Helpers
in Writing
Wong, B.Y.L., Butler, D.L., Ficzere, S.A., & Kuperis, S. (1997). Teaching adolescents
with learning disabilities and low achievers to plan, write, and revise
compare-and –contrast essays. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice,
12(1), 2-15.
This is a writing strategy designed to help students write compare-and-contrast
essays. This strategy employs a planning sheet called HELPERS in Writing (Figure
1).
Figure 1
HELPERS in Writing
Introduction (Thesis statement)
In this essay, I am going to compare and contrast
and . I have chosen to write on three features: (1), (2), and (3).
I am writing this compare and contrast essay on and
. I shall write on three features: (1), (2), and (3).
Examples: In this essay, I am going to compare and contrast rock concerts and school
concerts. I have chosen to write on three features: Goals, dress and
demeanor.
Marijuana and LSD are both illegal drugs which have similar effects and
usage but differ in appearance.
Conclusion:
Here you need to do 2 things: (a) summarize the features, and
(b) express your own opinion and say what you like
better.
Examples: School concerts and rock concerts both provide entertainment. But I like
school concerts better because they are free, they have my kind of music,
they let me wear what I want, but they don’t allow rowdy behavior!
Christmas and summer holidays are both fun times. But you engage in
different activities and meet different kinds of hazards: I think I like
summer holidays because I really like sunbathing!
After comparing and contrasting Christmas and summer holidays, I think I
like summer holidays better because I really enjoy sunbathing!
Although marijuana and LSD differ in their appearance, they are similar in
their effects and usage. Let’s hope the usage is not too high.