Compare and Contrast Compare and Contrast EssayEssay

For Pre-AP World GeographyFor Pre-AP World Geography

1. Is this paragraph comparing and contrasting two things?

2. If no, how do you know it is not a compare and contrast paragraph?

3. If yes, what two things are being compared?

4. Write the key words in the paragraph that show that the author was comparing and contrasting information.

• Two main reasons people Two main reasons people use comparison and use comparison and contrast:contrast:

1.1. To ExplainTo Explain

2.2. To EvaluateTo Evaluate

When you compare items, look for When you compare items, look for their similarities—their similarities—

For example:For example:

• Apples and oranges are both fruit.Apples and oranges are both fruit.

• They're both foods.They're both foods.

• Both are made into juice.Both are made into juice.

• Both grow on trees.Both grow on trees.

When you contrast items, look at their When you contrast items, look at their differences.differences.

For example:For example:

• Apples are red. Oranges are Apples are red. Oranges are orange.orange.

• The fruits have different textures.The fruits have different textures.

• Oranges need a warmer place to Oranges need a warmer place to grow, like Florida. Apples can grow in grow, like Florida. Apples can grow in cooler states, like Washington.cooler states, like Washington.

VS

• Compare and contrast used to organize an Compare and contrast used to organize an individual paragraph as well as to organize individual paragraph as well as to organize entire papers. entire papers.

• For example, you might write a paper that For example, you might write a paper that compares a movie and a book about the compares a movie and a book about the same topic. In your paper you can same topic. In your paper you can compare and contrast the movie version compare and contrast the movie version with the book version.with the book version.

• Balance Information, paragraphs, Balance Information, paragraphs, evidence, etc. evidence, etc.

• You need to be sure that you give You need to be sure that you give comparisons equal time in what comparisons equal time in what you write.you write.

3 strategies to organize 3 strategies to organize comparison and contrast comparison and contrast papers:papers:

1. Whole-to-Whole, or Block1. Whole-to-Whole, or Block

2. Similarities-to-Differences2. Similarities-to-Differences

3. Point-by-Point (groupings)3. Point-by-Point (groupings)

Similarities-to-Differences StrategySimilarities-to-Differences Strategy

• All similarities in one paragraphAll similarities in one paragraph

• Differences in a separate Differences in a separate paragraphparagraph

Structure of the EssayStructure of the Essay

• Body paragraphs should be comparative Body paragraphs should be comparative or contrastive in nature. DO NOT write or contrastive in nature. DO NOT write about the first topic and then the second. about the first topic and then the second.

• Body Paragraph #1—SIMILARITIES Body Paragraph #1—SIMILARITIES

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence• Example #1Example #1

• Example #2Example #2

• Example #3 (if necessary)Example #3 (if necessary)

• Body Paragraph #2—ContrastBody Paragraph #2—Contrast– Topic SentenceTopic Sentence

• Example #1Example #1• Example #2Example #2• Example #3 (if necessary)Example #3 (if necessary)

• *** Make sure you analyze at least one reason *** Make sure you analyze at least one reason for a similarity or difference. In other words, for a similarity or difference. In other words, DO NOT simply describe, but EXPLAIN why DO NOT simply describe, but EXPLAIN why something is similar or differentsomething is similar or different

IntroductionIntroduction

SimilaritiesSimilarities

DifferencesDifferences

ConclusionConclusion

Graphic OrganizersGraphic Organizers

Item #1 Item #1

How are the items alike?

Differences? Differences?

Transition WordsTransition Words• AlsoAlso• As wellAs well• Both in the same Both in the same

mannermanner• In the same wayIn the same way• LikeLike• LikewiseLikewise• Most importantMost important• Same Same

similarsimilarSimilarly Similarly The same asThe same as tootoo

Transition WordsTransition Words• Although Although

• But But

• DifferDiffer

• Even though Even though

• HoweverHowever

• In contrastIn contrast

• Instead Instead

• neverthelessnevertheless

On the contraryOn the contraryOn the other hand On the other hand UnlessUnlessUnlikeUnlikeWhile While yetyet

3 main things to pay attention to as you write 3 main things to pay attention to as you write a comparison and contrast paper: a comparison and contrast paper:

Thesis & Supporting DetailsThesis & Supporting DetailsOrganization & StructureOrganization & StructureTransitions & CoherenceTransitions & Coherence• In addition, be sure to pay attention to the In addition, be sure to pay attention to the

usual requirements for writing, such as usual requirements for writing, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar.spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

PromptPrompt

• Compare and contrast the Compare and contrast the usefulness of movies and books usefulness of movies and books in presenting information.in presenting information.

MOVIES BOOKS

Compare and contrast the usefulness of movies and books in presenting information.

BASIC COREGeographical skills and knowledge

required to show competence.Points

EXPANDED COREGeographical skills and knowledge

required to show excellence.Points

1. Has acceptable thesis. 1(Addresses comparisonof the issues orthemes specified.)2. Addresses all parts of 2the question, thoughnot necessarily evenlyor thoroughly.(Addresses most parts (1)of the question: for example, deals with differences but not similarities)3. Substantiates thesis 2with appropriate geographical evidence.(Partially substantiates (1)thesis with appropriate geographical evidence.)4. Makes at least two 1relevant, direct comparisons betweenor among societies.5. Analyzes at least one 1reason for a similarity or difference identifiedin a direct comparison.

Expands beyond basic core 0-2of 1-7 points. The basic corescore of 7 must be achievedbefore a student can earnexpanded core pointsExamples:> Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis.> Addresses all parts of thequestion (as relevant):comparisons, chronology, causation, connections,themes, interactions,content.> Provides ample geographical evidence to substantiate thesis.> Relates comparisons to larger global context.>Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies.> Consistently analyzes theCauses and effects ofRelevant similarities andDifferences.

Subtotal 7 Subtotal 2

TOTAL 9

Generic Core-Scoring Guide for Pre-AP Geography Comparative Essay