Although both owls and hawks are birds of prey, they differ significantly in their hunting habits and physical adaptations. Owls are nocturnal hunters, relying on their exceptional night vision and keen hearing to locate prey in complete darkness. In contrast, hawks are diurnal, hunting during the day using their sharp eyesight to spot prey from great distances. Physically, owls have soft, fringed feathers that allow them to fly silently, making them stealthy predators, while hawks have sleek, powerful wings built for speed and agility in open skies. These differences highlight how each bird has evolved to dominate its unique hunting environment. 

In this paragraph, the author uses several words as clues or signals that the paragraph is focused on differences. Here are the transition words that act as signals:

• Although

• Differ

• In contrast

• While

Can you tell what the two subjects are in this paragraph? The answer is in the first sentence: two birds of prey, the hawk and the owl. 

Christmas celebrations vary widely across cultures, reflecting unique traditions and customs. In the Philippines, Christmas begins as early as September and features the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine pre-dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Eve. In contrast, in Iceland, the season is marked by the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who leave small gifts or tricks for children starting 13 days before Christmas. While Christmas dinner in the United States often includes turkey or ham, in Japan, it is common to enjoy fried chicken as a festive meal. Alternatively, in Mexico, the celebration includes Las Posadas, a nine-day reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, culminating in vibrant festivities on Christmas Eve. These diverse traditions showcase how Christmas is celebrated differently around the world, reflecting local cultures and histories. 

Skiing can be quite different from what many people expect based on movies or advertisements. While it’s often portrayed as a graceful, effortless glide down the mountain, beginners quickly realize that it involves a lot of falling and learning to control balance. The snow and cold weather may seem fun in theory, but can quickly become uncomfortable without proper layering to keep the melting snow and ice from soaking through clothing. The views from the mountain may seem picturesque and relaxing, yet anyone with a fear of heights may find a ride on the ski lift quite terrifying. Another contrasting element is the physical demand; skiing may look fast and effortless, but it requires significant leg strength and stamina, which can leave first-timers sore after just a few runs. The cost of lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lessons can be much higher than anticipated, turning a simple day trip into an expensive outing. These unexpected realities show that while skiing can be fun and rewarding, it often comes with challenges that newcomers might not foresee.