1. Comparison and Contrast
Mode of Exposition Presentation

2. Why Teach Modes? “A rhetorical mode is a strategy—a way or method of
presenting a subject—through writing or speech.
Some of the better known rhetorical modes are,
for example, "argument" and "cause and effect."
There are literally dozens, perhaps hundreds, of
strategies or methods for presenting subjects;
however, the modes are among the most basic
Knowing the modes can help us understand the organization—the methodology—of most kinds of
writings or other presentations” (writeforcollege.org).

3. Why a Modes-Based Approach?
Better vertical instruction from grade 9 through
grade 12
Repetition to mastery and mastery of a two
modes per year
More opportunities for cross-curricular
collaboration
Evaluation frameworks that are easier for
parents and students to understand
Common writing instruction among teachers
at grade level
Reaching a wider range of student interests and
goals

4. Comparison and Contrast
Mode of Exposition
Mode of Exposition

5. Comparison and Contrast
A comparison essay is one that shows how two or more things are similar, while a contrast essay shows how they are different. In most writing situations, however, the two related processes of comparison and contrast are used together. Comparison contrast can help a writer inform a reader about the nature of something that is not well understood; it can also help by providing new insight into something already familiar. Comparison contrast can also work to persuade a reader to think or act a particular way by showing that one subject is superior to the other.

6. Building Block: Comparison and Contrast Graphic Organizers
Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

7. Prewriting: Basis for Comparison
Make sure that the two topics have enough in common to justify a comparison
A comparison should lead you beyond the obvious.
When two subjects are very similar, focus on the contrast.
When two subjects are not very much alike, focus on the similarities.

8. Graphic Organizer: Venn Diagram
Differences
Similarities
Differences

9. Graphic Organizer: HP Venns

10. Graphic Organizer: Bubble Map
contrast
contrast
compare
contrast
contrast
compare
contrast
compare
contrast
contrast
compare
contrast

11. Organizational Strategies
Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

12. Building Block: Subject by Subject Comparison
Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

13. Subject by Subject Comparison
In a subject-by-subject comparison, the writer essentially composes a separate essay about each subject. This is useful when your purpose is to emphasize overall similarities and differences in a short, uncomplicated essay.
The writer should discuss the same points for each subject.
The writer should arrange these points in some logical order, usually in the order of increasing significance.

14. Subject by Subject Outline
Introduction: STAMP + bridge
Thesis: Despite the fact that Smith and Jones have different political philosophies, they implement those philosophies with similar styles.
Smith (can be one or three paragraphs):
Point 1: Believes in states funding their own health care plans
Point 2: Believes in supporting education with a state income tax
Point 3: Wants to form a task force to study lake pollution
Jones (can be one or three paragraphs):
Point 1: Believes the federal government should fund health care
Point 2: Believes in supporting education with property tax
Point 3: Believes lake pollution is not a priority
Conclusion: Full circle/bookend. Power summary/restatement of thesis. Statement regarding the significance of this analysis.

15. Subject by Subject Outline
I. Subject #1
A. Topic #1
Evidence or detail
II. Subject #1
A. Topic #2
III. Subject #1
A. Topic #3
IV. Subject #2
A. Topic #1
Evidence or detail
Compare/contrast with subject #1, topic #1
V. Subject #2
A. Topic #2
Compare/contrast with subject #1, topic #2
VI. Subject #2
A. Topic #3
Compare/contrast with subject #1, topic #3

16. Building Block: Point by Point Comparison
Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

17. Point by Point Comparison
In a point-by-point comparison, the writer makes a point about one subject and then follow it with a comparable point about the other. This alternating pattern continues throughout the body of your essay until all of your points have been made This is useful for longer, more complicated essays in which you discuss many different points.
Point-by-point essays should focus on varied sentence structure so as not to become redundant.

18. Point by Point Outline Introduction: STAMP + bridge
Thesis: Although Melville’s Moby-Dick and London’s The Sea Wolf are both about the sea, minor characters, major characters, and themes of Moby-Dick establish its greater complexity.
Minor Characters (one paragraph):
Book 1: The Sea Wolf
Book 2: Moby-Dick
Major Characters (one paragraph):
Themes (one paragraph):
Conclusion: Full circle/bookend. Power summary/restatement of thesis. Statement regarding the significance of this analysis.
pdf

19. Point by Point Outline Skeleton
I. Point #1
A. Aspect #1
Evidence or detail
B. Aspect #2
Compare/contrast with Aspect #1
II. Point #2
III. Point #3
A. Aspect #1
Evidence or detail
B. Aspect #2
Compare/contrast with Aspect #1

20. Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences, and Transitions
Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

21. Comparison and Contrast Thesis Statements
Thesis statements in comparison contrast essays should give a broad overview of the essay and its purpose, whether to inform or argue.
Identify the subjects to be compared and contrasted
Identify the point to be made about them
Indicate the emphasis: comparison, contrast, or both

22. Comparison and Contrast Thesis Statement
“While Hawthorne develops clear comparisons regarding Hester’s and Dimmesdale’s common internal and external suffering, the details of that suffering reveal startling contrasts, ultimately suggesting that Dimmesdale’s suffering greatly exceeds Hester’s.

23. Comparison and Contrast Topic Sentences
Topic sentences in comparison and contrast essays should resemble traditional argumentative topic sentences.
Be derived from thesis statement
Identify the single topic of that paragraph
Contain the central argument
Be comprised of the writer’s opinion
Contain appropriate transitional language

24. Comparison and Contrast Transitions
in comparison
in the same way
in similar fashion
in like manner
just as so too
like
likewise
similarly
also
both
Contrast
although
but
conversely
despite
even though
however
in contrast
instead
nevertheless
nonetheless
on the contrary
still
unlike
whereas
yet

25. Sample: Point by Point Paragraph

26. Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition
Writing Prompts
Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

27. Comparison and Contrast Prompts
Consider the purpose behind the task: Will students discuss similarities, differences, or both?
Consider the basis for comparison: Do the two topics have enough in common to justify a comparison?
Consider the points for comparison: Will students develop their own points for comparison or will they be given points to consider?

28. Comparison and Contrast Prompts: 10th grade
Compare and contrast the motivations that lead Cassius and Brutus to conspire against and assassinate Caesar (Pogreba).
Compare and contrast two characters from To Kill a Mockingbird. (Your options include the following pairs: Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, Miss Maudie and Mrs. Dubose, The Ewells and the Cunninghams, Scout and Atticus, and Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra.) Think carefully when selecting your points for comparison: You should have points that show similarities and points that show differences (adapted from Watts).