras in Public Places a good idea?   http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-video-surveillance-cameras-in-public-places-a-good-idea

PROCESS ESSAY: HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF A RELATIONSHIP

TOPIC FOUR: Write an essay in which you discuss how to make a success of a relationship (or marriage).

Thesis statement: Making a success of any relationship involves both practical and psychological considerations.

Now decide on the following:

-          How many paragraphs you need to write

-          The topic sentence(s) for the developmental paragraph(s)

-           What to include in the developmental paragraph(s)

You have 40 minutes to write your essay. Remember all you have learnt and follow the rules.

THE CAUSES OF FOREST FIRES

Fires are once again raging through California and countries like Greece and Turkey are waiting with trepidation for start of the forest fire season. Only a couple of years ago a devastating fire in the south of Turkey laid hundreds of acres of pine forest to waste. What are the causes of these devastating fires and what makes them spread so rapidly?

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

The causes of forest fires: deliberate acts

• Arson attacks by individuals or groups
• Personal feuds or vendettas

The causes of forest fires: accidents

• A campfire, a stray cable, a piece of glass or field clearance that gets out of hand
• Extremely hot weather like in the case of bush fires

The factors that facilitate the spread of forest fires

• Lack of helicopters
• Dry weather
• Extensive pine forests in hot countries
• If the fire starts in multiple locations

PROCESS ESSAY WITH PLAN: HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE PROFICIENCY

Write a four paragraph essay describing the process of preparing for the proficiency. In your introduction, you can use the following notes:

-          Fulfilling a dream, entering BU

-          BU English medium university; one year prep.

-          Proficiency, to determine level and competence

-          Proficiency include: Listening, Reading and writing

-          Not easy;  prepare carefully

-          Thesis statement: There are various things a student needs to do both in class and after class in order to pass the proficiency.

Your development needs to be two paragraphs and you should start each with a topic sentence.

Developmental paragraph one, topic sentence: There are various things a student needs to do in class in order to pass the proficiency.

Then use the following notes:

-          Regular attendance

-          Being alert and focused

-          Concentrating (not daydreaming, talking etc.)

-          Asking questions

-          Learning the lesson in class

Developmental paragraph two, topic sentence: There are also various things a student needs to do after class in order to pass the proficiency.

Then use the following notes:

-          Doing homework when assigned ; state reason, add explanation and/ or example

-          Doing revision regularly; state reason, add explanation and/or example

-          Doing extra listening, reading and grammar ; state reason, add explanation and/ or example

Last of all write your conclusion. You may use the following notes:

-          Preparing for the proficiency not hard

-          Requires diligence and perseverance

-          With right approach, success easy

PROCESS ESSAY: HOW TO RISE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

TOPIC SIX: Write an essay in which you discuss how to rise in the private sector.

Thesis statement:  Rising in the private sector necessitates both luck or opportunity and certain personality features.

Now decide on the following:

-          How many paragraphs to write

-          The topic sentence(s) for the developmental paragraph(s)

-          What to include in the developmental paragraph(s)

You have 40 minutes to write your essay. Remember all you have learnt and follow the rules.

PROCESS ESSAY: HOW TO BE A SUCCESS AT SECONDARY SCHOOL

TOPIC FIVE: Write an essay in which you discuss how to be a success at secondary school.

Thesis statement: Becoming a success in school is basically a matter of self confidence.

Now decide on the following:

-          How many paragraphs you need to write

-          The topic sentence(s) for the developmental paragraph(s)

-          What to include in the developmental paragraph(s)

You have 40 minutes to write your essay. Remember all you have learnt and follow the rules.

PROCESS ESSAY: HOW TO BECOME A GOOD PARENT

TOPIC THREE: Write a four paragraph essay on how to become a good parent.

Thesis statement: Being a good parent involves addressing both a child’s physical needs and his emotional needs.

Developmental paragraph one; topic sentence: Being a good parent requires addressing a child’s physical needs.

Points to consider: Feeding, clothing, caring for the child and the like.

Developmental paragraph two; topic sentence: Being a good parent also means addressing a child’s emotional needs.

Points to consider: Love, sympathy, support and the like.

PROCESS ESSAY: HOW TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS IN LIFE

Topis two: write a process essay discussing how to achieve happiness in life

Thesis statement: Both certain life style factors and various personal factors contribute to happiness in life.

Developmental paragraph one; topic sentence: It can’t be denied that certain life style factors contribute to happiness in life.

Points to consider: A good job, an important professional position, standard of living, quality of life and the like.

Developmental paragraph two; topic sentence: It is also true that certain personal factors contribute to happiness.

Points to consider: Health, a positive attitude, a sense of humour and the like.

PROCESS ESSAY: HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL SPORTSMAN

TOPIC ONE: Write a four paragraph essay discussing how to become a successful sportsman.

Thesis statement: Becoming a successful sportsman depends on both certain physical factors and certain psychological factors.

Developmental paragraph one; topic sentence: Becoming a successful sportsman is closely linked to certain physical factors.

Points to consider for this paragraph: Diet, training, living a regular life without excesses and the like.

Developmental paragraph two; topic sentence: Becoming a successful sportsman is also closely associated with certain psychological factors.

Points to consider for this paragraph: Diligence, perseverance, determination, support from family and friends and the like.

