Sample Comparison Essays

Villains Are Better than Heroes

by K.A.

Villains are better than heroes. First, villains are cooler than heroes. For example, villains wear a cooler costume. Villains always wear a costume that is black or a dark color. But the hero’s costume is usually lame. The color is white, red or green, and sometimes it's bright or a gay color! This is not cool. For example, Spiderman's costume is red and blue, and Kick-Ass's costume is green.

Second, villains are more clever than heroes. For instance, the villain always thinks of a trick and practices it. You can't be a villain if you are not clever. But a person can become a hero if they are brave or have a sense of justice. The hero doesn't need to be clever. Sailor Moon is a good example.

Third, villains are richer than heroes. Villain have to have a lot of money, because if they need to practice a trick, they need to spend a lot of money. For example, they need many weapons and underlings and expensive costumes. But heroes usually aren't rich, because the hero is someone from the general public or a poor person, like Kamen Rider.

Finally, heroes are are heroes all the time, but villains change sometimes and become heroes. That scene is very exciting and moving. Villains have more real human feelings than heroes. So I think villains are better than heroes. But bad is bad ... I know. That’s why I only like villains in dramas, comics, cartoons and movies.

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E-mail is Better than Letters

by Y.N.

E-mail is better than letters. First, e-mail is faster and easier than letters. If we suddenly remember an event, we can tell our friends about it soon. And we are able to select the time to send an e-mail. For example, if it's our friend's birthday, we can send an e-mail at exactly 12:00 midnight. But it takes time to send a letter, so we need to send a letter beforehand.

Second, e-mail can be preserved for a long time and read again any time. Letters are paper, so it is difficult to keep them in good condition. But e-mail is an electronic thing, so it doesn't tear or become ragged. And we often have our cell phone, so we can read e-mail at any time and in any place. But we can't keep letters with us all the time.

Finally, e-mail has various features. For example, we can attach a photo to the e-mail. Then we are able to make ourselves understood by our reader. We can also save the photo as data, and we can upload it to the Internet and share it with our friends.

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The following students have completed the Comparison Essay, including the final draft: Kanami, Yukiko, Kazunari, Nao, Takayuki, Maki, and Yui. Other students need to turn in a 1st, 2nd or 3rd draft.

Writing a "How to ..." Essay

Today, Kevin will explain how to write a simple version of a "How to ..." Essay. Basically, this essay explains the secret to doing something well. For example, perhaps you are good at taking the TOEIC test. If you don't mind revealing your secret, you can explain "How to Score Well on the TOEIC Test". Or maybe you are good at getting ready for school in the morning. You can give us your good advice on "How to Get Ready for School Quickly".

Please try to think of an interesting fun topic. Weird or strange or unbelievable is OK! Please do not tell us how to cook something. Usually that is a boring topic.

Below are some essays from last year (2011). Notice that both essays below have ...

1) An introduction
2) 3 steps, or 3 pieces of advice
4) Transition words - First, Next, Finally
5) A conclusion
6) A total of 5 paragraphs. However, if you have have more than 3 steps or 3 pieces of advice, you may have more than 5 paragraphs.

Notice this about the introduction:
1) It tries to get you interested in the topic
2) It has a thesis sentence at the end of the paragraph. The thesis sentence tells what the writer is explaining how to do. The thesis sentence is usually almost the same as the title.

Notice this about the conclusion:
1) It summarizes (repeats) the advice simply.
2) It adds a final thought that makes the essay come to an end.

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How to Travel in Kyoto
by S.Y.

Summer vacation is drawing near. You can do a lot of things in the summer. What do you want to do? Where do you want to travel? There are many famous places in Japan. I think one of the best places is Kyoto. Now I will tell you how to travel in Kyoto.

First, before going to Kyoto, buy an easy map of Kyoto. Kyoto is a very complex place, so you may lose your way, especially if it's your first visit. Books about travel in Kyoto are sold at any bookstore. There will surely be a map inside. Glance at the books at the bookstore and choose one that fits you and you'll get the best map. Of course, I already have one.

Next, check the places you want to visit. If you don't check them, they may be closed. It is too unlucky. Also, in Kyoto, there are festivals anytime and anywhere. The festivals are historic and traditional. You don't want to miss them. And don't forget to take pictures!

Finally, prepare well. If it rains or you get injured and you're not prepared, your mood will be low. It is important for you to prepare an umbrella and a first-aid kit. If you have to share them with your friends, they will be pleased. Forewarned is forearmed!

