We use a 4-paragraph format for Compare & Contrast, viz
1) Introduction: state which 2 things you are going to compare and contrast.
2) Compare the similarities: at least 3 or 4.
3) Contrast the differences: again at least 3 or 4.
4) Say whether the differences outweigh the similarities, or vice versa.
State which you prefer, or look at the merits/demerits of both. For example, with small
town/village v big city, say what you like about each. You can be positive about both.
It's important to express your own ideas/opinions if you want to get above the
minimum pass grade.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Group v Individual Work
Working with a group and working on your own
Here in ADMC we often work individually but at other times we have to work in groups. There are similarities and differences between the two modes of work.
The first similarity is that we have a task assigned by the teacher and, obviously, we have to complete it. Secondly, the assignment will have a time limit or deadline. In addition, the task will be assessed and marked by the teacher. Finally, of course, this mark will be entered into the gradebook and will contribute a fixed percentage to our ultimate mark.
There are, however, several important differences. When you work on your own you can work at your own pace but in a group you have to consult others in order to share tasks, meet deadlines and reach an outcome. Consulting others and sharing tasks means, therefore, that you are working as part of a team, rather than as an individual. As a team member, there has to be a degree of consultation, of give and take. Also, a team works better if each member has a specific task: spokesman, secretary, and so on.
For myself, I’m happy to work individually but working as a team has both social and academic benefits and is good practice for the workplace, where we will often have to work and cooperate with colleagues in order to achieve success.
225 words
Here in ADMC we often work individually but at other times we have to work in groups. There are similarities and differences between the two modes of work.
The first similarity is that we have a task assigned by the teacher and, obviously, we have to complete it. Secondly, the assignment will have a time limit or deadline. In addition, the task will be assessed and marked by the teacher. Finally, of course, this mark will be entered into the gradebook and will contribute a fixed percentage to our ultimate mark.
There are, however, several important differences. When you work on your own you can work at your own pace but in a group you have to consult others in order to share tasks, meet deadlines and reach an outcome. Consulting others and sharing tasks means, therefore, that you are working as part of a team, rather than as an individual. As a team member, there has to be a degree of consultation, of give and take. Also, a team works better if each member has a specific task: spokesman, secretary, and so on.
For myself, I’m happy to work individually but working as a team has both social and academic benefits and is good practice for the workplace, where we will often have to work and cooperate with colleagues in order to achieve success.
225 words
Cheesemaking
How to make cheese
Making cheese is quite a long and technical procedure but it is very satisfying and worthwhile. Here are the steps you need to follow.
First, collect all the ingredients you need: milk, vinegar and salt. Then add four teaspoons of vinegar while you are boiling the milk. Don’t forget to stir well with a wooden spoon. After that, remove any moisture with a cheesecloth and then separate the whey from the cheese. Next leave the mixture to cool down. Then, for flavour, add salt to the cheese, remove any remaining moisture and place the cheese into a mould. Finally, wrap the cheese in a cloth and refrigerate before eating.
145 words
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Big city/small town: compare & contrast
Compare and contrast living in a village with living in a city
In England, I live in a small town, while here in Abu Dhabi I live in a large, modern city. So I’m well qualified to compare and contrast village and city life.
There are certain similarities between the two lifestyles. Firstly, in both villages and towns you find domestic residences. Roads, schools, hospitals, shops, garages, and so on, are also common to both village and city.
The main difference between village and city is, of course, in terms of size and number. In a small village, there might be only one shop, one school, one garage, one hospital or clinic. In a large city, there are many of each. In addition a village shop will likely be small, whereas in a city like Abu Dhabi we have many large-scale shopping malls, in addition to supermarkets and smaller shops. Similarly, in a large city there will be more, and bigger, schools, hospitals and garages.
Personally, I love living in a small, quiet rural town when I’m in England. I savour walking in the countryside and along the coast. I relish the clean environment. I like using the local fishmonger, baker and other town tradespeople. On the other hand, I enjoy the wider range of shops, restaurants and sporting facilities here in Abu Dhabi. The increased noise and pollution is the price I pay for this.
223 words.
In England, I live in a small town, while here in Abu Dhabi I live in a large, modern city. So I’m well qualified to compare and contrast village and city life.
There are certain similarities between the two lifestyles. Firstly, in both villages and towns you find domestic residences. Roads, schools, hospitals, shops, garages, and so on, are also common to both village and city.
The main difference between village and city is, of course, in terms of size and number. In a small village, there might be only one shop, one school, one garage, one hospital or clinic. In a large city, there are many of each. In addition a village shop will likely be small, whereas in a city like Abu Dhabi we have many large-scale shopping malls, in addition to supermarkets and smaller shops. Similarly, in a large city there will be more, and bigger, schools, hospitals and garages.
Personally, I love living in a small, quiet rural town when I’m in England. I savour walking in the countryside and along the coast. I relish the clean environment. I like using the local fishmonger, baker and other town tradespeople. On the other hand, I enjoy the wider range of shops, restaurants and sporting facilities here in Abu Dhabi. The increased noise and pollution is the price I pay for this.
223 words.
Monday, October 4, 2010
UAE past & present
Compare and contrast the UAE 40 years ago with the UAE today
The UAE has changed dramatically over the past forty years. Some things, however, have not changed.
There are certain similarities between the UAE forty years ago and today. First, the official language is still Arabic, although English is widely spoken. Secondly, the religion and culture is still Islamic and the sound of the mosque is still heard around the city. Traditional dress continues to be worn by both male and female Emiratis. Customs such as falconry and camel racing are still popular. The same ruling family fills the position of head of state, or president, of the UAE.
There are, however, many significant differences from forty years ago. Firstly, the population has increased, both Emirati and expatriate. In addition, the economy has been transformed by the development of the oil industry. The resulting wealth has funded a transformation of the infrastructure: more roads, high-rise buildings, harbours, bridges, schools and hospitals. The topography of the UAE has changed completely. Look at any old photograph of Abu Dhabi or Dubai forty years ago and the differences with today are striking.
In conclusion, the differences outweigh the similarities. The UAE has, in brief, modernised more quickly in forty years than perhaps any other country in the world.
205 words
The UAE has changed dramatically over the past forty years. Some things, however, have not changed.
There are certain similarities between the UAE forty years ago and today. First, the official language is still Arabic, although English is widely spoken. Secondly, the religion and culture is still Islamic and the sound of the mosque is still heard around the city. Traditional dress continues to be worn by both male and female Emiratis. Customs such as falconry and camel racing are still popular. The same ruling family fills the position of head of state, or president, of the UAE.
There are, however, many significant differences from forty years ago. Firstly, the population has increased, both Emirati and expatriate. In addition, the economy has been transformed by the development of the oil industry. The resulting wealth has funded a transformation of the infrastructure: more roads, high-rise buildings, harbours, bridges, schools and hospitals. The topography of the UAE has changed completely. Look at any old photograph of Abu Dhabi or Dubai forty years ago and the differences with today are striking.
In conclusion, the differences outweigh the similarities. The UAE has, in brief, modernised more quickly in forty years than perhaps any other country in the world.
205 words
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