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The contrast pattern means that the ideas in the paragraph are described in terms of their differences and how they are unalike. It can also mean the ideas are examining how things differ from what they seem or from what is expected.
Transition words that show contrast:
Transition words that show contrast:
But
Yet
Still
Unlike
While
On the contrary
Instead of
In contrast
In spite of
Nevertheless
Conversely
On the other hand
Rather
Despite
Difference
Whereas
However
Although
Opposing
To identify the contrast pattern, look for transitions as signals.
To identify the contrast pattern, look for transitions as signals.
These words can be used to signal how the ideas are related to each other. When you encounter words like these, they are usually connecting two ideas together, indicating that they are related. This isn't an exhaustive list, but shows some of the words that can be used in this type of pattern.
Examples of the Contrast Pattern
Examples of the Contrast Pattern
Below are examples of the contrast pattern. Can you spot the transitions and identify the pattern?
Contrast—notice how the ideas are offset by the use of contrast transition words. The focus of the paragraph is on how the subjects differ.
Contrast—notice how the ideas are offset by the use of contrast transition words. The focus of the paragraph is on how the subjects differ.
Choosing between a canine or feline friend comes down to lifestyle. Dogs are typically more social and require dedicated training and playtime. They thrive on walks, runs, and constant companionship, making them ideal for active owners. Cats, on the other hand, are independent and content with solo entertainment. Their lower maintenance needs suit busy schedules, but they can still be affectionate on their own terms. Consider your living space – dogs often need yards, while cats can adapt to apartments with scratching posts and climbing structures. Ultimately, both offer unique forms of love, but one provides a furry shadow by your side, while the other brings purrs and independent charm.
Practice 1: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the words that connect the ideas.
Practice 1: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the words that connect the ideas.
Continue reading after the paragraph for hints.
Although both owls and hawks are birds of prey, they differ significantly in their hunting habits and physical adaptations. Owls are nocturnal hunters, relying on their exceptional night vision and keen hearing to locate prey in complete darkness. In contrast, hawks are diurnal, hunting during the day using their sharp eyesight to spot prey from great distances. Physically, owls have soft, fringed feathers that allow them to fly silently, making them stealthy predators, while hawks have sleek, powerful wings built for speed and agility in open skies. These differences highlight how each bird has evolved to dominate its unique hunting environment.
In this paragraph, the author uses several words as clues or signals that the paragraph is focused on differences. Here are the transition words that act as signals:
Although
Differ
In contrast
While
Can you tell what the two subjects are in this paragraph? The answer is in the first sentence: two birds of prey, the hawk and the owl.
Practice 2: Read the paragraph below and try to identify the transition words.
Practice 2: Read the paragraph below and try to identify the transition words.
This time, see if you can understand the idea presented with each transition word. These ideas are called the details. In a contrast pattern paragraph, the author will focus on the differences between topics.
This time, see if you can understand the idea presented with each transition word. These ideas are called the details. In a contrast pattern paragraph, the author will focus on the differences between topics.
Christmas celebrations vary widely across cultures, reflecting unique traditions and customs. In the Philippines, Christmas begins as early as September and features the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine pre-dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Eve. In contrast, in Iceland, the season is marked by the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who leave small gifts or tricks for children starting 13 days before Christmas. While Christmas dinner in the United States often includes turkey or ham, in Japan, it is common to enjoy fried chicken as a festive meal. Alternatively, in Mexico, the celebration includes Las Posadas, a nine-day reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, culminating in vibrant festivities on Christmas Eve. These diverse traditions showcase how Christmas is celebrated differently around the world, reflecting local cultures and histories.
Practice 3: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the transitions that signal the pattern.
Practice 3: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the transitions that signal the pattern.
After you've read the paragraph, complete the practice below.
After you've read the paragraph, complete the practice below.
Skiing can be quite different from what many people expect based on movies or advertisements. While it’s often portrayed as a graceful, effortless glide down the mountain, beginners quickly realize that it involves a lot of falling and learning to control balance. The snow and cold weather may seem fun in theory, but can quickly become uncomfortable without proper layering to keep the melting snow and ice from soaking through clothing. The views from the mountain may seem picturesque and relaxing, yet anyone with a fear of heights may find a ride on the ski lift quite terrifying. Another contrasting element is the physical demand; skiing may look fast and effortless, but it requires significant leg strength and stamina, which can leave first-timers sore after just a few runs. The cost of lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lessons can be much higher than anticipated, turning a simple day trip into an expensive outing. These unexpected realities show that while skiing can be fun and rewarding, it often comes with challenges that newcomers might not foresee.
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