Comparison/Contrast

Discovering Similiarities and Differences

Comparison/Contrast• Natural part of selection

process• Help us to understand one

subject by putting it next to another

• Discover likenesses/similiarities• Finding differences/contrasting

elements

Part of Same Process

• We have no reason to compare if we are not going to identify contrasting ideas– Why do we care if they are similar?– Why do we care if they are different?

• Two items must have something in common– Apples / Oranges– Dogs / Cats– Chevy Truck/ Dodge Truck

THESIS must have a point!

ExampleRecently I saw a bumper sticker that read, “It used to be wine, women, and song, and now it’s beer, the old lady, and T.V.” Much truth may be found in this comparison of single and married lifestyles. When my husband and I used to date, for example, we’d go out for dinner and drinks and then maybe see a play or concert. Our discussions were intelligent, often ranging over global politics, science, literature, and other lofty topics. He would open doors for me, buy me flowers, and make sure I was comfortable and happy. Now, three years later, after marriage and a child, the baby bottle has replaced the wine bottle, the smell of diapers wipes out the scent of roses, and our nights on the twon are infrequent, cherished events. But that’s all right. A little bit of the excitement and mystery may be gone, but those intangible qualities have given way to a sturdy, dependable trust in each other and a quiet confidence about our future together. • From – The Prose Reader, Essays for Thinking, Reading, and Writing, 8th Edition

In this Example…• The author compares married life to

single life–Date night

• Conversation intellectual/infrequent• Smell of roses / diapers• Wine bottle / baby bottle

How We Compare…

• Simile – comparing two things using like or as–Her eyes were like oceans of blue

• Metaphor – comparing two things without using like or as–I could get lost in the waves of her

crystal blue eyes

Getting Started• Make a list of everything you already

know about both items/topics• Put ideas into two columns:

similiarities and differences• Draw lines to connect similar ideas• Find ‘holes’ in list and start to

research to fill-in the gaps

exampleApples Orangesfruit fruitgrow on trees grow on treeseat peel don’t eat peelred orangecrunchy texture squishy textureclimate climateregion region

C / C - FORMATSPoint by Point

MPG, Car AMPG, Car B

Horsepower, Car AHorsepower, Car B

Handling, Car AHandling, Car B

Equipment, Car AEquipment, Car B

Subject by Subject

Car A, MPG, Horsepower, Handling, Equipment

Car B, MPG, Horsepower, Handling, Equipment

Similarities/Differences

Similarities: MPG Cars A & B

Differences: Horsepower, Handling, Equipment, Cars A & B

Each ‘idea’ should be explained in a full,

complete paragraph – at least 7 sentences!

C / C - FORMATSCombination

Equipment – Car A & B

MPG, Horsepower, Handling – Car A

MPG, Horsepower, Handling, Car B

Most difficult type to write because it adds

confusion. This format does not

always work for students.

Don’t forget… Add specific examples and details – use

imagery! Add narration / personal experience /

dialogue Provide quotes from research Use academic language - avoid

conversational language – no slang or ‘you know’ phrases

Always use PRESENT tense verbs!

C/C Assignment!• Compare and Contrast 3

colleges – 1 Texas Public school – 1 out-of-state-public-

school– 1 Private School

• Include ideas including, but NOT LIMITED TO…– Academics– Athletics– Student Support Services– Housing– Financial Assistance– Admission Requirements

• Create a chart for all 3 schools– Creative– Neat – Detailed– Complete

• Charts will be presented to the class next week – Poster / PPT / MOVIE – Presentations Begin Oct 5

(B day) and Oct 6 (A day)