Unit 1 - Comparing and Contrasting

d. AB AB

Correctly diagram the organizational pattern of the following​ passage: Urban life is very different from suburban life. Those living in urban areas do not enjoy as many natural green spaces. Those living in suburban areas are surrounded by the green spaces of private lawns and local parks. a. AA BB b. BB AA c. BA BA d. AB AB

A. points of comparison or​ contrast, purpose

Identify the missing​ element(s) from the following thesis​ statement: It takes discipline to practice daily meditation and to engage in daily​ exercise, but daily meditation can be harder to commit to in many ways. A. points of comparison or​ contrast, purpose B. the subjects C. the main​ (or controlling) idea D. emphasis on​ comparisons, contrasts, or both

C. weather and activities

Identify the points of comparison in the following thesis​ statement: Both spring and summer are special​ seasons; although some people do prefer one season to the​ other, the fact is both seasons have something to​ offer: weather and activities. A. preferences and activities B. weather and seasonal facts C. weather and activities D. preferences and seasonal facts

B. No. There is not enough detail explaining why school exams are not effective in​ educating, engaging, or motivating kids.

Is the following passage balanced and​ parallel? Video games can actually help​ educate, engage, and motivate kids. Many games require strategic​ thinking, which demands a level of critical thinking that many​ true-false or​ fill-in-the-blank questions on school exams do not.​ Furthermore, video games are​ fun, interactive, and in some​ cases, collaborative. A. No. There should be more examples of why video games are ineffective at​ educating, engaging, or motivating kids. B. No. There is not enough detail explaining why school exams are not effective in​ educating, engaging, or motivating kids. C. Yes. There should be fewer examples and details about the opposing subject. D. Yes. There is just the right balance of examples and details.

B. It improves​ readers' understanding or ability to make decisions about two or more subjects.

Select the statement that best describes the benefit of​ comparison-contrast writing. A. It helps writers argue in favor of both sides of an issue. B. It improves​ readers' understanding or ability to make decisions about two or more subjects. C. It helps readers make choices between similarities and differences. D. It improves​ writers' organization when writing about multiple topics in the same essay.

B. An observation of the day in the life of a​ pre-school teacher.

Which of the following situations would be least likely to call for​ comparison-contrast writing? A. A review of local​ pre-schools aimed at parents B. An observation of the day in the life of a​ pre-school teacher. C. An argument to require the local public schools system to require​ pre-school. D. A proposal to change the local​ pre-school curriculum

C. All the supporting details of subjects A and B are discussed separate from each​ other, in alternating single paragraphs.

Which of the following statements accurately defines the​ "block" style of​ organization? A. All supporting details of subjects A and B are combined and discussed in multiple body paragraphs. B. All supporting details of subject A is discussed three body paragraphs at a​ time, before alternating to three body paragraphs about subject B. C. All the supporting details of subjects A and B are discussed separate from each​ other, in alternating single paragraphs. D. The supporting details of subject A are discussed in the first half of the​ essay, and those of subject B are discussed in the second half.

B. weight as compared to print books

Which of the following would not be a good point of contrast for the following thesis​ statement? As print books become a relic of the​ past, many readers are torn when deciding whether to buy an​ e-reader or a tablet. A. ease of Web browsing B. weight as compared to print books C. screen resolution and​ anti-glare features D. media availability

D. Urban life is very different from suburban life. Urban life leads to a deeper appreciation for the​ arts, diversity, and politics. It also makes people more conscious of the​ environment, because they either walk or use public​ transportation, rather than drive. Suburban life can appear dull and tedious.

Which passage appears to favor one subject over the​ other? A. Urban life is​ fast-paced and filled with anonymous faces. Suburban life is more relaxed and neighborly. B. Urban life is very different from suburban life. Those living in urban areas do not enjoy as many natural green spaces. Those living in suburban areas are surrounded by the green spaces of private lawns and local parks. C. Urban life is very different from suburban life. Restaurants and stores tend to stay open​ later, and there are usually more of them within close proximity to residences.​ However, restaurants and stores are typically located in a suburban​ area's town​ square, which can be miles away from residences. D. Urban life is very different from suburban life. Urban life leads to a deeper appreciation for the​ arts, diversity, and politics. It also makes people more conscious of the​ environment, because they either walk or use public​ transportation, rather than drive. Suburban life can appear dull and tedious.

D. The two subjects do not share mutual characteristics.

Why are the following subjects ill fitted for comparison and​ contrast? Italian cuisine and veganism A. There are too many commonalities between the two subjects to develop a balanced essay. B. The two subjects both focus on​ food, which makes it difficult to find points of contrast. C. More than two subjects are required to develop an effective comparison and contrast. D. The two subjects do not share mutual characteristics.