Comparison and Contrast

After you decide what subjects to compare or contrast

, you need to select the points you want to discuss

reason to use comparison and contrast

To show that one thing is superior to another thing

Reasons for writing comparison/contrast essays

To show that two things people normally think of as being similar are actually different, to show that two things people normally think of as being different are actually similar

what is often used to explain something "unfamiliar, abstract, or complicated" by comparing it to something that is better known

analogy

Correct the error/errors Use your basis of comparison to guide your selection of points, and arrange these points in any order, usually in order of their decreasing significance

arrange these points in some logical order, usually in order of their increasing significance

Before you can compare or contrast two things, you must be sure what exists

basic of comparison

A comparison should lead

beyond the obvious

What does the body do?

choose the method of organization, support with specific details

what do many people use to refer to likeness and differences

compare

in comparison, when should you make a point about one subject and then follow it with a comparable point about the other subject

first

Analogy

form of comparison/contrast

What does the introduction include?

identify the subject, explain the basis of comparison/contrast, state purpose and limits

when your purpose is to emphasize overall similarities and differences

in general, you should use subject-by-subject comparison

three steps in producing a Draft

introduction, body, conclusion

what are the methods of organization

point by point, subject by subject

contrast

shows how two or more things are different are different

Your thesis statement should list

the points of comparison/contrast in the order in which they will be discussed in the essay

the thesis statement identifies the subjects to be compared/contrasted and

the points you will make about them.

basis of comparison

the two things have enough in common to justify a comparison

why should you try to avoid the common error of discussing entirely different elements for each subject

this obscures any basis for comparison that might exist

In a subject-by-subject comparison, you essentially write a separate essay about each subject, but you discuss the same points for both subjects.

true

what should the thesis statement tell the reader

what to expect in your essay

when should you use point-by-point comparison

when your purpose is to emphasize individual points of similarity or difference

Your thesis statement should indicate whether you will concentrate on similarities or differences or both

whether you will concentrate on similarities or differences or both

When you compare and contrast, make sure

you treat the same elements for each subject you

how do you select the points you want to discuss

your emphasis—on similarities, differences, or both—and the major focus of your paper.