Comparison and Contrast

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Comparison and Contrast

• Traits of an effective comparison and contrast
  essay

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Comparison and Contrast

• Imagine that you and your friends want to see a
  movie there are two mystery movies playing at
  the local theater that begin at the same time.
• To make up your minds you can use the dual method
  of comparison and contrast.

3
Comparison

• Comparison shows the similarities between two or
  more subjects.
• In the case of our movie example it would be the
  topic of the movies and the show times.

4
Contrast

• Contrast shows the differences between two or
  more subjects.
• In the case of our movie example it would be the
  different actors, locations, and reputations of
  the movies.

5
Comparison and contrast works because the
subjects warrant side by side examination and
they resemble each other in some aspects and
differ in other aspects.
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When to use comparison and contrast

• To explain the similarities and differences
  between subjects in order to make them more clear
  (EXPLANATORY).
• To evaluate subjects so as to establish their
  strengths and weaknesses, advantages and
  disadvantages (EVALUATORY).

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Explanatory Comparison/Contrast

• Explanatory comparison/contrast does not take a
  position as to which is better between the two
  subjects.
• Explanatory comparison/contrast only explains the
  differences and similarities.

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Evaluatory Comparison/Contrast

• Evaluatory comparison/contrast will naturally
  suggest one subject over the other subject(s).
• Evaluatory comparison/contrast is used to
  establish which option is better.

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When to use comparison/contrast

• Comparison and contrast, whether explanatory or
  evaluatory, is used to treat two or more subjects
  in the same general class or group.
• With subjects from different classes, such as an
  insect and tree, comparison and contrast would be
  pointless.

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Points of Comparison

• Points of comparison are the attributes of the
  class and points within the class.
• For example when comparing movies you may want to
  look at

• Actors/Actresses in the movie.

• Time periods the movies are set in.

• Locations the movies are filmed in.

• Characters the plot revolves around

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Thesis statements

• In an evaluatory essay your thesis should state
  your preference between your two topics.
• In an explanatory essay your thesis will state
  the points of comparison you have chosen to use
  in your essay.

12
Organization

• Subject by Subject
• When the points of comparison are grouped so that
  each subject is discussed individually.

• Point by Point
• When the points of comparison are grouped in such
  a manner that the individual points for each
  subject are covered individually.

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Organization

• Subject by Subject
• Subject A
• Point 1
• Point 2
• Point 3
• Subject B
• Point 1
• Point 2
• Point 3

• Point by Point
• Point 1
• Subject A
• Subject B
• Point 2
• Subject A
• Subject B
• Point 3
• Subject A
• Subject B