compare and contrast essays created by cindy farnum 2004

Compare and Contrast Essays

Created by Cindy Farnum 2004

Purpose of comparing and contrasting

Show similarities Show differences

(contrast)


Why do people compare and contrast in essays

To evaluate two or more things (texts, objects, facts…or in our case, film and text) We evaluate to find out which is better, if a pattern is followed, and trends.

To explain concepts (Just like when we use metaphors and similes to create a picture in our readers’ minds, we compare/contrast to create a clear picture of our topic or teach.)


You compare and contrast things everyday.


How to get started… Step one: Organize your information with

graphic organizers

Comparison websCreated by Cindy Farnum 2004

Compare and Contrast Webs

Venn Diagrams

Venn Diagram

Comparative Charts/Tables

(or just like the one you used for the film/Hobbit notes)

Retro Comparison Diagram

Compare/Contrast Matrix

Organizer for Compare and Contrast of 4 Items

COMPARISON ALLEYCompare / Contrast

Subject:

Similarities

Comparison Alley

Differences

Differences

Subject:

Step Two: Decide the essay format

Now that I’ve taken notes, what essay structure would be best to use?


Ways to organize compare/contrast essays

First compare (find similarities), then contrast (find differences)

Point by point (compare and contrast by category – one category/topic per paragraph)

Only compare (only write about similarities)

Only contrast (only write about differences

Whole-to-whole (Write about all the details of one subject and then write about the details of the other.)


First Compare, then contrast format…

I. Intro: introduce subjects and subtopics

II. Comparison paragraph(s)

III. Contrast paragraph(s)

IV. Conclusion: wrap up and highlight key points


Point by point format…

I. Intro: introduce subjects and subtopics

II. Compare/contrast topics using category/point #1

III. Compare/contrast topics using category/point #2



Only compare format…

I. Intro: introduce subject and subtopics

II. Write about similarity #1

III. Write about similarity #2

IV. Conclusion: wrap up and highlight key pointsCreated by Cindy Farnum 2004

Only contrast format…


II. Write about difference #1

III. Write about difference #2



Whole-to-whole format


II. Write about first object/subject

III. Write about second object/subject

IV. Conclusion: wrap up and highlight key pointsCreated by Cindy Farnum 2004

Step Three: Outline/plan your essay

Use a basic outline format, list or drawings to plan out the structure of your essay


Remember, a thesis statement establishes the topic of your essay and the main points of your body paragraphs.

For example… Although rain and

snow are both types of precipitation, they vary in form, temperature, and climate found.

Step Four: Create a thesis statement


Step Five: Write!

Begin writing your essay while thinking about adding details, explanations, direct quotes, etc.


Step Six: Add transitions Contrast Words:

although but differ even though however in contrast instead on the other hand on the contrary nevertheless unless unlike while yet

Compare Words:

also too as as well as both in the same manner in the same way like likewise most important same similar similarly the same as Created by Cindy Farnum 2004

Step Seven: Proofread

Read over your essay to first check for meaning. (Revise) Do you have all the

important details? Have you chosen the

best words to convey your purpose?

Next, read over your essay again for mechanical, grammar and spelling errors. (Edit) Have you spelled and used

all words correctly? Did you properly punctuate

and capitalize your sentences?

Did you follow proper grammar rules in your writing?


Step Eight:Type up essay…


The Three Little CyberPigs are surfing down the Information Highway. They want a new clubhouse and, lo and behold, they come upon a kiosk by the roadside, advertising the new Straw Club. All you have to do to win the prize --a free clubhouse-- is fill out an online survey.

Lil Pig decides to do it and answers the survey questions about her age, favorite movies, foods, hobbies, collections and the occupation of her parents.

When the "free prize" doesn't pan out, the pigs decide to search for a clubhouse on the Internet. They find one on the "fabulous twig clubhouse" site (all yours for $3.25) and send in their money. When it arrives, the clubhouse collapses (no screws ? they cost an extra $99,999).

Undeterred, the Pigs embark on another clubhouse Net search and come up with "Swine and Sons ? Reliable Brick Clubhouses". The problem is that the online merchants want a credit card number. The pigs give their number without checking out the company.

Three Little Cyber Pigs

Next they receive an email message asking them to come to the Straw Club for an urgent meeting. Lil Pig decides to go and finds herself the target of a hat sale (information about her hat collecting hobby was gleaned from the survey she completed). She rejects the offer and comes home disappointed.

Meanwhile their credit card information is intercepted by Wolf at the Straw Club and the next day a load of straw hats arrive, complete with a bill of sale for 100 hats, non-refundable, paid for by their Master Pork Card.

Some time later, the Pigs log on to Pigscape to join the Skateboarders' Chat Room. Les Pig introduces himself to the group and someone responds immediately with the message "Hello, Les Pig. I'd like to get to know you. Signed, Big Bad Wo...oops! I'm a Lamb."

Fortunately Ma Pig is home when the devious and potentially dangerous wolf arrives.

ReadWriteThink’s Compare/Contrast Interactive Tutorialhttp://www.readwritethink.org/materials/compcontrast/Chart Graphic Organizer:http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson275/compcon_chart.pdf Compare/Contrast Guidehttp://www3.iptv.org/exploremore/PDFs/CompareandContrast.pdfEducation Oasis Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizers: http://www.educationoasis.com/curriculum/GO/compare_contrast.htm Reading Questwww.readingquest.org

Other sources: McGraw-HillWriteSource 2000/ Writer’s Inc.

Resources/Sources for PowerPoint


compare and contrast essays created by cindy farnum 2004

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