Comparison and Contrast

1. Comparison and Contrast 122 najd

2. Comparison and Contrast • Comparison and contrast are two thought processes we go through constantly in everyday life.

3. Comparison and Contrast • When we compare two things, we show how they are similar. • When we contrast two things, we show how they are different.

4. Comparison and Contrast • We may compare or contrast two brand-name products (for example, Pepsi and Coca-Cola), two television shows, two cars, two teachers, two jobs, two friends, or two possible solutions to a problem we are facing. The purpose of comparing or contrasting is to understand each of the two things more clearly and, at times, to make judgments about them.

5. Methods of Development • A comparison or contrast essay calls for one of two types of development. • Details can be presented one side at a time or point by point. Each format is illustrated below.

6. Methods of Development One Side at a Time Look at the following supporting paragraph from “A Vote for McDonald's”.

7. One Side at a Time • For one thing, going to the Chalet is more difficult than going to McDonald's. The Chalet has a jacket-and-tie rule, which means I have to dig a sport coat and tie out of the back of my closet, make sure they're semi-clean, and try to steam out the wrinkles somehow. The Chalet also requires reservations. Since it is downtown, I have to leave an hour early to give myself time to find a parking space within six blocks of the restaurant. The Chalet cancels reservations if a party is more than ten minutes late. Going to McDonald's, on the other hand, is easy. I can feel comfortable wearing my jeans or warm-up suit. I don't have to do any advance planning. I can leave my house whenever I'm ready and pull into a door side parking space within fifteen minutes.

8. One Side at a Time Outline • Thesis: Going to the Chalet is more difficult than going to McDonald's. • 1. Chalet • a. Dress code • b. Advance reservations • c. Leave an hour early • d. Find parking space • 2. McDonald's • a. Casual dress • b. No reservations • c. Leave only fifteen minutes ahead of time • d. Plenty of free parking

9. Point by Point • Now look at the following supporting paragraph which is taken from another essay you will read, “Studying: Then and Now”:

10. Point by Point • Ordinary studying during the term is another area where I've made changes. In high school, I let reading assignments go. I told myself that I'd have no trouble catching up on two hundred pages during a fifteen-minute ride to school. College courses have taught me to keep pace with the work. Otherwise, I feel as though I'm sinking into a quicksand of unread material. When I finally read the high school assignment, my eyes would run over the words but my brain would be plotting how to get the car for Saturday night. Now, I use several techniques that force me to really concentrate on my reading.

11. Point by Point Outline • Thesis: Studying is something I do differently in college than in high school. • 1. Keeping up with reading assignments • a. High school • b. College • 2. Concentration while reading • a. High school • b. College

12. Comparison and Contrast Essay • When you begin writing a comparison or contrast paper, you should decide right away which format you will use: one side at a time or point by point. Use that format as you create the outline for your paper. Remember that an outline is an essential step in planning and writing a clearly organized paper.

13. Comparison and Contrast Essay • Words that Show Likeness: Alike Similar Same Also Both Too

14. Comparison and Contrast Essay • Words that Show Difference : • Different • Unlike • More than • Less than • But • However • On the other hand