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Comparison and Contrast Essays: Two Patterns
By: Rory H. Osbrink
First Pattern: Block-by-Block
Abortion is an
example of a very controversial issue. The two opposing viewpoints
surrounding abortion are like two sides of a coin. On one side,
there is the pro-choice activist and on the other is the pro-life
activist. The argument is a balanced one; for every point
supporting abortion there is a counter-point condemning abortion.
This essay will delineate the controversy in one type of
comparison/contrast essay form: the "Argument versus Argument," or,
"Block-by-Block" format. In this style of writing, first you
present all the arguments surrounding one side of the issue, then
you present all the arguments surrounding the other side of the
issue. You are generally not expected to reach a conclusion, but
simply to present the opposing sides of the argument.
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Introduction:
(the
thesis is underlined)
Explains the
argument |
The Abortion
Issue: Compare and Contrast Block-by-Block Format
One of
the most divisive issues in America is the controversy
surrounding abortion.
Currently, abortion is legal in America, and many people
believe that it should remain legal. These people,
pro-choice activists, believe that it is the women's right
to chose whether or not to give birth. However, there are
many groups who are lobbying Congress to pass laws that
would make abortion illegal. These people are called the
pro-life activists.
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Explains
pro-choice |
Abortion is
a choice that should be decided by each individual, argues
the pro-choice activist. Abortion is not murder since the
fetus is not yet fully human, therefore, it is not in
defiance against God. Regardless of the reason for the
abortion, it should be the woman’s choice because it is her
body. While adoption is an option some women chose, many
women do not want to suffer the physical and emotional
trauma of pregnancy and labor only to give up a child.
Therefore, laws should remain in effect that protect a
woman's right to chose. |
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Explains
pro-life |
Abortion is
an abomination, argues the pro-life activist. It makes no
sense for a woman to murder a human being not even born.
The bible says, "Thou shalt not kill," and it does not
discriminate between different stages of life. A fetus is
the beginning of life. Therefore, abortion is murder, and
is in direct defiance of God's will. Regardless of the
mother's life situation (many women who abort are poor,
young, or drug users), the value of a human life cannot be
measured. Therefore, laws should be passed to outlaw
abortion. After all, there are plenty of couples who are
willing to adopt an unwanted child. |
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Conclusion |
If we take
away the woman’s right to chose, will we begin limiting her
other rights also? Or, if we keep abortion legal, are we
devaluing human life? There is no easy answer to these
questions. Both sides present strong, logical arguments.
Though it is a very personal decision, t he fate of abortion
rights will have to be left for the Supreme Court to
decide. |
Second Pattern: Point-by-Point
This second example
is also an essay about abortion. We have used the same information
and line of reasoning in this essay, however, this one will be
presented in the "Point-by-Point" style argument. The
Point-by-Point style argument presents both sides of the argument at
the same time. First, you would present one point on a specific
topic, then you would follow that up with the opposing point on the
same topic. Again, you are generally not expected to draw any
conclusions, simply to fairly present both sides of the argument.
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Introduction:
(the
thesis is underlined)
Explains the
argument |
The Abortion
Issue: Compare and Contrast Point-by-Point Format
One of
the most divisive issues in America is the controversy
surrounding abortion.
Currently, abortion is legal in America, and many people
believe that it should remain legal. These people,
pro-choice activists, believe that it is the women's right
to chose whether or not to give birth. However, there are
many groups who are lobbying Congress to pass laws that
would make abortion illegal. These people are called the
pro-life activists.
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Point One:
Pro-life and
Pro-choice
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Supporters
of both pro-life and pro-choice refer to religion as support
for their side of the argument. Pro-life supporters claim
that abortion is murder, and is therefore against God's
will. However, pro-choice defenders argue that abortion is
not murder since the fetus is not yet a fully formed human.
Therefore, abortion would not be a defiance against God. |
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Point Two:
Pro-life and
Pro-choice
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Another main
point of the argument is over the woman's personal rights,
versus the rights of the unborn child. Pro-choice activists
maintain that regardless of the individual circumstances,
women should have the right to chose whether or not to
abort. The pregnancy and labor will affect only the woman's
body, therefore it should be the woman's decision. Pro-life
supporters, on the other hand, believe that the unborn child
has the right to life, and that abortion unlawfully takes
away that right. |
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Conclusion |
If we take
away the woman’s right to chose, will we begin limiting her
other rights also? Or, if we keep abortion legal, are we
devaluing human life? There is no easy answer to these
questions. Both sides present strong, logical arguments.
Though it is a very personal decision, t he fate of abortion
rights will have to be left for the Supreme Court to
decide. |
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