Comparison and Contrast

1. Comparison and Contrast

2. 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 DIFFERENTFor 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.

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

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

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

6. 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.

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

8. Searching points for discussion • 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:

9. Do not discuss entirely different elements for each subject.

10. are useful tools for gathering details about the items that you are comparing and contrasting. Graphic organizers 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. Venn Diagrams help you think about where the various characteristics of the items being compared and contrasted fit.

11. Pre-writing • Chart

12. Venn Diagram Alike

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

14. Weak Thesis Statements • 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).

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

16. 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.

17. Paragraph Organization--Block 2nd Paragraph 3rd Paragraph

18. Paragraph Organization--BLOCK

19. Paragraph Organization--Point by Point 2nd Paragraph 3rd Paragraph 4th Paragraph

20. Paragraph Organization—Point by Point

21. 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 - Block Method

22. 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 Outline - Point by Point

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

24. To Compare also as in the same way like 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 Transitions

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

26. Student Example: Comparison and Contrast Essay

31. 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.

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

33. (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?

34. (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?

35. Additional Resources • See East versusWest for a sample essay and teacher comments. http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/k/x/kxk30/des-student/defess.htm