Cloze Exercise for Writing Body Paragraphs in a Contrast or Comparison Essay
(Topic Sentence) When the novel begins, Kino is described in a positive manner. Steinbeck describes
his (one characteristic, such as personality, appearance, values, or emotional state) as “___________” ( ). (give
supporting evidence – a short passage about 5-7 words long – copied exactly from the novel – put the page
number in the parenthesis, followed by a period.) He is ____________________________________ (explain
Steinbeck’s comment in your own words). Also, Kino’s (another characteristic) seems good. He treats
“ ________________________” ( ). (give supporting evidence – a short passage about 5-7 words long –
copied exactly from the novel – put the page number in the parenthesis, followed by a period.) Kino is
________________ (explain Steinbeck’s comment in your own words). Most of all, Kino values (another
characteristic). Steinbeck writes “______________________________” ( ). (give supporting evidence – a
short passage about 5-7 words long – copied exactly from the novel – put the page number in the parenthesis,
followed by a period.) Kino is ________________ (explain Steinbeck’s comment in your own words). Prior to
his encounter with the pearl buyers, Kino appears to be a great guy who has stumbled upon a wonderful
opportunity.
(Transition to start second paragraph) . (Topic sentence for second paragraph).Unfortunately,
Kino’s negative characteristics in the second half of the novel demonstrate that the pearl has had a negative
effect on him The first evidence that Kino has changed is seen in his (a characteristic that you mentioned in the
first paragraph). Steinbeck writes “ “___________” ( ). (give supporting evidence – a short passage about 5-7
words long – copied exactly from the novel – put the page number in the parenthesis, followed by a period.)
Kino is ______________ (explain Steinbeck’s comment in your own words). (Transition to second idea)
Furthermore, unlike his gentle (characteristic from first paragraph), Kino’s (characteristic) has become
(describe). He is described as “___________” ( ). (give supporting evidence – a short passage about 5-7
words long – copied exactly from the novel – put the page number in the parenthesis, followed by a period.)
Kino is ______________ (explain Steinbeck’s comment in your own words). Sadly, Kino’s (characteristic
from first paragraph) also has become (describe). He is characterized as “___________” ( ). (give supporting
evidence – a short passage about 5-7 words long – copied exactly from the novel – put the page number in the
parenthesis, followed by a period.) Kino is ______________ (explain Steinbeck’s comment in your own
words). (Closing sentence) The transformation is complete; Kino’s obsession with the pearl has overwhelmed
him.
(Conclusion – begin with a reminder of the point of the essay) Clearly, Steinbeck’s depiction of Kino
illustrates the bad effects of an obsession with material goods. (Explain the significance of this comment).
Kino went from being a normal, happy member of his community to one who was obsessed status and power.
(Closing reflection) Steinbeck’s novel is a warning to all who believe happiness is found in material goods.
Now you try it. Use the outline you created to keep your ideas in order as you write. Feel
free to use some of the words I have used, if you need some more assistance.