Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and Contrast

• Engages in two alternatives

• Make a decision by comparing alternatives in a series of relevant points and deciding the best advantage

Basis for C & C• Comparison – find and emphasize similarities

• Contrast – find and emphasize differences

• Either must have a basis for comparing or contrasting

• Something in common

In Writing• Subject - Important, two subjects, limit to relevant

and pertinent points

• Purpose - Reason to reveal new or important elements, insights

• Audience – Educate and enlighten

Analogy• Extended analogies used to clarify abstract or

complex ideas

• Comparison and/or contrast between two subjects analyzed through exploring aspects of the

subjects using complex analytical, critical thinking skills

• Visualize a new way of seeing the subjects

Organizational Structure• Must follow and maintain one of the two formats

for a compare and contrast writing

• Essay still has an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion

Subject by Subject (Block)• Subject A (paragraph)• Point 1• Point 2• Point 3• Point 4

• Subject B (paragraph)• Point 1• Point 2• Point 3• Point 4

Point by Point (Alternating)• Point 1

Subject A & B (paragraph)• Point 2

Subject A & B (paragraph)• Point 3

Subject A & B (paragraph)• Point 4

Subject A & B (paragraph)

Block Format• Introduction paragraph – both subjects

• Body paragraphs – one subject at a time

• Conclusion paragraph – both subjects

• Do NOT mixt subjects in any body paragraphs

Alternating Format• Introduction – both subjects

• Body – both subjects but only one point at a time

• Conclusion – both subjects

• Body paragraphs focus on one point at a time

Questions:1) Is your subject more alike or different?2) Why are you making this comparison and/or

contrast?3) What do you want to explore and express about

these subjects?4) What is the ethical dilemma?5) Is your writing clear and focused?6) Have you maintained the organizational format?

Include:• Only two units of c/c• A committed specific thesis• Analytical Critical Thinking• One writing pattern, format

Assignment• Compare a set of two films from the three sets:

1) Watch the films closely taking notes.2) Contemplate and analyze the films.3) What is the ethical question in the films?4) How does the decision of the characters

affect society?5) Use quotes from the films as evidence.

Let’s discuss some images

For Example:

Life Choices

Prisoner Homeless

Freedoms

Demonstrate Vote

Moral Decisions

War Peace

The Question?

Remember• Compare two films• Have a specific thesis• Use analytical Critical Thinking• Stay in one writing pattern, format

What is the ethical decision in the films?