Unit 2 – Comparing Lifestyles
Warm-Up Activities
 |  |
Key Vocabulary
Places and Lifestyles
- Urban: Relating to a city or town
- Rural: Relating to the countryside, not the city.
- Pace: The speed at which something happens.
- Convenience: The quality of being easy to use or suitable for a particular purpose.
- Community: The people living in one particular area.
Linking and Connecting Words
- Whereas: Used to compare or contrast two facts.
- Similarly: In a similar way.
- In contrast: Used to show a difference between two thing.
Activity 1: Quick Recall
Let’s refresh our memory.
Activity 2: Sorting Transition Words
When we write, we use special words to connect ideas. These are called transition words. They help the reader understand if we are showing a similarity or a difference.
Activity 3: Complete the Sentences
Choose the best transition word to complete the sentence.
Side by Side: Mastering Comparison Writing
In academic writing and on the TOEFL test, you often need to compare two things. A clear paragraph structure is the key to success! A strong comparison paragraph has three parts:
- Topic Sentence: The first sentence. It introduces the two things you are comparing and the main point of the paragraph.
- Supporting Sentences: The middle part. This is where you give details and examples. The best way to do this is using the Point-by-Point method.
- Concluding Sentence: The last sentence. It summarizes the main point or gives a final thought.
The Point-by-Point Method
Imagine you are watching a tennis match. The ball goes back and forth. The Point-by-Point method is similar.
- Topic Sentence: The first sentence. It introduces the two things you are comparing and the main point of the paragraph.
- Supporting Sentences: The middle part. This is where you give details and examples. The best way to do this is using the Point-by-Point method.
- Concluding Sentence: The last sentence. It summarizes the main point or gives a final thought.
Example Paragraph Breakdown:
Let’s look at a model paragraph comparing the social environments of city and village life.
(Topic Sentence) While both cities and villages offer social opportunities, they differ greatly in terms of community feeling and privacy. (Point 1: Community) In a village, it is common to have a close-knit community where everyone knows each other and participates in local events. On the other hand, city dwellers often experience more anonymity and may not even know their next-door neighbors. (Point 2: Privacy) This anonymity in the city, however, provides a greater sense of privacy. People can live their lives without feeling watched. In contrast, the lack of privacy can be a downside of village life, where personal news travels quickly. (Concluding Sentence) Therefore, a person’s preference for either lifestyle may depend on whether they value a strong sense of community or personal privacy more.
Skill Practice
Activity 1: Unscramble the Paragraph
Â
Activity 2: Choose the Right Transition
A. Multiple-Choice Questions
Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence.
B. Fill in the Blanks
C. Crossword Puzzle
D. Word Search
You’ve reached the end of the lesson. Click the button below to begin the Evaluation Quiz.