ComparisonContrast Essay A How to Presentation Terms Comparison

Comparison/Contrast Essay A How to Presentation

Terms • Comparison = similarities • Contrast = differences The literary term comparative essay refers to an essay that has either comparison, contrast or both.

Purposes There are two reasons to write a comparative essay: • To evaluate (i. e: evaluate health care systems in U. S. & Canada) • To inform (i. e: explain the similarities and differences between alligators and crocodiles)

Guidelines • A meaningful comparison must exist between the two subjects • The subjects you chose should be of the same general type. • Example: 2 cars, 2 cities

Essay Structures There are two comparative essay structures a writer can employ • Block Method • Point-by-Point Method

Block Method • Essay is divided into halves • Best with short papers only, where reader does not have to remember intricate detail about Subject 1 while reading about Subject 2

Block Method - Sample Outline Subject: Characters of a novel Paragraph 1: Introduction and thesis Paragraph 2: Character 1 a) Attitude b) Characteristics c) Objectives Paragraph 3: Character 2 a) Attitude b) Characteristics c) Objectives Paragraph 4: Character 3 a) Attitude b) Characteristics c) Objectives Paragraph 5: Conclusion Summarize similarities/differences Draw conclusions from your findings (i. e. state preference)

Point-by-Point Structure • Terms/categories of comparison are determined, then both subjects are explored under each category heading • Advantage – similarities and differences more readily apparent to the reader • Suited to longer, more complex papers

Point-by-Point Structure - Sample Outline Paragraph 1: Introduction and thesis statements Paragraph 2: Attitude • Subject 1 – character 1 • Subject 2 – character 2 • Subject 3 – character 3 Paragraph 3: Characteristics • Subject 1 – character 1 • Subject 2 – character 2 • Subject 3 – character 3 Paragraph 4: Objectives • Subject 1 – character 1 • Subject 2 – character 2 • Subject 3 – character 3 Paragraph 5: Conclusion – restatement of thesis, summing up, final statement

Working Thesis Formulas • Subject 1 and Subject 2 can be compared in terms of a, b, and c. • Subject 1 and Subject 2 can be contrasted in terms of a, b, and c. • Although Subject 1 and Subject 2 are different in terms of a and b, they are alike in terms of c and d.

Final Words of Advice • Make sure your terms of comparison and contrast matter. Ask so what? If you cannot answer, revise! Example: One character had blue eyes the other had brown eyes. (not much more can be discussed!) • Provide transitions for the reader.

WORD OF ADVICE