Compare/Contrast Essays
What is your commentary?
Your explanation or opinion of your concrete detail. Explains why you used that particular concrete detail to support your point.
Once you have a thesis, then and only then, can you go about what?
outlining your essay.
More complex topics are better compared and contrasted with the ____________arrangement.
point-by-point
You should avoid a compare and contrast essay that does not serve a ___________.
purpose.
What is a transitional device?
A word or phrase that helps to carry a thought from one sentence to the next, or from one paragraph to another. They link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
What is a compare and contrast essay?
An essay where you compare and contrast two things for a particular purpose such as to: make a decision, solve a problem, or find an answer.
What is the benefits of the point-by-point arrangement?
1. Helps to keep both subjects in continuous focus for more complex subjects. 2. Makes things more easy to understand because it separates main points for close analysis.
The structure arrangement that you use for compare and contrast essays depends on what?
1. Length of paper 2. Complexity of the subject matter.
What are the benefits of the subject-by-subject arrangement?
1. Provides a strong overview 2. Simple organization
Describe the two arrangements used to structure compare-contrast essays.
1. Subject-by-subject: This pattern focuses on each subject, one at a time. The two essays are discussed separately in after the intro. The same criteria is used for each essay analysis in the same order: Paragraph A: Analysis of Essay 1 in terms of criteria 1, criteria 2, criteria 3, etc. Paragraph B: Analysis of Essay 2 in terms of criteria 1, criteria 2, criteria 3, etc. 2. Point-by-point: Provides a side by side analysis of the two essays in one paragraph or section. The criteria for each discussion have their own paragraph. Paragraph A: Analysis of Essay 1 in terms of Criteria A. Analysis of Essay 2 in terms of Criteria A. Paragraph B: Analysis of Essay 1 in terms of Criteria B. Analysis of Essay 2 in terms of Criteria B. Paragraph C: Analysis of Essay 1 in terms of Criteria C. Analysis of Essay 2 in terms of Criteria C.
What is your concluding sentence?
It is the sentence that summarizes your paragraph and/or leads into your next paragraph.
What are concrete details?
The facts and evidence used to prove your argument.
What is the thesis of a compare and contrast essay?
The overall point concerning the purpose of the essay that you wish to make. The thesis statement is an arguable position. Essays are an exercise in logic and argumentation and therefore your compare and contrast essay should reflect that.
Your topic sentence is what?
The sentence that tells your reader what the paragraph is going to be about.
What is the key to producing good transitions?
Writing so that there are connections of ideas between corresponding paragraphs. By referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from previous paragraphs, writers can develop a smooth transition with no abrupt jumps between ideas.
What do you do in order for you reader to believe that you're balanced in your treatment of the subject?
You have to follow the rules of fair play: 1. Use the same criteria for each article in the same order. 2. Don't try and tilt the outcome. It's fine to have a preference but don't puff up or omit information. Conduct the comparison-contrast essay in an objective manner. Let the facts speak for themselves. 3. Be realistic in that you should accept that compare and contrast essays will have similarities and differences. You essay should reflect this.
