How to Write a Contrast Paragraph on Two Vehicles

Contrast paragraphs should save readers hours of research time by providing facts.

Car buyers rely on accurate, honest information when purchasing a new vehicle, and you can provide this information with a contrasting paragraph detailing the advantages of two competing automobiles. While a contrasting paragraph compares the qualities of two different vehicles, it should be fair to each manufacturer in order to give the buyer an accurate list of decision-making points. After reading your article, a buyer should be one step closer to making an informed final purchasing decision regarding the two automobiles.

Instructions

1. Research the two vehicles, which are the subject of the your paragraph, noting any features included with either vehicle, such as price, performance or special features. Highlight the most-important points of each vehicle or any important differences between the two. For instance, if one vehicle is much-less expensive or if one has better fuel efficiency than the other, highlight these pieces of information.

2. Double-check your facts with a reliable second source, such as online vehicle reviews, the manufacturer’s websites or printed vehicle review publications. If you locate a discrepancy in the information, check it against a few additional sources to ensure you print the accurate information.

3. Begin your paragraph with a single introductory sentence that identifies both vehicles and makes a comparative statement telling readers the goal of your paragraph. Avoid telling the reader which vehicle you believe is the best, as a contrast paragraph should leave the final decision to the reader but should provide enough information to help make the decision.

4. Describe each vehicle's advantages in the body of the paragraph, but focus on the advantages of each vehicle to avoid sounding biased. For instance, you should say, the first car “advertises a highway fuel efficiency of 36 mpg, 10 higher than its competitor.” Compare comparable features, giving the reader an idea of each automobile’s features.

5. Close the paragraph with a concluding statement, which identifies the decision-making features of each vehicle, the main points a buyer would use to make a decision. As an example, you may identify one vehicle as less expensive, but point out the second has a higher highway fuel efficiency, saving money after the purchase.

6. Read your paragraph, correcting grammatical errors, and deciding if your analysis is fair and unbiased. Make changes as you encounter errors.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the style format requested by the publisher of your article, or use The Associated Press style if your publisher does not specify.

References

• English Essays: How to Write a Comparison and Contrast Essay
• Quality Research: Compare and Contrast Essays