To summarize, you must prepare in advance. Before going to Kyoto, buy an easy map, check the places and prepare well, including an umbrella and a first-aid kit. Then I have no doubt you will enjoy traveling. But the best way to enjoy Kyoto is by going with a friend.

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How to Learn to Speak English
by C.S.

I love English. I entered Tsurumi University's English Literature Course because I wanted to learn English. By learning English, I will gain English skills to use in my future job. I want to exert the greatest possible effort now. I'll tell you how to become a good English speaker.

First, always try to discover interesting new English things. For example, find new English or American singers, listen to English music, read an English book, or watch English movies or TV. I think that studying English should mainly be enjoying interesting things in English. You can feel close to English and you will love it more and more.

Next, make many friends who are native speakers at every possible moment. It's the best way. If you have questions about English, you can ask them, and you may resolve your questions soon. The native speaker will help you understand about the English-speaking world. Native speakers can give you a better understanding of their culture, history, literature and various lifestyle situations.

Finally, the actual experience of going abroad is essential. I suggest that you live abroad with a local family. I have been to England for two weeks and I lived with a family there. It was a valuable experience for me. Whatever difficulty you may meet, the experience will increase your knowledge.

To summarize, you can make definite progress in your English if you follow the above mentioned points. You should look for interesting English things, make many native speaker friends, and go abroad. If you love English, you will make progress for sure. I study English with confidence because I believe in my potential.

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Revising Essay #2 - Comparison Essay

Today, Kevin's main objective is to speak to each student one on one about their writing. In order for him to do this, everyone needs to be working independently. Here is a list of things for you to do. Start from the top of the list below and do as many things on the list as possible.

1) Do Kevin's short worksheet on using the 5 senses in your writing.
2) Read the 2 student essays that are posted here (scroll down). These are from the topic My Special Thing (Essay #1) from last month.
3) Choose a buzz word about Japan's youth problems from the list below and write a short comment in the comment box. Please write your name after the comment, because Kevin gives grade points to people who write comments. - Kevin
4) Some people need to turn in a 3rd copy of Essay #1 (My Special Thing). Turn your revised copy in to Kevin along with all previous (blue ink) copies. If possible, turn it in today.
* These people are completely finished with Essay #1 (nice job!): Taki, Kanami, Yukiko, Daiki, Mikako, Kazunari, Nao, Yui, Maki, Goh, Daichi, Hana, Mina. If your name is not here, you need to get corrections from Kevin and give him a 3rd copy!
5) Revise your Comparison Essay (Essay #2) and return it to Kevin along with the original (blue ink) copy. This is not due until next week, but if you're finished today, you can give it to Kevin.

When revising your essays, did you ...
( ) Use Google Documents?
( ) Capitalize the title?
( ) Follow other capitalization rules?
( ) Make paragraphs? Indent style or block style, but not both!
( ) Double space the lines so Kevin has room to write corrections?
( ) Make your type and font large enough? Arial 12 or Times New Roman 14.
( ) Put one (only one!) space after a period or comma? No space before punctuation.
( ) Check Kevin's corrections carefully, changing all spelling mistakes, inserting all words, etc.

For #3 on the To Do List above:
Following is a list of buzz words related to Japanese youth problems.

• returnee children (kikokushijo)
• compensated dating (enjo kosai)
• corporal punishment (taibatsu)
• bullying (ijime)
• nerds (otaku)
• child abuse (jido gyakutai)
• withdrawn youth (hikikomori)
• NEETs (not in education, employment or training)

Choose one or two and write an interesting comment about the topic or topics in the comment box below. Don't forget to write your name after your comment! - Kevin

My Special Thing Sample Essays

Here are two student essays from the first topic, My Special Thing. Essays that appear here are usually among the better essays I received for the assignment. Typically, I write the student's initials instead of their actual name. If your essay is not posted here, please don't be discouraged. Your great essays will probably appear here in the future!

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My Special Thing - Badminton Club
by T. G.

I met a good teacher when I was a junior high school student. The teacher's name was Yohei Ishii. He was one of our two club advisory teachers and my geography teacher. He was always angry at badminton club, but he was very kind to everybody in geography class, so we didn't like that he had two faces.

I entered the badminton club at 12 years old in the first grade. I didn't know anything about badminton. The other advisory teacher was very kind to students, but the first grade students could only run and practice every day. We thought, "Why can't we play a game?" but we never gave up running. Everybody had to do it, so I was able to do it too.

