Essays with Guided Reflection

jpactor; Herschel Shepard

17

Readings: Compare and Contrast- How We Discuss Multiple Subjects at Once

Introduction

In this module we discussed how to write about two subjects together, either by showing how they are similar (comparison writing) or how they are different (contrast writing). Whether you are comparing or contrasting subjects, you will use either the point-by-point method or the block method to organize your ideas. In this section we will examine two essays written by the same author that contrast the same two subjects (self-motivated and unmotivated students) but that use different methods to do so. The first uses the point-by-point method, while the second uses the block method. ⁽¹⁾

Readings

Point-by-Point Method

Select and read this essay, “Negative or Positive Learning Experience: It’s Up to You” by M. K. Connor, written using point-by-point method.

Block Method

Select and read this essay, “Negative or Positive Learning Experience: It’s Up to You” by M. K. Connor, written using block method.

What to Look for: Point-by-Point Essay

While reading this essay, you should first be able to locate the thesis statement that appears (as is so often the case) at the end of the introduction (the first paragraph).

Directions: Select each header below to reveal more information on each one.

This thesis makes its central point clear by naming the two subjects being contrasted: unmotivated students and self-motivated students. It also indicates the purpose behind the writing; it is going to show how someone can “make the best” of an educational experience by adopting the tactics of the self-motivated students.

The rest of the essay then explains the differences between unmotivated and self-motivated students, proceeding on point-by-point basis. In other words, each body paragraph makes a specific point and relates it to both kinds of students. Here is how that logic proceeds.

In order to stay in line with the essay’s thesis, each one of these paragraphs shows not only how each type of student’s approach is different but also how self-motivated student approaches positively affect learning.

Finally, note that the final paragraph, the essay’s conclusion, draws everything together without simply repeating points, ultimately recalling the essay’s purpose (to encourage readers to be self-motivated). It reinforces the fact that the essay as a whole is much more than just a list of points about two subjects; it makes an overall suggestion about life that could have a positive impact on its audience. ⁽¹⁾

What to Look for: Block-style Essay

The second essay is very similar to the first one and makes the exact same point. Note that the introductions to both essays are exactly the same, as are their thesis statements. What differentiates this essay from the previous one is its organizational method. Here, the author chooses to discuss everything about unmotivated students in the first part of the body, and then she discusses everything about self-motivated students in the second part, sometimes referring back to things she has said about the unmotivated students to clarify her purpose and to unify her ideas.

Note the major transition she uses to begin the second half of the body: on the other hand . This signals to the reader that she has shifted from one subject to the other. Moreover, pay attention to the way she presents points in the same order when she discusses both subjects separately. When she explains how unmotivated students tend to behave in the first half of the essay, she discusses their attitudes about mandatory courses, course formats, and instructors, and when she discusses how self-motivated students behave, she discusses their attitudes about the same three topics in the same sequence. This helps everything to hold together logically and makes the essay easy to read. ⁽¹⁾

Attribution

⁽¹⁾Content by Florida State College at Jacksonville is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License .

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License