TEXT RELATED GUIDED PROCESS ESSAY: THE GERMAN DIOXIN SCARE

The following set of notes have been compiled from two texts concerning the recent dioxin scandal in Germany (and consequently in the rest of Western Europe). Use these notes to write a half page summary of the two short texts on the BBC website (bbc.co.uk/news). When you have completed your summaries, your teacher will give you a copy of the original texts which you will then be able to read and compare to your own piece of writing. The names of the texts are as follows:”Dioxin scare: German feed fat contains 77 times limit” and “Q&A: German dioxin scare”.  Before you start read the notes carefully and decide how you should reorganize them to produce a chronological and well thought out paragraph – as you would when writing any good summary. You will also need to use the passive voice throughout to emphasize the process and its effects.

THE NOTES

Levels of dioxin: 77 times permitted level

                              Permitted level: 0.75 nanograms /kg

                              Feed: 58 nanograms /kg

Plant (Harles und Jentzsch): Fats

                                                 For use in industrial processes (paper making for instance)

                                                 And for use in: animal feed (to enrich it)

Mix up:  Fatty acids for industrial processes into vegetable feed fat

                Fatty acids contain dioxin

Delivered to: 25 animal feed makers

 Feed fed to: Chickens and pigs

Poisoned poultry, pork and eggs:  First in Germany

Later, exported to: The Netherlands, Britain

There: Into mayonnaise, cakes and the like

March last year: High levels of dioxin noted by H&J

Government: Nothing until December 2010

Feed company: Not registered to avoid controls

Dioxin: Toxic, cancer, harm to pregnant women, developmental problems, damage to immune system, interfere with hormones

Spread throughout EU: Hard to determine

Because: Food production and processing systems integrated

Authorities: Not to worry; consumers would have to eat vast quantities to be sick

CLASSIFICATION ESSAY WITH PLAN: TYPES OF ADVERTISEMENTS

Write a four paragraph essay classifying types of advertisements. Follow the plan below and remember to provide support in the form of examples and explanations.

Introduction: Introduce advertising as a sector and explain its importance. Explain briefly why it has grown so much and gained such importance. Add that the general purpose of advertising is to help maximize profits and market shares. End your introduction with the following thesis statement: Advertisements can be classified in various ways.

First developmental paragraph: According to purpose

-          Introduce a new product or service

-          Create brand identity or image

-          Increase sales of the product or service

-          Informing the public of a change or improvement concerning the product

Second developmental paragraph: According to style

-          Printed (newspaper and magazine ads, brochures, fliers)

-          Outdoor (billboards, kiosks)

-          Broadcasted (on TV, radio, the internet)

-          Product placement ( in movies, TV programs)

Conclusion: Discuss the future of advertising; how it might grow and diversify, become more innovative.

This topic and the accompanying plan has been contributed by Özge; I hope it will be the first of many

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

CLASSIFICATION ESSAY WITH PLAN: BOOKS

Write a four paragraph essay classifying books. Follow the plan provided and use the thesis statement and topic sentences in the plan.

Introduction:

Start as follows and end with the thesis statement provided: As human primates, human beings have a well developed language center which means that….

Thesis Statement: Books may be classified in numerous ways.

First developmental paragraph:

Topic sentence: Books may be classified according to how they are presented to the public.

A.      Printed books

1.       Paperbacks

2.       Hardcover book

B.      Non printed books

1.       Audio books

2.       E-Books

  Second developmental paragraph:

Topic sentence: Books may be classified according to content.

A.      Fiction

1.       Books of literary worth: novels, short stories and poetry.

2.       Best Sellers

B.      Non fiction

Conclusion:

In your conclusion, you can make a restatement or talk of the future of books

Important note:

When writing your essay, remember to provide information about who reads various publications, when they read them and where they read them. For example, lots of people pick up best sellers at airports, before long train journeys or when heading for a seaside vacation.  Why do they do this?The hearing impaired go for audio books – a growing market now – and young people are more into e-books. There are even websites from which you can download whole books like “pagebypagebooks. com” or “classicshorts.com”.  Some writers, like Stephan King, have taken the decision to only publish e-books. Why is that do you think? Can you think of any books you’ve read online? As for nonfiction, researchers, students, academics and the better educated go for them. Remember to provide examples and interpretations: have the newer ways of presenting books to the public increased the number of readers for instance. All this information will add color to your essay and prevent it from looking like a list – a very real danger.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

CLASSIFICATION ESSAY: FILMS

Write a four paragraph essay classifying films; use the plan and thesis statement provided.

Introduction: Introduce the film industry and watching films as a form of entertainment of growing popularity. Mention the developments that have taken place in film making and the giddy heights that have currently been reached (briefly). State that there are many different sorts of films and that they can be classified in two different ways.

First developmental paragraph: According to purpose

-          Entertainment

-          Education

-          Ideological ( Propaganda, Films with messages)

Remember to provide explanations and examples for each category; this will constitute support.

Second developmental paragraph: According to genre

-          Comedies

-          Dramas

-          Thrillers

-          Horror

-          Sci-Fi

-          Action

-          Animation

Remember to provide explanations and examples; this will constitute support.

Conclusion: It is possible, here, to discuss what the future holds for the film industry and whether it will maintain its popularity.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/