Comparison and Contrast Purposes of Comparison & Contrasting Telling the reader the reasons for or the consequences of your subject, explaining why or what if. You will either be Objective: unbiased presentation of information –Primarily interested in showing the characteristics of the subjects--not how one is better than the other. I.E. A documentary on the life and times and Robert E. Lee and Ulysses s. Grant. OR Subjective: opinionated presentation of information –Primarily concerned with choosing between two things--shows one subject to be better than another. I.e. A documentary discussing the success of the North and the failure of the South durig the Civil War.

Comparison and Contrast Subjects for Comparison & Contrasting Clear basis required for comparing / constrasting –Needs to be made clear to the reader An Analogy compares two very dissimilar subjects and explores a certain characteristic or set of characteristics of one to explain those of the other. Organization Subject by Subject –Covers all details for that subject before moving on to the next subject of the comparison/contrast –Best suited for shorter essays Point by Point –Covers each subject of the comparison/contrast one point at a time. –Best suited for longer written works

Comparison and Contrast Checklist for Revising and Editing a Comparison and Contrast: Purpose: What is the aim of your comparison? Will it be clear from the start? Subjects: Are the subjects enough alike, sharing enough features, to make comparisons worthwhile? Thesis: Does your thesis establish a limited basis for comparison so you can cover all the relevant similarities and differences? Organization: Is your selection of either subject-by-subject or point-by-point appropriate to your purpose? Balance and Flexibility: Have you covered the same features of both subjects? Does your essay sound rigid, moving back and forth with little style or finesse? Coherence: Have you used transitions or restatement to clarify which subjects and points you are discussing?

Comparison and Contrast NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! 1.Select Your Subjects The main characters of two films, novels, or stories. Liberals and conservatives: their opposing views on the role of government Two sports teams Two horror movies Reality v. Ideal –Affordable cars –Available living quarters –College curriculum 2.Define Your Purpose 3.Determine Your Method for Organization