Compare Contrast structure

What type of essay should a subject-by-subject pattern be used in?

A short one where few points are being considered.

What is an analogy?

A special form of comparison.

What does an analogy compare?

A subject that is abstract, unobservable or complex with something familiar to readers.

Compare and contrast

Describes similarities or differences between object, places or events, and the similarities or different qualities are linked back and forth.

What does a good compare and contrast essay contain?

Information the reader doesn't already know.

Signal words of compare and contrast

Like, similar to, unlike......

What type of essay should the point-by-point pattern be used in?

Long essays where numerous points are being considered.

What must a writer do more than in a compare contrast essay?

More than just point out the obvious.

Comparison

Points out the way two or more people, places, or things are alike

Contrast

Points out the way two or more people, places, or things are different

What are strengths of a subject-by-subject pattern?

Presents a unified discussion on each topic by emphasizing the topics themselves and not the four points of comparison.

Analogies

Seem to have nothing in common except in the mind of the reader.

What are the two main options to organize a compare contrast essay?

Subject-by-subject and point-by-point.

What are the benefits of a point-by-point pattern?

The writer makes immediate comparisons so readers can consider each of the similarities and differences separately.

What must be similar between items, people, or places?

They must be in the same class or general category

What do analogies pair?

Things from different classes or categories.

What is the function of compare contrast ?

To clarify and explain

What is the writers purpose for using compare/ contrast ?

To inform, to make readers aware of similarities and differences, to explain something unfamiliar by comparing it to something that is familiar, to prove the superiority of one by contrasting with another,

What is a subject-by-subject pattern?

When a writer discusses points about one topic then discusses those same points about another topic.

What is a point-by-point pattern?

When an essay is organized according to the various points of comparison ; discussion alternated between two things (or more) for each comparison.