Example of Compare and Contrast Essay

 Consuming Fresh Foods Instead of Canned Food

Eating is an activity that we as humans do at least two times a day. We live in a world where the variety of food is immense, and we are responsible for what we eat. We decide what we are about to eat and how it will affect our bodies. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the differences between eating fresh foods instead of canned foods. The three main differences are flavor, health benefits, and cost.

The most notable difference between these two kinds of foods is their flavor. Fresh foods have great flavor and taste because they keep all their natural conditions. Canned foods however, lack a lot of its flavor characteristics because there are some other chemical products added to the natural foods. It is logical that the fresh foods will have a greater taste and flavor when consumed just because of the time in which they have been prepared.

Comparing both types of foods we notice another difference. There is a health factor that affects both of them. Canned foods lose some of the original fresh food nutrients when stored, and also it has to be tinned with many conservatives and chemical factors that prolong the shelf life and apparent freshness of the food but could also become toxic if consumed too often.

Yet another difference between these two types of foods is the cost. Canned foods are much more expensive than fresh foods. Here the benefit of buying tinned foods is that they are easier to find, for example, in a supermarket instead of the market like the fresh foods, and they require less work to prepare than fresh foods, just open and serve.

Here are the main three differences between buying fresh foods and buying canned foods. As we can see it comes down to a personal choice, based on the time each person has, the money and the importance he/she gives to his/her nutrition and health. Therefore it is important that you consider your possibilities and choose the best type of foods for your convenience and lifestyle.

Taken from : http://www.eslbee.com/compcont.htm

Analyses:

The essay above is the "classic" five paragraph essay that all non-native speakers of English should learn to write.  This essays also contains the "classic" point-by-point organization, each point stated and developed in a single paragraph.

1.      Paragraph 1 ( Introductory)

-          Hook :

 Eating is an activity that we as humans do at least two times a day.

-          Connecting Information:

We live in a world where the variety of food is immense, and we are responsible for what we eat. We decide what we are about to eat and how it will affect our bodies.

-          Thesis Statement:

The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the differences between eating fresh foods instead of canned foods. The three main differences are flavor, health benefits, and cost.

2.      Paragraph 2 (Body)

Mountain

A.  Climate                  : Cold

B.  Types of Activities: Snow boarding, mountain climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing.

C.  Location                :  Canada

3.      Paragraph 3 (Body)

Beach
A.  Climate                  : Hot

B.  Types of Activities: Swimming, playing volleyball, playing soccer, and riding water bikes

C.  Location                : Mexico, Acapulco, and Cancun.

4.      Paragraph 4 (Concluding Paragraph)

-          Concluding Sentence:

It doesn’t matter what place a person decides to choose. The fun is 100% guaranteed. People often choose one of these two options to spend their vacations. Depending on what the person likes is what he or she will choose.

-          Final thought:

I like the beach better than the mountains, but sometimes it is better to take a risk and try a different place to enjoy.