Comparison and

ContrastENG 101

Ms. Fatema Khurshid

What is the Purpose?

To show the similarities between at least two things

and/or

To show the difference between two things

To inform

To explain

To analyze

To evaluate

Emphasis on Comparison

Comparison – analyzes the similarities of two or more things.

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 are made into juice.– Both grow on trees.

Contrast – emphasizes the differences rather than the similarities

When you contrast items, you look at their differences.

For example: Apples are red. Oranges are orange. The fruits have different textures. Oranges need a warmer place to grow, like Florida.

Apples can grow in cooler states, like Washington.

Pattern A

(Point by Point)

In this structure, you explain one point of comparison before moving to the next point.

For instance, you would write about the characters in the book and movie in one section; then you would write about the setting in the book and movie in the next section.

Pattern A (continued)

Point-by-Point comparison and contrast uses a separate section or paragraph for each point.

Point #1 for your paper could be information about the characters in the book and the movie. You'd begin a section or paragraph for Point #2.

For consistency, begin with the same item in each section of your point-by-point paper. For instance, for each point that you discuss, explain the information about the book first and then about the movie.

Sample Outline Pattern A

I. Introduction

II. Body paragraph 1: Topic: Temperament– dogs/cats

III. Body paragraph 2: Topic: Care – dogs/cats

IV. Body paragraph 3: Topic: Expense– dogs/cats

V. Conclusion

Paragraph Organization--Point by Point

Price Mileage Insurance

BMW ↓ ↓ ↓

↓ ↓ ↓

↓ ↓ ↓

HondaCivic

↓ ↓ ↓

↓ ↓ ↓

↓ ↓ ↓

2nd Paragraph 3rd Paragraph

4th Paragraph

Outline - Point by Point

I. Introductiona) Attention Getter or

Hookb) Background

Informationc) Thesis

II. Price a) BMW b) HondaIII. Mileage a) BMW b) Honda

IV. Insurance a) BMW b) Honda

V. Conclusion a) Emphasize Major Ties b) So What? c) Evaluation

Pattern B

(All of One/All of the Other) (Whole-to-Whole)

Write about topic A first, covering it completely.

Next, write only about topic B.

The points of comparison should be the same and in the same order for both topics.

Sample Outline for Pattern B

I. Introduction

II. Body Paragraph 1 – Topic A = Dogs

A. Temperament

B. Care

C. Expense

III. Body Paragraph 2 - Topic B = cats

I. Temperament

II. Care

III. Expense IV. Conclusion

Paragraph Organization--Block

Price Mileage Insurance

BMW→→→

HondaCivic→→→

2nd Paragraph

3rd Paragraph

Outline - Block Method

I. Introduction a) Attention Getter or

Hook b) Background

Information c) Thesis

II. BMW a) Price b) Mileage c) Insurance

III. Honda Civica) Priceb) Mileagec) Insurance

IV. Conclusiona) Emphasize Major Tiesb) So What?c) Evaluation

Checklist

There are three main things to pay attention to as you write a comparison and contrast paper:

1. Purpose & Supporting Details

2. Organization & Structure

3. Transitions & Coherence

In addition, be sure to pay attention to the usual requirements for writing, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Pre-writing

Chart

Price Mileage Insurance

BMW

HondaCivic

Venn DiagramAlike

Writing a Thesis Statement

Review your dataDecide to what extent you will stress the similarities between your subjects and to what extent you will stress their differencesCreate a thesis statement that reflects that decision

Sample Thesis Statement for Honda/BMW

Comparison/Contrast

In order to make a decision between the Honda Civic and the BMW, people generally use the following criteria: price of the vehicle, average mileage, and price of insurance.

Transitions

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

Review

Make sure you understand the purpose of the assignment

Complete pre-writing activity Gather evidence Create a thesis statement Choose an organizational pattern Write an outline Write a working draft Revise as needed

Additional Resources

See East versus West for a sample essay and teacher comments.

http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/k/x/kxk30/des-student/defess.htm