Comparison and Contrast Comparison and contrast are ways

Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and contrast are ways of looking at objects and thinking about how they are alike and different. For instance, all of these items are alike because they are KINDS OF FOODS but there are many ways that they are DIFFERENT For instance, they belong to different FOOD GROUPS Some must be cooked before eating, and some can be eaten raw. When you write comparison and contrast, you will pay attention to these kinds of details.

What is the Purpose? n Compare n n To show the similarities between at least two things n To inform n To explain n To analyze n To evaluate Contrast n To show the difference between two things

When you compare items, you look for their similarities-The things that make them the same. For example: Apples and oranges are both fruit. Both grow on trees. Both are made into juice. They're both foods.

When you contrast items, you look for their differences-The things that make them the different. For example: They are grown in different climates and areas. They are different colors. An apple has smooth skin, an orange does not. The taste and texture are quite different.

There are three main things to pay attention to as you write a comparison and contrast paper: Purpose & Supporting Details Organization & Structure Transitions & Coherence In addition, be sure to pay attention to the usual requirements for writing, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Establishing a basis for comparison n n The two things to be compared must have enough in common to justify the comparison. In making comparisons, you should move beyond the obvious. n n (i. e. , people and bees) When two things are very similar, it is the contrasts that may be worth writing about.

Searching points for discussion n Determine your emphasis on similarities, differences, or both. Determine the major focus of your paper. Make sure you treat the same or similar elements for each subject you will discuss: Novel A Novel B Major characters Minor characters themes

n Do not discuss entirely different elements for each subject. Novel A Novel B Major Plot Characters Minor Author’s Characters Life Themes symbolism

Graphic organizers are useful tools for gathering details about the items that you are comparing and contrasting. Venn Diagrams help you think about where the various characteristics of the items being compared and contrasted fit. The Compare and Contrast Chart is more like a listing tool, where you can brainstorm a list of ways that the items are alike and different.

Pre-writing Chart Price BMW Honda Civic Mileage Insurance

Venn Diagram Alike

Formulating a Thesis Statement n Identify: n n n The subjects to be compared and contrasted in your essay. The point you will make about them. Also indicate whether you will focus on similarities or differences, or balance the two.

Weak Thesis Statements l l l They are both somewhat alike and somewhat different. I can see some similarities and some differences too. Both of them involve (only a single similarity, no differences).

Better Thesis Pattern Ralph and Jack have very different leadership styles and motivations which leads to the eventual chaos and anarchy on the island.

Sample Thesis Statement for Honda/BMW Comparison/Contrast In order to make a decision between the Honda Civic and the BMW, I used the following criteria: price of the vehicle, average mileage, and price of insurance.

Paragraph Organization--Block Price 2 nd Paragraph 3 rd Paragraph BMW →→→ Honda Civic →→→ Mileage Insurance

Paragraph Organization--BLOCK Price Mileage Insurance BMW Honda Civic 2 nd 3 rd Paragraph 4 th Paragraph 5 th 6 th Paragraph 7 th Paragraph

Paragraph Organization--Point by Point 2 Paragraph 3 rd 4 nd th Paragraph Price Mileage Paragraph Insurance BMW ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Honda Civic ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

Paragraph Organization—Point by Point Price↓ Mileage Insurance BMW 2 nd 4 th Paragraph 6 th Paragraph Honda Civic 3 rd 5 th Paragraph 7 th Paragraph

Outline - Block Method I. Introduction a) Attention Getter or Hook b) Background Information c) Thesis II. BMW a) Price b) Mileage c) Insurance III. Honda Civic a) Price b) Mileage c) Insurance IV. Conclusion a) Emphasize Major Ties b) So What? c) Evaluation

Outline - Point by Point I. Introduction a) Attention Getter or Hook b) Background Information c) Thesis II. Price a) BMW b) Honda III. Mileage a) BMW b) Honda IV. Insurance a) BMW b) Honda IV. Conclusion a) Emphasize Major Ties b) So What? c) Evaluation

Although Whereas In contrast transition words In comparison and contrast, tell a reader that the writer is changing from talking about one item to the other. Nevertheless Yet Likewise Transitional words and phrases help make a paper smoother and more by showing the coherent reader the between the ideas that are being presented. connections On the other hand Similarly In comparison However

Transitions To Compare – – – – – also as in the same way likewise similarly comparable equally in addition To Contrast -although -but -even though -however -on the other hand -otherwise -yet -still -conversely -as opposed to -different from -whereas

Review q Make sure you understand the purpose of the assignment q Gather evidence q Create a thesis statement q Choose an organizational pattern q Write an outline q Write a working draft q Revise as needed

Student Example: Comparison and Contrast Essay

WRITING EXERCISE: LOVE! (Sculpture) Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture) What significant characteristics do these two sculptures share? Do they share enough characteristics to establish a basis for comparison? Explain.

(Sculpture) Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture) In your journal, create a venn diagram to list the similarities and differences of these two works of art.

(Sculpture) Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture) What general statement could you make about these two sculptures? Do the points you listed on your venn diagram provide enough support for this general statement?

(Sculpture) Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture) Write a short comparison-contrast essay in your journal on the following: How does each sculpture convey the idea of love? Which one do you believe conveys this idea more effectively? Why?

Additional Resources See East versus West for a sample essay and teacher comments. http: //www. personal. psu. edu/faculty/k/x/kxk 3 0/des-student/defess. htm