Q: Skills for Success (4) Unit 4
Reading & Writing Writing Assignment Model
In this assignment, you are going to write a five-paragraph compare and contrast essay. As you prepare your
essay, think about the Unit Question, “How important is it to write by hand?” Choose one of the topics
below:
1. Write an essay that compares and contrasts two methods of writing, such as writing in Chinese and writing in
English, or printed Arabic and handwritten Arabic.
2. Write an essay that compares and contrasts speaking and writing in your native language.
VIEW:
When you write a compare and contrast essay, use transition words such as however, on the other hand, and in contrast
to show differences. To vary your sentences, also include subordinators such as although, though, while, or whereas.
Title:
Two Englishes
Writing
Structure:
What is a compare and contrast essay?
A compare and contrast essay describes the similarities and differences between two subjects. In a point by point essay,
each body paragraph compares and contrasts one key point between the subjects. In a similarities and differences essay,
the first body paragraph explains what is similar about the two subjects. The second body paragraph explains what is
different.
Planning notes:
Thesis statement: The reality is that spoken and written language vary in many ways, and when it comes to English, at
times they can feel like two different languages.
Body paragraph 1: vocabulary
Point 1a: Speaking
a. more slang
b. “and,” “but,” “so”
Point 1b: Writing
a. more formal vocabulary
b. “however,” “in contrast”
Body paragraph 2: unique words
Point 2a: Speaking
a. need time to think
b. “um,” “uh,” “mm”
Point 2b: Writing
a. not in written English
b. writers do not need them
Body paragraph 3: grammar
Point 3a: Speaking
a. contractions
b. eliminate words
Point 3b: Writing
a. complete sentences
b. do not omit words
c. avoid contractions
d. longer sentences
Q: Skills for Success (4) Unit 4
Reading & Writing Writing Assignment Model
Content
Humans have been talking long before they have been writing. In fact, speaking seems to be much more
natural than writing. Whereas our parents and teachers had to teach us how to spell and handwrite, most of
us learned how to talk without very much effort. The reality is that spoken and written language vary in many
ways, and when it comes to English, at times they can feel like two different languages.
Both speakers and writers must make vocabulary choices, but in conversational English that often means
using more slang words. How many times do you hear people say words like “cool” and “awesome” when they
speak? Research has also found that English speakers love the words “and,” “but,” and “so” and use them
much more frequently than writers. In contrast, writing generally uses more formal vocabulary. For example,
in academic English, someone is “talented” or “proficient” instead of “good at” something. Writers also use a
larger variety of transition signals to connect their ideas. In writing, words like “however” and “in contrast” are
acceptable replacements for “but,” whereas speakers do not tend to use them much.
Furthermore, there are special words that are unique to spoken English. Speaking is done in real-time.
People do not know exactly what they want to say, and they need time to think. English speakers often say
“um,” “uh,” and “mmm” to help themselves manage conversations and buy themselves the time they need to
formulate an answer. Without them, there could be silence, which might make the other person
uncomfortable or confused. Though these are heard daily in all kinds of conversations, you would never see
them in most written English. Writers simply do not need them.
The differences in grammar are also quite distinctive. When people have conversations, there are different
restraints. For example, if people talk too long, they can appear rude. As a result, English speakers have
numerous ways to shorten their speech. In addition to contractions, English speakers can eliminate words and
still be understood, such as in the expression “gotta go now” or questions like, “Ever been there before?” On
the other hand, writers generally use complete sentences, and they do not omit words. In academic English,
writers even avoid contractions like “don’t” and “doesn’t.” Their grammar is usually more accurate, and
because they do not have to take turns like speakers do, their sentences are longer, too.
In all, the English people use depends on many factors, including the formality of the situation and the
amount of time people have to think. Written English is unique because it tends to use more sophisticated
vocabulary and grammar than spoken English. However, this does not mean that it is better. In fact, because
of text messaging, now people are writing more like they speak, reminding us that language is always in a
constant state of change.
□ Thesis statement □ Subordinators □ Transition words
