Title: Comparison and Contrast Writing
1Comparison and Contrast Writing
- AP Language and Composition
2What is comparison and contrast?
- Comparison shows how two or more things are
similar - Contrast shows how two or more things are
different - In most writing situations, the two related
processes are used together
3Establishing a basis for comparison
- The two things to be compared must have enough in
common to justify the comparison. - In making comparisons, you should move beyond the
obvious (i.e., people and bees) - When two things are very similar, it is the
contrasts that may be worth writing about.
4WRITING EXERCISE LOVE!
Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
What significant characteristics do these two
sculptures share? Do they share enough
characteristics to establish a basis for
comparison? Explain.
5Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
How does each sculpture convey the idea of love?
Which one do you believe conveys this idea more
effectively? Why?
6Searching points for discussion
- Determine your emphasis on similarities,
differences, or both. - Determine the major focus of your paper.
- Make sure you treat the same or similar elements
for each subject you will discuss
Character Character
Traits Traits
Relationships Relationships
Choices Choices
7- Do not discuss entirely different elements for
each subject.
Character Character
Traits Death
Relationships Reputation
Choices symbolism
8Formulating a Thesis Statement
- Identify not only the subjects to be compared and
contrasted in your essay, but the point you will
make about them. - Also indicate whether you will focus on
similarities or differences, or balance the two. - Although Melvilles Moby-Dick and Londons The
Sea Wolf are both about the sea, the minor
characters, major characters, and themes of
Moby-Dick establish its greater complexity.
9Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
What general statement could you make about these
two sculptures?
10Two Formats for Compare/Contrast Essays
Block Format Paragraph 1 Apples a. Color b. Flavor c. Varieties Paragraph 2 Oranges a. Color b. Flavor c. Varieties Point-by-Point Format Paragraph 1 Color of Apples and oranges Paragraph 2 Flavor of apples and oranges Paragraph 3 Varieties of apples and oranges
11Structuring a Comparison and Contrast Essay
- Subject by Subject
- Write a separate essay about each subject, but
you discuss the same points for both subjects. - Use basis for comparison to guide your selection
of points. - Arrange points in logical order, usually order of
importance. - Good for short, uncomplicated papers.
12Point by Point Comparison
- Good for longer, more complex papers
- Make a point about one subject, and then follow
it with a comparable point about the other
subject. - Alternating pattern
- Be careful not to fall into a monotonous, back
and forth movement between points. To avoid this
problem, vary sentence structure as you move from
point to point.
13Student Example Comparison and Contrast Essay
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