how to write a compare and contrast essay

how to write a compare and contrast essay

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD. Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015.
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How to write a compare and contrast essay
Compare and contrast is a rhetorical style that discusses the similarities and differences of two or more things: ideas, concepts, items, places, etc. This rhetorical style is one that you’ll see often as a complete essay, but you may also use it quite a lot within paragraphs of any kind of essay in which you need to make some kind of comparison to help illustrate a point.
A compare and contrast essay does two things: It discusses the similarities and differences of at least two different things. First, you must find a basis of comparison to be sure that the two things have enough in common. After that, you identify their differences. You may structure the compare and contrast essay using either the alternating method (stating one aspect of one thing and immediately discussing the same aspect of the other item and how they are similar or different) or the block method (discussing all of the aspects of one thing and then discussing all of the aspects of another).

Down and Dirty Tips for Drafting a Comparison or Contrast Essay
The point of a comparison or contrast essay to evaluate the similarities or differences of two things. The most difficult part of a compare/contrast essay is its organization. This guide will walk you through the steps of getting started and organizing your essay just the information you need to complete the assignment. For more in-depth information, consult your instructor and course materials.

References:

http://owl.excelsior.edu/rhetorical-styles/compare-and-contrast-essay/
http://spcollege.libguides.com/comparecontrast
http://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-good-argumentative-essay

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The Mother of Waters and Her Daughters

There is nothing that compares to the coordination of a mother with her daughters especially when they are working towards a common goal. No one wishes to let the other down, and if they do, knowingly or unknowingly, they will strive to uplift each other. If one of the daughters is weak, the mother will take up her roles to forge ahead and deliver. This analogy relates to a river and its streams. The main river is the mother of waters, and the streams are the daughters. Here, we will focus on Mekong River which sways its hips in some countries in South East Asia. It boasts being the longest river in that part of the continent and the 12th longest in the world.

 

“Mother” Mekong’s length

This beast in the name of the mother of waters; Mekong River, flows in six different countries in the Asian continent. You wonder why it wasn’t named a mini ocean but a river yet its length is as long as you can imagine a water body that traverses in six countries. 4,350km is how far this river covers which can be translated to 2700 miles.

 

The Route of the Mekong River

Details on how Mekong river flows can be illustrated using the following images that give a clear picture on the same. It coughs from the Tibetan Plateau in between two other rivers; the Salween and Yangtze Rivers. It then flows to Yunnan province which is in China proceeding to some place in Myanmar and Laos, therefore draining close to 21,000km. This mother keeps on with the flow through Thailand, Cambodia and lastly settles at Vietnam. River Mekong’s mouth and the source is the Mekong Delta and Lasagongma spring in that order. The Mekong has some tributaries including the Tha and the Ou rivers.

 

Usefulness of Mekong River to the People

What is a river that flows without meaning? A river is not just meant to make sounds and prove that there exists water in that area but it has to do more and it is the people who have to discover how they can benefit from the river. Evidently, those that border Mekong practice agriculture. In fact, we have the Mekong River Commission that majorly deals with such issues. This was not an initiative that was active from way back. It is only when Mekong River Commission sort of did some re-branding that called for a plan of action that will spearhead the adequate use of the river in the Lower Mekong Basin.

 

Fun facts about the Mekong River  

With the exception of it being the 12th longest river in the world, here are some of the fun facts about our Mother of Waters; Mekong.

  • It is the second most biologically sundry river in the world.
  • It is a dynamic force regarding it being a source of livelihood for over 60 million people
  • It has an immoderate seasonal random variable causing hitches when it comes to navigation
  • It has different names depending on the country it is flowing in
  • The river feeds on the melting snow waters of Tibetan in the Himalayas

 

The Mekong, our Mother of Waters, bears unique characteristics which according to what I have written before, sums up why it is a mother. A mother is one who cares no wonder it is has been a boost to the economy of the countries that it sits in because its residents use it for agricultural gains hence exporting their products which in turn boost the economy. Also, just by viewing such a long river, it makes you feel accomplished therefore making the Mekong a tourist attraction site that attracts people from all over the world. Undoubtedly, her daughters are proud to be associated with the Mekong.

Seven Fascinating Things to See in Lushoto

During the German colonial rule, Lushoto was known as Wilhelmstal. It is amongst the eight Tanga Region districts in Tanzania. Kenya borders it to the North East, and Muheza District borders it to the east. By the Kilimanjaro Region, it is to the northwest and the south by the Korogwe District.

