The Comparison paragraph compares two subjects and discusses how they are alike and lists a few examples. In the contrast paragraph, two subjects are discussed as how they are different, again, listing a few examples. There are two ways to write a paragraph, first, there is the point by point paragraph and there is the blocked paragraph. In the point by point, writing back and forth between the two subjects. First, talking about topic A. then talk about topic B., then right back to topic A. and so on. Finally, the block paragraph only discusses one topic and then finishes the paragraph with the other subject that is to be compared or contrasted with the first. Then the conclusion puts what your compairing or contrasting together.

Acoustic and Electric Guitars

As broad as their sounds are, there are several very distinct similarities and differences between electric and acoustic guitars. For instance, both utilize the use of a body for the neck to attach to and a neck with frets for finger placement. The strings attach to the lower end of the body and go all the way to the head, or the top of the neck. They both use strings that vary in gauge, or size, which are vital to produce sound when they are picked, hammered on, or strummed as a group. Similarly, each is tuned in the same manner to produce the proper tone desired. An acoustic guitar needs no amplifier to make its sound loud enough to be heard. An acoustic guitar uses the body of the guitar as its amplifier. Because the body is very thick and hollow it is able to project its own natural sound loudly. This makes it very portable and capable of being played virtually anywhere. An acoustic guitar doesn’t need any foot pedals, volume and tone knobs, or any other hardware like that to produce the sound it makes. An electric guitar is very hard to hear without an amplifier. An electric guitar requires the use of an amplifier to transport the sound though pickups that are secured in the body. These sounds are transferred through a cable connected to the guitar. The cable then goes to the amplifier which produces the sounds out of the speakers. Volume and tone knobs on the electric guitar can make it louder or change the sound of the strings being played. Additionally, foot pedals can be added to produce even more different sounds so that the musical capabilities of the electric guitar are almost limitless. There’s not a lot of music that I listen to that doesn’t have some sort of electric or acoustic guitar in the mix, either as the main instrument or as small as a fill in for a certain sound. The genre of the music frequently dictates which type of guitar should be used.

~© 2005 Jessi Johnson~

Although I raised Marcee and Obbie from puppies, they have completely diverse personalities. Obbie is a six year old, male, toy Pomeranian whereas Marcee is a one year old, female, Boston terrier. Obbie is small and soft, unlike Marcee who has bristly hair and is much bigger. Marcee insists on sleeping on the bed, under the covers every night. On the other hand, Obbie will only sleep on the floor, under the bed. Obbie is tremendously loyal and uptight; however, Marcee is hyper and friendly to anyone she meets or sees. Around other dogs, Marcee cowers to the larger dog, yet Obbie will always stand his ground, never giving up until he is scolded. Given that they were both treated the same way all their life, it is hard to believe that they are so different in everything they do.

~© 2005 Kayla Marie Anfinson~

Lars Ulrich vs. Mike Portnoy

Lars Ulrich, the drummer for Metallica, and Mike Portnoy, the drummer for Dream Theatre, share some common similarities, and some great differences in their playing style and kit setup. Both Lars and Mike play Tama drums, with full maple shells. Remo heads provide the resonance for both Mike and Lars. Both drummers play the majority of their songs with a driving bass line, coming from the bass drums. When given the chance to solo, both drummers can produce some amazing sounding beats. They take the cymbals and mix them together in a rather simple sounding way, with unparalleled rhythm. Both drummers possess amazing speed and control behind the kit. Their coordination is above most other drummers of today’s music. However, even though they both play Tama drums, Lars uses a more traditional “metal” double bass drum setup, and Mike plays a much larger triple bass drum kit. Mike also incorporates some things into his kit that Lars does not. Mike brings a lot more percussion elements than drums, such as granite blocks, a cowbell, chimes, and a gong. Mike uses two thrones (seats) behind his kit, to help him move around the kit between songs, while Lars has one, and brings his kit in closer to him. Lars prefers a simpler double bass setup, with much fewer cymbals than Mike uses. Portnoy prefers his Sabian cymbals, while Ulrich rocks out hard on his Zildjian cymbals. Lars tunes his bass drums to give a rich, driving sound, while Mike tunes his down to a sharp attack. Lars prefers to drive hard on the bass drum, as opposed to Mike who uses quick kicks in different sequences to produce a lighter sounding bass drum. Mike uses Pro Mark sticks, while you can find Ahead 5B sticks in Lars’ hands. While there are some similarities and differences between the two, both can be considered masters of their craft.

