Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition Presentation

Why Teach Modes? “A rhetorical mode is a strategy—a way or method of presenting a subject—through writing or speech. Some of the better known rhetorical modes are, for example, "argument" and "cause and effect." There are literally dozens, perhaps hundreds, of strategies or methods for presenting subjects; however, the modes are among the most basic. . . . Knowing the modes can help us understand the organization—the methodology—of most kinds of writings or other presentations” (writeforcollege.org).

Why a Modes-Based Approach? Better vertical instruction from grade 9 through grade 12 Repetition to mastery and mastery of a two modes per year More opportunities for cross-curricular collaboration Evaluation frameworks that are easier for parents and students to understand Common writing instruction among teachers at grade level Reaching a wider range of student interests and goals

Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition Mode of Exposition

Comparison and Contrast A comparison essay is one that shows how two or more things are similar, while a contrast essay shows how they are different. In most writing situations, however, the two related processes of comparison and contrast are used together. Comparison contrast can help a writer inform a reader about the nature of something that is not well understood; it can also help by providing new insight into something already familiar. Comparison contrast can also work to persuade a reader to think or act a particular way by showing that one subject is superior to the other.

Building Block: Comparison and Contrast Graphic Organizers Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

Prewriting: Basis for Comparison Make sure that the two topics have enough in common to justify a comparison A comparison should lead you beyond the obvious. When two subjects are very similar, focus on the contrast. When two subjects are not very much alike, focus on the similarities.

Graphic Organizer: Venn Diagram Differences Similarities Differences

Graphic Organizer: HP Venns

Graphic Organizer: Bubble Map contrast contrast compare contrast contrast compare contrast compare contrast contrast compare contrast

Organizational Strategies Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

Building Block: Subject by Subject Comparison Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

Subject by Subject Comparison In a subject-by-subject comparison, the writer essentially composes a separate essay about each subject. This is useful when your purpose is to emphasize overall similarities and differences in a short, uncomplicated essay. The writer should discuss the same points for each subject. The writer should arrange these points in some logical order, usually in the order of increasing significance.

Subject by Subject Outline Introduction: STAMP + bridge Thesis: Despite the fact that Smith and Jones have different political philosophies, they implement those philosophies with similar styles. Smith (can be one or three paragraphs): Point 1: Believes in states funding their own health care plans Point 2: Believes in supporting education with a state income tax Point 3: Wants to form a task force to study lake pollution Jones (can be one or three paragraphs): Point 1: Believes the federal government should fund health care Point 2: Believes in supporting education with property tax Point 3: Believes lake pollution is not a priority Conclusion: Full circle/bookend. Power summary/restatement of thesis. Statement regarding the significance of this analysis.

Subject by Subject Outline I. Subject #1 A. Topic #1 Evidence or detail II. Subject #1 A. Topic #2 III. Subject #1 A. Topic #3 IV. Subject #2 A. Topic #1 Evidence or detail Compare/contrast with subject #1, topic #1 V. Subject #2 A. Topic #2 Compare/contrast with subject #1, topic #2 VI. Subject #2 A. Topic #3 Compare/contrast with subject #1, topic #3

Building Block: Point by Point Comparison Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

Point by Point Comparison In a point-by-point comparison, the writer makes a point about one subject and then follow it with a comparable point about the other. This alternating pattern continues throughout the body of your essay until all of your points have been made. This is useful for longer, more complicated essays in which you discuss many different points. Point-by-point essays should focus on varied sentence structure so as not to become redundant.

Point by Point Outline Introduction: STAMP + bridge Thesis: Although Melville’s Moby-Dick and London’s The Sea Wolf are both about the sea, minor characters, major characters, and themes of Moby-Dick establish its greater complexity. Minor Characters (one paragraph): Book 1: The Sea Wolf Book 2: Moby-Dick Major Characters (one paragraph): Themes (one paragraph): Conclusion: Full circle/bookend. Power summary/restatement of thesis. Statement regarding the significance of this analysis. https://www.sbcc.edu/clrc/files/wl/downloads/WritingaCompareContrastEssay. pdf

Point by Point Outline Skeleton I. Point #1 A. Aspect #1 Evidence or detail B. Aspect #2 Compare/contrast with Aspect #1 II. Point #2 III. Point #3 A. Aspect #1 Evidence or detail B. Aspect #2 Compare/contrast with Aspect #1

Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences, and Transitions Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

Comparison and Contrast Thesis Statements Thesis statements in comparison contrast essays should give a broad overview of the essay and its purpose, whether to inform or argue. Identify the subjects to be compared and contrasted Identify the point to be made about them Indicate the emphasis: comparison, contrast, or both

Comparison and Contrast Thesis Statement “While Hawthorne develops clear comparisons regarding Hester’s and Dimmesdale’s common internal and external suffering, the details of that suffering reveal startling contrasts, ultimately suggesting that Dimmesdale’s suffering greatly exceeds Hester’s.

Comparison and Contrast Topic Sentences Topic sentences in comparison and contrast essays should resemble traditional argumentative topic sentences. Be derived from thesis statement Identify the single topic of that paragraph Contain the central argument Be comprised of the writer’s opinion Contain appropriate transitional language

Comparison and Contrast Transitions in comparison in the same way in similar fashion in like manner just as . . . so too like likewise similarly also both Contrast although but conversely despite even though however in contrast instead nevertheless nonetheless on the contrary still unlike whereas yet

Sample: Point by Point Paragraph

Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition Writing Prompts Comparison and Contrast Mode of Exposition

Comparison and Contrast Prompts Consider the purpose behind the task: Will students discuss similarities, differences, or both? Consider the basis for comparison: Do the two topics have enough in common to justify a comparison? Consider the points for comparison: Will students develop their own points for comparison or will they be given points to consider?

Comparison and Contrast Prompts: 10th grade Compare and contrast the motivations that lead Cassius and Brutus to conspire against and assassinate Caesar (Pogreba). Compare and contrast two characters from To Kill a Mockingbird. (Your options include the following pairs: Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, Miss Maudie and Mrs. Dubose, The Ewells and the Cunninghams, Scout and Atticus, and Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra.) Think carefully when selecting your points for comparison: You should have points that show similarities and points that show differences (adapted from Watts).