Compare and Contrast Essay: Wrightsville and Virginia Beach

Point-by-Point Comparison/Contrast Essay

• Compares and contrasts two people, places, things, or ideas

• We will be doing a traditional-five paragraph essay: introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion

Introduction

• Introduces the topics that you will be comparing and contrasting

• Includes your thesis statement

• Wrightsville Beach and Virginia Beach are two popular East Coast beaches. On any given day, in the late spring and early summer months, these beaches are packed with beachgoers from near are far. Though these beaches are similar in many ways, they have significant differences.

Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentence• Specific Example• Conclusive Sentence• Transitions between paragraphs

Body Paragraphs

• Compare and contrast your topics point-by-point

• Setting• Attractions• Location

Body Paragraph 1: Setting (start with your strongest point)

• One of the major differences between Wrightsville Beach and Virginia Beach is the setting. Virginia Beach is located in a more urban area. It is a part of the Norfolk-Hampton-Virginia Beach metro area, which includes over a million people. In comparison, Wrightsville Beach is near Wilmington, N.C., which has a population of 100,000. Hence, Virginia Beach has a more city vibe with many hotels lining the shore and numerous near-by stores and restaurants steps. However, Wilmington is more secluded with just a few scattered hotels lining the beach and just a few near-by shops and restaurants. Indeed, Virginia Beach is for those who like the to mix the hustle and bustle of city-life with their beach experience; in contrast, Wrightsville Beach draws those looking for a more serene and quiet beach experience.

Body Paragraph 2: attractions (transitions)

• Furthermore, because Virginia Beach is more urban, it offers more attractions outside of the beach. For example, less than Bush Gardens and Historic Williamsburg are less than 30 miles away from the beach. In comparison, most of Wrightsville Beach’s attractions, such as the near-by North Carolina aquarium are beach-related. Indeed, many people who visit Virginia Beach have a long agenda of things to do outside of the beach, while Wrightsville visitors tend to stay near the crystal clear waters.

• Finally, another difference between Wrightsville Beach and Virginia Beach is the water. The waters of Wrightsville Beach are more like the waters of the Caribbean: clear with a deep greenish color. However, the waters of Virginia Beach are less clear with a greyish color. The difference of the waters is quite noticeable, and can be attributed to the depth of the water, the color of the sea bead, and the organisms of the sea.

Conclusion

• Wraps up your essay• Restates your thesis statement in a new and

exciting way

• Clearly, Wrightsville Beach and Virginia Beach have many differences. Virginia Beach is the beach for the on-the-go beach goer, while Wrightsville beach is for people seeking a more relaxed, leisurely beach experience. Both beaches are great destinations, and they attract thousands of visitors each year.

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Include Pictures

Tips

• Compare and contrast things that are comparable

• Focus on either the differences or the similarities

• Use proper grammar and syntax• Use transitions• Use pictures