Unit 5 Comparison and Contrast Essays

What is Comparison & Contrast Essay? Comparative essay. To compare two things is to find similarities between them, while contrasting two things is to find differences. Purpose: to help others understand something by finding similarities and then by finding differences. Often the comparisons can help readers see image or idea in a new way.

Writing Model (p.107) Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh) In 2006, Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, "for their efforts to create economic and social development from below."

Which two objects does the author compare? How was communication btw professors and students different at the U. of Colorado than it was at Chittagong U.? How did Yunus react to the young female students in Colorado? Why? In your opinion, has students’ behavior changed over the last forty years or has it stayed the same?

Organizations A comparative essay describe the qualities of a subject or idea by discussing the similarities and differences it shares with a different subject or idea. Point-by-point analysis: examines one feature at a time for both similarities and differences Whole-by-whole analysis: examines one object/idea as a whole and then the other. Similarity-and-difference analysis: presents all of the similarities between the two things, and then the differences (or vice versa).

(p.112) Introduction. Body paragraphs for point-by-point essays. – Topic sentence states the point of comparison or contrast btw two subjects. – Sequence transitions (first, second, furthermore) are often used to connect the point-by-point analysis. Body paragraphs for similarities and differences essays. – Topic sentence. – One paragraph is devoted to similarities, and the other is devoted to differences. Conclusions.

(p. 112) A Walk on Sunday Afternoon. What are the subjects to be compared and contrasted? What is the thesis statement? What type of essay is this? What is the topic sentence of the first body paragraph? What is the topic sentence of the second body paragraph? Which sentences in the conclusion summarize the main points? Writing Model

Step by Step Understand the objects well. Discussing both similarities and differences. Write the introduction. Organize the sequence of paragraphs in the main body of the essay Prepare the conclusion. Revise & Edit.

Step 1. Prewriting Understand the objects well. Discussing both similarities and differences. Brainstorming: – Venn diagram – T-chart – Compare/Contrast Matrix

Venn Diagram To analyze similarities and differences between two things (people, places, events, ideas, etc.), by placing individual characteristics in either the left or right sections, and common characteristics within the overlapping section.

T-chart Use to analyze similarities and differences between two things (people, places, events, ideas, etc.), by placing individual characteristics in either the left or right sections.

Compare/Contrast Matrix Use to show similarities and differences between two things. Key frame question: What things are being compared? How are they similar? How are they different?

Exercise (p.110) Venn diagram Washington, D.C. & Tokyo Draw a T-chart. Draw a Compare/Contrast Matrix.

Opinion essay v.s. Comparative essay Opinion essayComparative essay DefinitionTo present writer’s point of view on a particular subject supported by reasons and examples. To describe the qualities of a subject or idea by discussing the similarities and differences it shares with a different subject or idea. PurposeTo convince the reader of a point of view on a controversial issue. To help others understand something by finding similarities and then by finding differences. Organization1. Pro-Pro-Cons pattern 2. Cons-Pro-Pro pattern 3. [Cons-Pro]x3 pattern 1. Point-to-point analysis 2. Whole-to-whole analysis 3. Similarity-difference analysis Writing skills of two types of genres could be integrated together.

Writing Task Write a three-to-four-paragraph essay (roughly 250 words). Compare and contrast two ideas raised in each topic statement, and decide which stand you prefer. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. “Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television.” Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.