1. Academic writing i
April 17th 2012

2. Today Continue ‘comparison/contrast’ essays
Thursday: Referencing & citation

3. Comparison/contrast essays
Purpose:
To discuss the similarities of two topics. OR
To discuss the differences between two topics.
To discuss the similarities and differences.

4. Organization
A key feature of comparison/contrast essays is the organization.
Careful organization is necessary for an effective essay of this kind.
There are two ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay.

5. Two types of organization:
1. Point-by-point organization.
2. Block organization.

6. Point-by-point Organization
Similar to logical division pattern we used on Paper 2.
In a point-by-point organization, each point of comparison becomes the topic of a paragraph.
These ‘points of comparison’ become the body paragraphs of the essay.

7. Point-by-point Organization
Basic outline: (Two topics, A & B)
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).
II. Body A. Difference/similarity 1
B. Difference/similarity 2
C. Difference/similarity 3
III. Conclusion
NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!

8. Block organization
The other way to organize comparison/contrast essays.
Arrange all the similarities together in a “block” and all the differences in a “block”. OR
Arrange topic 1 in a block and topic 2 in a block
The order you discuss these blocks in the essay is up to you.

9. Block Organization NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!
Basic outline:
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).
II. Body A. Similarities
B. Differences
III. Conclusion
NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!

10. Block Organization Basic outline:
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).
II. Body A. Topic A features
B. Topic B features
III. Conclusion

11. Comparison/contrast essays
Steps:
Pre-writing (deciding on the topics, brainstorming, outlining).
Rough draft  edit 2nd draft edit continue until you are satisfied with a final draft.

12. Pre-writing Overall theme: comparing/contrasting jobs
Topics: Job X and Job Y
Brainstorming: need “points of comparison”
- salary
- distance from home
- benefits
- title
- work hours
- advancement opportunities
- workplace atmosphere

13. Select the most important points
Overall theme: comparing/contrasting jobs
Topics: Job X and Job Y
Brainstorming: need “points of comparison”
- salary
- distance from home
- benefits
- title
- work hours
- advancement opportunities
- workplace atmosphere

14. Pre-writing Make notes on these points ( a chart may be helpful)
Overall theme: comparing/contrasting jobs
Topics: Job X and Job Y
Brainstorming: need “points of comparison”
- salary
- benefits
- advancement opportunities
- workplace atmosphere
Make notes on these points ( a chart may be helpful)

15. Point of comparison
Job X
Job Y
Same or different?
Salary
$30/hour
$25/hour
different
Benefits (vacation, pension, health insurance).
good
same
Advancement opportunities
Not good
Workplace environment
Friendly, supportive

16. Pre-writing Make an outline.
- First, choose which type of organization your essay will follow.
- Make your outline, following your selected type of organization.

17. NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!
Basic outline: Job X and Job Y
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).
- Job X and Job Y share similarities in benefits and workplace environment, but differ on salary and advancement opportunities.
II. Body A. benefits Job X Job Y
B. workplace environment
1. Job X Job Y
C. salary Job X Job Y
D. advancement opportunities Job X Job Y
III. Conclusion
NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!

18. Notice
Make sure your topics do not overlap (do not get lost, or discuss another topic in detail).
Example:
Paragraph B is about salary. This paragraph should mainly discuss salary. Other topics (i.e., benefits) should not be discussed here unless it is to BRIEFLY relate to salary.

19. NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!
Basic outline: Job X and Job Y
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement). - Job X and Job Y share similarities in benefits and workplace environment, but differ on salary and advancement opportunities.
II. Body A. Similarities
1. benefits Job X Job Y
2. workplace environment Job X Job Y
B. Differences salary Job X Job Y
4. advancement opportunities Job X Job Y
III. Conclusion
NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!

20. Basic outline: Job X and Job Y
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement). - Job X and Job Y share similarities in benefits and workplace environment, but differ on salary and advancement opportunities.
II. Body A. Job X
1. benefits workplace environment salary advancement opportunities
B. Job Y benefits workplace environment salary advancement opportunities
III. Conclusion

21. Notice NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!
If I discuss a point in the “Job X” paragraph, I MUST discuss the same point in the “Job Y” paragraph
(as that point relates to Job Y, of course).
NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!

22. Pre-Writing Build your essay around this outline.
Whenever you get lost, refer back to it!
You can also expand the outline (adding topic sentences and notes for supporting points).
 See website (“Files”) for a detailed example from last week’s “Japan and the United States..” sample essay.

23. Examples Look at the first example. With a partner:
- Determine what kind of organization this essay uses.
(point-by-point or block)
- Make a simple outline for this essay.

24. Basic outline: Job X and Job Y
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).
II. Body A. mountains climate types of activities location
B. beach climate types of activities location
III. Conclusion

25. Examples Look at the second example. With a partner:
- Determine what kind of organization this essay uses.
(point-by-point or block)
- Make a simple outline for this essay.

26. Basic outline: Job X and Job Y
I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).
II. Body A. Flavor
1.1 fresh foods canned foods B. Health canned foods fresh foods
C. cost canned fresh III. Conclusion

27. NOTE
These were NOT good examples. They were SIMPLE examples.

28. Comparison/contrast essays
Thesis statements for comparison/contrast essays:
You need to indicate to the reader that the essay will compare, contrast (or both).
Apples and oranges are different.
Dogs and cats are similar and different.

29. Examples Thesis statements for comparison/contrast essays:
“The three kinds of computers have differences in both size and processing power.”
“KAC and Keimyung university share three similarities.”
“Job X and Job Y share similarities in benefits and workplace environment, but differ on salary and advancement opportunities.”
“On the surface, at least, Japan and the U.S. seem totally opposite, but they also share several similarities.”

30. Signal words
Good comparison/contrast essays make appropriate use of comparison and contrast signal words.
(i.e., similarly, also, however, yet)
These words introduce points of comparison and points of contrast.

31. PAPER 3 Deadline: Thursday April 26th
Write a comparison/contrast essay on topics of your choice.
There is no paragraph limit, but remember, it will need at least four paragraphs.
You may use either kind of organization.
See the website for the information sheet.

32. Possible topics
Comparing two cultures, or one aspect of two cultures (i.e., family life, education, marriage customs).
Two products (i.e, gasoline-powered cars and hybrid cars).
Living at home and living away from home.