Lushoto is West Usambara Mountains’ main town. Although it is not as diverse biologically as the East Usambara is, the area presents some suburb walking opportunities. Its viewpoints always offer stunning views which are incredible over the escarpment. The main attractions in Lusaka include;

  • Irente Viewpoint
  • Magamba and Mkusu Forest Reserves
  • Several small waterfalls.

When you get a chance to visit Tanzania, the following are seven fascinating things you need to see in Lusaka;

  1. Tupande Usambara

Through Tupande Tours, hiking is possible through the beautiful Usambara Rainforest. Here, you will be assigned great tour guides who will go out of their way to make the 60 km hike as fulfilling and comfortable as possible. The walk is hard and long and will take you through the rugged, although breath-taking Usambara Mountain.

You will go through the rainforest in the rain, shaking of the local children who are under a burning sun. By the way, if you want to meet friendly and amazing Tanzanians in a diverse and fantastic landscape, do not hesitate to visit the Usambara Mountains. Cultural tourism will also be experienced because you will get to interact with traditional food cooking course, Maasai jewelry making, and research.

  1. Irente Viewpoint

This is a nature reserve. It also encompasses an organic farm and lodging located a few kilometers outside Lushoto. It is about 6km from the town. The road up to Mtae is wild, and that towards Irente is surrounded by land that has been cultivated and small villages.

It hosts the Terrace restaurant which serves various kinds of snacks and foods gotten from the farm’s produces. A stunning view of the surrounding valleys, hills and the farm is offered. Some of the meals served in Terrace Restaurant include home-made rye bread, cheese, jam, butter, juice, fruits, and vegetables which are also available in the shop.

There is a well-equipped campsite that easily accesses the restaurant and the farm, and accommodation is available, catering for all the budget and tastes. Views up towards Mtae are far more impressive.

  1. Soni Falls

This is the most beautiful place in Lushoto. It merely is nature and you; you get to hang out with nature. It is not crowded. Here, you will find are few native kids who will help and show you around. You definitely would want to capture the beautiful scenes, so do not forget your camera!

  1. Mambo View Point

Mambo View Point is located near the village of Mambo in the northern part of the Usambara Mountains and offers magnificent views over the African plains. You would think recycling and using renewable energy is enough. Mambo Viewpoint with exceptional community development and engagement ticks all the boxes as well as effective business management and the environment resulting in excellent customer experience.

There are beautiful cottages with really great staff. If you are lucky, you even get the chance to learn more about the area and work by dining with the owners. There are excellent facilities with guided walks, fires in the rooms, and great food.

  1. Usambara Mountains tropical Forests and historical sites, Switzerland of Africa

There are numerous historical sites, spectacular viewpoints, where you can learn and know how people live in the Usambara Mountains. These include the local immigrant tribe of pare and mbugu, the community history of the indigenous Washambaa, and local royalty from the ancient to Germany and British colonial era.

You will get to experience; Tropical Forests, Landscape, numerous spectacular viewpoints, and historical sites. You will as well have the opportunity of visiting local communities’ development projects. You will enjoy a memorable experience through the life of the local farmers and an explanation of the history; the area of west Usambara in nick-named Switzerland of Africa because of the mountain range.

  1. Magamba Nature Reserve

Visitors experience flora and fauna of this beautiful reserve through walking, sights seeing, and hiking. The incredible flora and fauna are due to the varied climatic and altitudinal conditions present in the area. Magamba Nature Forest Reserve is a state-owned forest reserve in Lushoto District and is managed by Tanzania Forest Services Agency.

Since March 2016, the forest has been designated as Nature Forest Reserve, covering a total of 9,283 ha. The Reserve remains unspoiled due to the conservation efforts of the Lushoto people and Government. It possesses varieties of dominant tree species, animal and birds’ species as well as insects. The town has some accommodation facilitating visitors with hotels, lodges, and guesthouses.

  1. Usambara Cultural Tourism

Explore the Usambara Cultural Tourism by engaging in different cultural programs. These include 2-3 days hiking at Mazumbai natural reserve, several days hiking to Mtae, 2-3 days hiking, Full day hiking and combined touring of Magamba and Mkusu rainforest as well as Irente viewpoint. You will also get to see the Mkuzi waterfall over a half day tour.