Essay Essentials - Chapter 15

Copyright © 2015 by Nelson Education Ltd.

NETA PowerPoint® Slides

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prepared by

Rhonda Dynes

Mohawk College

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Comparison and Contrast

Chapter 15

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Comparison or Contrast?

If you are focusing on the similarities between two things (or ideas or concepts or points of view), you are writing a comparison. If you are focusing on the differences, you are writing a contrast. Most people, however, use the term “comparison” to cover both (as in “comparison shopping”), and similarities and differences are often discussed together in a paper.

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Two Approaches to Writing a Comparison Paper

In the first option, you discuss one item fully and then turn to the other item. This approach is called the block method of organizing.

The alternative option is to compare your two items point by point.

The block method works best in short papers, where the points of comparison are easy to understand and remember, and your point of view, the one you are trying to get your reader to believe, is relatively simple. As comparisons get more complex, your readers will be able to understand your points better if you present them point by point.

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Tips for Writing a Comparison or Contrast Paper

1. Make sure that the two items you have chosen are paired appropriately: they must have something in common.

Both items might be medical instruments or business marketing strategies. To compare the way to get into college with how to improve your cake baking strategy is more likely futile—though it might be fun in a non-academic arena.

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Tips for Writing a Comparison or Contrast Paper cont’d

2. Your main points must apply equally to both items.

Don’t use main points that apply to one or two items but don’t apply well to the third. It might be appropriate to compare historical hair styles, but then having a section on how to create intricate braiding might not work.

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3. Your thesis statement should clearly present the two items to be compared and the basis for their comparison.

Include both the two items, but also why you are comparing them. Are you helping people buy the best house in the best neighbourhood or showing them where not to buy? Be clear about your purpose.

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4. Use transitional words and phrases within and between paragraphs to provide coherence.

Work to make sure that the order of your points and the ways that you link between paragraph help strengthen your argument.

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Summary• A comparison paper might be either a comparison or

a contrast; the term implies either.• The block method of comparing looks at one thing at

a time, while the point by point method looks at both things together under a heading or topic.

• Items for comparison or contrast should be compared equally, and your purpose for comparison should be clear up front in your thesis.

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Essay Essentials - Chapter 15

Education

Transcript of Essay Essentials - Chapter 15