ge117 week nine

GE 117 Composition I

Week Nine – Comparison/Contrast Essays


Let’s review from last week:

Resumes and Cover Letters

Resume: A self-marketing document that details education, skills, work experience, etc. There are two major types: Chronological and Functional.


Chronological Resume

- “Traditional” format used by many people

- Focuses on previous work history to demonstrate qualifications for a position

- Works backwards from most current job

- Includes education history and skills


Functional Resume

- Format ideal for those changing fields, just out of school, or with limited work experience

- Emphasizes knowledge/skills/abilities to demonstrate qualifications for a job

- Still includes, but doesn’t emphasize, previous work history


Cover Letters - Business correspondence that accompanies a

resume sent to employer - States interest in a specific position (paragraph

1) - Summarizes education, experience, and skills

relevant to position (paragraph 2) - Asks for an opportunity to discuss position or

interview (paragraph 3). - Has addresses, dates, salutations, signature.


Today’s Objectives

1) Define Comparison/Contrast as both cognitive and writing processes

2) Identify common reasons/objectives for Comparison/Contrast

3) Describe strategies to use Comparison/Contrast effectively.


Comparison and Contrast – Chapter 16

Comparison – The analysis of how two or more subjects are alike or similar.

Contrast – The analysis of how two or more subjects are unalike or different.


Comparison/Contrast

Although all C/C essays are structured very similarly, there are a variety of reasons that one would use it as a writing model.


Comparison/ContrastReason 1 : To solely give information in a

straightforward, objective manner.

E.g. – What’s the difference between ale and lager? (An ale is top fermented at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time. Lager is bottom fermented at a lower temperature for a longer period of time)


Comparison/Contrast

Reason 2: To show that seemingly alike subjects are actually different.

Ex– Football and Rugby or Cricket and Baseball seem similar, but there are actually drastic differences between the two.


Comparison/ContrastReason 3: To show that seemingly different

subjects are actually quite similar.

Ex – Web browsers may look or feel quite different, but they are actually quite similar in their construction and application.

news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10144186-2.html


Comparison/Contrast

Reason 4: To show that 1 subject is better (according to some criteria) than another or others.

This is perhaps the most common application of C/C, especially when making consumer decisions!


Comparison/Contrast

Helpful Strategies to keep in mind!

1) Only use subjects that are logically similar and can be compared/contrasted using the same criteria.

2) Remember to stay focused on your overall purpose for the C/C : Reasons 1-4 from before.


Comparison/Contrast

Practice Time!!!!!!

3. In your thesis statement, identify the subjects you will analyze and whether you will compare, contrast, or both.

4. Select the points you will discuss about the subjects, and only ones that back up your overall thesis and objective.


Comparison/Contrast5. Organize the points in 1 of 2 ways:

A) One-side-at-a-time methodB) Alternating or Point-by-point method

(See page 349 for examples)6) Use transition words to help the reader:

Also, as well, similarly, likewise, in the same wayIn contrast, on the other hand, but, although, despite, however, but


Let’s look at 2 examples:

1) See Student Outline on page 354

2) Read “The Ugly Truth about Beauty” on page 367.

3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysCfllGVEM8


Homework: get caught up with this and the rest of your classes.