1. Chapter 9: Recognizing Comparison/Contrast and Cause/Effect Patterns
Essential Reading Skills, 2/e Kathleen McWhorter
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2. Comparison/Contrast Patterns
Comparison: Explains how items, people, or events are alike.
Contrast: Explains how items, people, or events are different.
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3. Compare & Contrast Two Professors
Items A and B: Professor Miller and Professor Wright
Similarities:
Both require attendance.
Both give essay exams.
Both are fair.
Both have a sense of humor.
Differences:
Wright grades on term papers.
Miller grades on
class participation.
Wright is younger.
Miller is older.
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4. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.
Comparison Pattern
Item A
Item B
Similarity 1
Similarity 2
Similarity 3
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5. Common Words Used in Comparison Pattern
alike
same
similar
similarity
like
likewise
both
just as
each
in common
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Contrast Pattern
Item A
Item B
Difference 1
Difference 2
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7. Common Words Used in Contrast Pattern
unlike
different
difference
on the other hand
instead
in contrast
despite
nevertheless
however
but
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Cause-Effect Pattern
Writers use the cause/effect pattern to explain why an event or action causes another event or action.
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9. Single Cause/Multiple Effects
Effect A
Cause
Effect B
Effect C
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10. Single Cause/Multiple Effects
Traffic problems
Snowstorm
School Closings
Accidents
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11. Multiple Causes/Single Effect
Cause A
Effect
Cause B
Cause C
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12. Multiple Causes/Single Effect
Attend class
Good Exam Grade
Take notes
Study the text
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13. Common Words in Cause/Effect Pattern
because consequently
because of as a result
since one result is
due to therefore
reasons thus
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14. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.
Test-Taking Tip #9: Answering Questions about Comparison-Contrast and Cause and Effect
Use transitional words to help you identify the patterns.
The topic sentence of a paragraph often reveals or suggests the pattern.
If you are having difficulty sorting out causes and effects, try numbering the actions in the order in
which they occurred.
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15. Visit the Companion Website
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