One day, we had bad news, because the kind teacher left the junior high school. We were so sad. We continued to practice. I realized while we practiced hard that our badminton skills had improved. Our strict teacher never gave up on us. Our club was fun because we became stronger and stronger, and we always got a medal in tournaments. At the same time,  we had strong bonds as a team.

One day, we had a game. It was the biggest and last game for us, but we lost the game. Our teacher said to us, "Today was the best game!" We were so happy and relieved. And then he said to us, "I'll move to another school." We were so surprised because we never imagined that, and we were so sad. He was often angry at us, but it was a good thing fur us. We were grateful to him. Then he smiled and said, "Goodbye." We were surprised again. We had never seen his smile. We thought at that time that he was a kind person. We played badminton well with his help, and we will never forget him.

Life continued in our junior high school club every day. Thanks to my friends there, I could feel the variety of crying and laughing. I learned from my teacher the importance of practicing hard every day to master the hard things. If I meet my teacher at the 20th year reunion, I want to tell him, "Thank you."

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My Best Partner - My Car
by Y. S.

Do you have a best partner? In my case, I have made friends through baseball and through my car. I learned important things about teamwork and friendship from baseball. On the other hand, my favorite thing is my car. My car makes me happy. It's engine sounds like the ground rumbling. The exhaust in the air, the sound of a slipping tire, the burnt smell, the full throttle, the feeling of G-force - these are all amazing to me.

I saw a movie once which changed everything for me. The movie's name was "The Fast and the Furious." I became a slave to my car through this movie. Actually, I've liked cars since I was a child, but this movie inspired me to remember the emotion of loving cars again. And then I started to study about cars and make friends through my car. Nowadays, I always use my car as my means of self-expression. My source of energy is my car.

Recently, I spend my money on my car first. I love to drive with my friends. I think it is a cool life for all men.

Third Revision plus a few grammar points

Good afternoon, everyone!

Today Kevin will pass back your first essay. Most of you will be asked to submit a 3rd revision, as there are still many errors. You must return all copies to Kevin!

Today, we will also work on a few grammar points and capitalization rules.

If you finish everything you need to do in class, please check out this article about suicide among young Japanese job seekers and write a short comment in the comment box below.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120513002004.htm

Hopefully, your own job hunting will be successful! In any case, don't lose heart! Something good will happen in time!

* When you write a comment, please remember to write your name at the end of the comment. Kevin gives points for comments written, but if there is no name, you get no credit!

Writing Comparison Essays

Welcome back! I hope you all had a nice Golden Week.

Today you will give Kevin your final draft of Essay #1, My Special Thing. Before you hand it in, check for:

• title
• paragraphs
• one space after a period or comma

Another thing we will think about this week is a style point: writing with specific language instead of vague, general words. Be sure you use specific, descriptive words when writing your essays from now on.

The major topic for today will be Comparison Essays. In a normal comparison essay, you compare the good and bad points about two related topics. In Kevin's version, however, you will emphasize the good points of one thing compared to another. To put it simply, you will explain why one thing is better than another thing. For example, you might explain why you think motorcycles are better than cars, or why baseball is better than soccer. Of course, these examples are opinions, but that's OK. We are often called upon in real life and in business to persuade people that one thing is better than another. Today's essay topic is practice in doing that.

To prepare yourself for the comparison essay, please choose a topic from the list below and think about  why one of the two things is better than the other.

* Backstreet Boys & SMAP
* Yokohama & Tokyo
* Japanese food & Western food
* traveling alone & traveling with a group
* taking the train & driving
* baseball & soccer

Choose one from a pair above (or a different pair) and explain why it's better than the other. For example, if you like SMAP better than the Backstreet Boys, give 3 reasons why you think SMAP is better.

When you write your complete comparison essay (Essay #2), you can choose the same topic or a different one. The complete essay, of course, will be longer. It will have a thesis sentence, and 3 reasons, but each reason will have a paragraph with specific details and supporting examples. Following is a sample of a complete comparison essay, with a thesis sentence followed by 3 paragraphs that support the thesis. I have also posted a complete essay that has an introduction & conclusion (5 paragraphs). The thesis sentence is in the introduction. The easy (3-paragraph) essay is the homework for this week, but if you wish to challenge yourself, you may write the longer (5-paragraph) version.

Motorcycles Are Better Than Cars (Easy Version)
Motorcycles Are Better Than Cars (Version with Introduction & Conclusion)