Comparison/Contrast Writing

1. Comparison/Contrast Writing Comparison/contrast writing fits into the category of expository writing—writing to explain or inform.

2. Writing a comparison/contrast paper involves comparing and contrasting two subjects. A comparison shows how two things are alike. A contrast shows how two things are different. Comparison/Contrast Essays

3. When you choose a topic, be sure not to choose two totally unrelated subjects. You must start with subjects that have some basic similarities. Choosing a Topic

4. SOME TIPS… • Balance the information about the items that you're comparing and contrasting. • You need to be sure that you give them equal time in what you write. Don’t focus on one more than the other!

5. Structuring a Comparison and Contrast Essay There are three strategies to organize comparison and contrast papers: 1. Whole-to-Whole, or Block 2. Similarities-to-Differences 3. Point-by-Point .

6. Whole-to-Whole or Block Strategy

7. Whole-to-Whole or Block Strategy • In this structure, you say everything about one item then everything about the other. • For instance, say everything about the characters, setting, and plot for the book THEN everything about the characters, setting, and plot for the movie.

8. Similarities-to-Differences Strategy

9. In this structure, you explain all the similarities about the items being compared and then you explain all the differences. For instance, you might explain that the characters and plot were similar in both the book and movie in the one section. In the next section, you could explain that the settings were different. The book took place during the summer while the movie took place during the winter.

10. Point by Point

11. Point-by-Point Strategy 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.

12. 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 new 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.

13. When you want to Compare: Same Also Both Too Alike Likewise Similar Similarly Parallel In the same way

14. When you want to contrast: -Differently -Either…or -Consequently -Divergent -Oppositely -But -Contrasting -However -Other -Still -On the other hand -Even though -Neither…nor -Although -Distinct

15. The outline you were given is in point-by-point format. Complete the outline, THEN begin writing your essay! It will be due on Wednesday! You will turn in both the outline and the essay. Your Assignment

16. Your introduction must be 4-5 sentences • Begin with a basic intro to the paragraph that shows it is a comparison/contrast essay • Give some background about OMAM • Give some background about WEGG • Add thesis statement! Getting Started…

17. NO FIRST PERSON (I, me, my, I think, etc.) DO NOT “STATE THE OBVIOUS” (ex: This paragraph is about…” “That is how they are the same….” etc.) Body paragraphs must be 3.8! Intro and conclusion paragraphs are 4-5 sentences. Essay Tips