The comparecontrast essay Clarifying similarities and differences Definition

The compare/contrast essay Clarifying similarities and differences

Definition To compare means to look for similarities. To contrast means to look for differences.

The existence of one implies the existence of the other – like and unlike. An essay may require one or the other, not both concurrently.

Purpose There are two forms of compare/ contrast essay: Strict – items in the same class Fanciful – items in different classes

Strict - purposes Fanciful - purposes • Provide similar • Introduce something information about complex by comparing items it to a simple, • Demonstrate similar concrete item things are different • Add complexity and or different things dimension to two are similar unlike items • Present a conclusion • Used to discover or recommend a hidden resemblances choice

Examples of strict compare/contrast • Teacher to teacher OR student to student, NOT teacher to student • Two siblings are very different OR two different families are actually similar • Conclusion – which of two musicians is superior • Recommendation – which of two cars in the same price range to buy

Examples of fanciful compare/contrast • Complex to simple – the human heart works like a pump • Add complexity – astronauts landing on the moon were like Vikings traveling to the new world • Ogres are like parfaits (or onions), they have many layers

Audience *Anticipate expertise and expectations of the audience • Knowledge of the audience • They know both items in the comparison • Neither item is known • One item is known

Ø If both items are known, the writer can shorten the demonstration and concentrate on why the comparison is being made. Ø If neither item is known, much more time will be needed to explain the concepts. Ø If one item is known, writers need to remind the audience of the familiar before moving to the unfamiliar.

Strategies There are two basic strategies for writing compare/contrast essays 1. subject-by-subject 2. Point-by-point

Point-by-point -- present all information about one subject before the other Strengths of this method Ø Presents information as a unified whole – good when subject short Ø Allows the reader to focus on a few points Weaknesses of this method Ø Becomes cumbersome when the subject is long Ø Audience has to have keen skills of concentration to keep track on long subjects or those with many points of discussion

Subject-by-subject -- draws comparisons according to points of discussion Strengths of this method Ø Effective when the discussion will be long, dealing with many complex points Weaknesses of this method Ø May create a list-like set of comparisons Ø If the analysis is short or there are only a few comparisons, the essay becomes mechanical Writers may combine the two forms

There are three rules to follow! 1. Balance the parts – equal in number and balanced by counterpart in parallel pattern 2. Offer reminders – use transitional statements to remind readers of connections to other essay parts 3. Supply reasons – tell the reader why the comparison is being made