Chapter 4: What Are You Writing, to Whom, and How? Show
The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in WritingComparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare and contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or doing both. The key to a good compare and contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences: Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar category will increase the audience’s understanding of that category, which is the purpose of the compare and contrast essay. Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two different types of apples as in the example above because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare apples and oranges. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be. Writing at WorkComparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool. In order to make accurate evaluations about a given topic, you must first know the critical points of similarity and difference. Comparing and contrasting is a primary tool for many workplace assessments. You have likely compared and contrasted yourself to other colleagues. Employee advancements, pay raises, hiring, and firing are typically conducted using comparison and contrast. Comparison and contrast could be used to evaluate companies, departments, or individuals. H5P:Comparison/Contrast Writing Practice Exercise Preamble Comparison and Contrast-style expository essays can be challenging. We’re going to break down the steps in this exercise. You can write about anything you like, but if you need help deciding, it’s helpful to think about whether you want to focus on comparison or contrast. Remember that if you write a contrast essay, you want to pick two things that seem similar on the surface, and explore their differences. If you write a comparison essay, you want to pick two things that seem different on the surface, and explore their similarities. In this way, you’re explore something your reader may not be aware of — and it prevents you from picking a topic that is too obvious. Some ideas for a contrast essay are:
Some ideas for a comparison essay are:
Pick your topic, set a timer for five minutes, and freewrite about the similarities and differences you already know about your topic. Drafting Your Ideas Now, try to formalize your ideas into the key points for your draft.
Let’s identify the thesis statement for your draft now. Remember: The compare and contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects being compared, contrasted, or both, and the reason for doing so. That reason is your claim or the stand you are taking on the topic. How will you organize your essay? In the example of my thesis statement above, I might move subject-by-subject — eg. explore everything I have to say about the social/environmental impacts of SUVs and then move on to do the same for compact cars — or point-by-point — eg. write first about the social impacts of both types of vehicles, and then about the environmental impacts. Decide on the organizational method and share the order you will develop your points below. The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast EssayThe compare and contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects being compared, contrasted, or both, and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward either comparing or contrasting, or balance both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting. Thesis statement: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny. Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted (organic versus conventionally grown vegetables), and it makes a claim about the results that might prove useful to the reader. You may organize compare and contrast essays in one of the following two ways:
See Figure 4.1: Planning a Comparison and Contrast Essay, which illustrates the ways to organize the organic versus conventional vegetables thesis. Figure 4.1 Planning a Comparison and Contrast Essay [Image description]The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience. Given that compare and contrast essays analyze the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis. See Table 4.1: Phrases of Comparison and Contrast for examples. Table 4.1 Phrases of Comparison and Contrast
Writing a Comparison and Contrast EssayFirst choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both, as well as state what can be learned from doing so. The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. Be sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects. After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. See Appendix 1: Readings: Examples of Essays to read a sample compare and contrast essay. Writing at WorkMany business presentations are conducted using comparison and contrast. The organizing strategies—by subject or individual points—could also be used for organizing a presentation. Keep this in mind as a way of organizing your content the next time you or a colleague has to present something at work.
Image descriptionsFigure 4.1 Planning a Comparison and Contrast Essay A flowchart illustrating the ways to organize by subject and organize by point about organic versus conventional vegetables. Organize by subject:
Organize by point:
Return to place in text (Figure 4.1) Which of these characteristics has the most impact on the effectiveness of a narrative essay over all the others?Organization. The organization of a narrative essay will have the most impact on the effectiveness of the essay. The story must be told in a way that allows the reader to follow the story and understand the point.
What role does the authors opinion play in an informative essay?The opinion essay seeks to persuade the reader of the writer's point of view, while an informative essay provides a straightforward, factual overview of the topic. The opinion piece may use factual evidence, just like an informative essay.
Why would it be correct to assert that narrative essays can be thought of as slightly persuasive?Why would it be correct to assert that narrative essays can be thought of as slightly persuasive? They are sharing the writer's perspective of an event. They are meant to show why other points of view are wrong. The climax of a narrative provides a convincing argument.
What is a comparison essay quizlet?An essay where you compare and contrast two things for a particular purpose such as to: make a decision, solve a problem, or find an answer.
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