~© 2005 Kristian Anderson~

Life now and life five years ago

My life now and my life five years ago are similar but there are also some major differences. Five years ago,I was living in Havre and going to high school. I didn’t have to work because my parents supported me. I went to school everyday and spent time with my friends. I babysat my nieces everyday after school because both of my parents were working at the time. I had the responsibility of feeding them and making sure nothing happened to them while I was watching them. I didn’t really have any major goals five years ago. I wasn’t really thinking about my future quite yet. On the other hand, now I live in Great Falls and I’m not in high school anymore. I have to work now in order to support myself. I only work twenty hours a week because I’m in school right now. I have a lot more responsibility now than I did five years ago. I have to take responsibility for myself now and everything that I do. I have a lot of major goals now. For instance, I want to graduate and get my two year degree. I want to come back and get a bachelor’s degree. I have a lot of things that I want to accomplish now. Five years ago, I really wasn’t going anywhere with my life, but now I’m starting to get my life in order and deciding what I want to do. In addition,I am still living at home with my parents and I still go to school. I still baby sit my nieces every once in a while. I find time to spend with my family and friends. I still have some of the same responsibilities. I help my mom take care of my oldest niece. She has always lived with us, so I’ve always helped take care of her ever since she was a baby. Even though she is not a baby anymore,I still have to baby sit her when my parents are gone because she is not quite old enough to stay by herself yet. I still have to depend on my parents for transportation because I don’t have a vehicle right now. My life now has changed a lot in only five years.

~© 2005 Brandy Doney~

Telephone Service

Although VCI and Qwest have some similarities, they are also very different. VCI charges a $150 connection fee that you pay $25 the first time, and $10 a month addition to your regular phone bill for 1 year. They charge $15 a month for local service plus tax; in addition, they offer call waiting, three way calling, and caller Id. There is no long distance offered in this package. The bill would total anywhere from $35 to $45 a month. If your bill is late they charge an additional $10 for a late fee; on the other hand, Qwest offers no connection fee for service and free local calls for the first three months with no deposit, just for hooking up service with them. They charge $15 a month for local service + tax with voice mail, call waiting, and caller Id. They also offer unlimited long distance for $20 a month. They charge no late fees for late payments; however, with long distance the bill would total about $50 a month. Both VCI and Qwest offer necessary service to the public; However, their service rates are different.

~© 2005 Rubyee Brown~

My Brothers

There are many differences and likenesses between my two brothers. Glenn, my eldest brother, was very rebellious as a teenager. For example, he would go out drinking all night with his buddies, and was always looking for trouble. Eric, whom is older then me, but younger than Glenn, was not rebellious as a teenager. A couple of examples are the fact that Eric always put his academics ahead of everything and stayed out of trouble. Glenn did not attend college, but pursued a career in the military. Where as Eric did attend college, became a pharmacist, and is in the Army National Guard. They are both religious, but Glenn is a Catholic who speaks with anyone and everyone about his religion, and Eric is a Christian who lets you believe what you believe. Glenn is a very “manly” person. He hides his emotions, is very handy around the house, and runs his family in the military style. Eric is a “semi-feminine” person. He shows his emotions, hires someone else to fix things around the house, and does not run his home in the military life style. Glenn is overly protective of his family. Eric is protective, but not overly protective of his family. Both Glenn and Eric have a wonderful sense of humor. There is never a dull moment when they are in the same room. Another likeness is that they both have served time in Iraq. They went over to Iraq within one month of each other, and are coming home within one or two months of each other. It has been very difficult for our family having the only two boys in Iraq. Glenn and Eric are both married to their high school sweethearts, and have had large families. Glenn has three boys, and one girl. Eric has three girls. Lastly, they both own beautiful homes that are comfortable for their family sizes. My brothers are very different, yet similar.

~© 2005 Kelly Deck~

Phones