Compare & Contrast

1. Compare & Contrast Introduction to Compare and Contrast Essay Writing

2. Comparing and Contrasting • Compare: to look for the similarities between two things (objects, characters, ideas, places, etc) and find similar meaning or arrive at a specific conclusion. • Contrast: to look for the differences between two things (objects, characters, ideas, places, etc) and find similar meaning or arrive at a specific conclusion.

3. Comparing and Contrasting • When you look at two things determine what they have in common and how they differ • Then draw a conclusion • Phrase that conclusion as an overarching point– not as a statement of evaluation or comparison. • An overarching point is an inclusive statement that can be proven by examining the two things being compared and contrasted.

4. Comparing and Contrasting Dogs • Needs constant care (feeding, walking, cleaning, etc) • Very social animal • Sheds • Expenses (shots, food, etc) • No independence Cats • Needs care (feeding), but has some self reliance (no need to walk. Cleaning) • Less social, likes to be alone • Sheds • Expenses (shots, food, etc) • Independence

5. Comparing and Contrasting Not an Overarching point: Cats are better than dogs because they allow for the owner to have an easier lifestyle. Overarching point: A pet owner must select the appropriate pet based on his/her lifestyle.

6. Comparing and Contrasting Harold Karen • Works for Tax agency • Obsessed with #’s and routine • Lonely • Isolated because of his routine • Spends time reflecting on the quality of his life • Lets Ana and his co-worker be a part of his life • Changes-- no longer lonely • Saves little boy (not his normal behaviour) • Author • Obsessed with death– killing Harold Crick • Lonely • Isolated because of her obsession with death • Spends time reflecting on the impact of her life’s work • Changes the outcome of her story and is no longer lonely • Changes --now interacts with Penny and Dr Hilbert • Saves Harold (not her normal behaviour) Example based on Stranger Than Fiction

7. Comparing and Contrasting Not an Overarching point: Both Harold and Karen reflect on their lives and their reflections result in changes to their lives. Overarching point: It is only through self reflection that a person can grow and change their life for the better. Note: When we write our essays on The Kite Runner we will be using overarching points to create and support the thesis statement and as topic sentences.

8. Comparing and Contrasting • View the next slide and make a list of similarities and difference between the two paintings • These paintings were created by the same man– on the left is “Gin Lane” and on the right is “Beer Street” • Be prepared to discuss your list with the class

9. Gin Lane Vs Beer Street

10. Comparing and Contrasting • Now that you have discussed the similarities and differences as a class answer the following: • What message is the painter giving us from these paintings?

11. Keep in mind • Next we will be comparing and contrasting various characters in The Kite Runner. • We will link these comparisons to various topics and themes in the book