Introduction to Academic Writing 2: Comparison and Contrast Essays

1
Introduction to Academic Writing 2 Comparison
and Contrast Essays

• Wendy M. Gough
• St. Mary College/Nunoike
• Gaigo Senmon Gakko
• Nagoya, Japan

2
What are Comparison and Contrast Essays?
Comparing things is something we do every day
when we have to make decisions. For example, you
might think of similarities or differences when
we are buying a new MP3 player or choosing a
place to study English. You may need to evaluate
two sides of an issue you have studied in a class
or two proposals for research or projects at your
workplace. In these cases, you will need to write
an essay or report to discuss your ideas about
the topic. This is a comparison and contrast
essay.
3
Comparison/Contrast Essay Organization
Like other types of essays, a comparison and
contrast essay must have a clear introduction and
conclusion.
The body of the essay can be organized many ways.
We will look at two organizational styles.
Point by point organization
Block organization
4
The Introduction
For both types of organization, the introduction
is the same.
Presents the topic or subject that is being
compared and contrasted in the topic sentence.
Gives some general information about the topic
Ends with a thesis statement that tells the
reader specifically what will be compared and
contrasted.
5
Point by Point Organization
The body paragraphs alternate between
similarities and differences.
In a short essay, one body paragraph will explain
the similarities between the two subjects and one
paragraph will explain the differences.
In a longer essay, one paragraph will explain
similarities between one main idea in the two
subjects and one paragraph will deal with
differences in the same main idea, and so on.
6
Short Essay Organization
Introduction
Similarities
Differences
Conclusion
7
Longer Essay Organization
Introduction
Similarity 1
Difference 1
Similarity 2
Difference 2
Conclusion
8
Block Organization
In block organization, the body paragraphs first
present the similarities in the two subjects.
Then, in separate paragraphs, the differences are
presented.
For the short essay, the organization is similar
to Point by Point Organization.
For the longer essay, the body paragraphs first
present the similarities as a set then, after a
transition, present the differences as a
separate set.
9
Short Essay Organization
Introduction
Similarities
Differences
Conclusion
10
Long Essay Organization
Introduction
Similarity 1
Similarity 2
Transition
Difference 1
Difference 2
Conclusion
11
The Conclusion
For both types of comparison and contrast essay,
the conclusion is the same.
Restate the topic
Restate or summarize the similarities and
differences between the two topics
Give your opinion or feeling about the topic make
a prediction, or explain the results
12
Lets look at some sample essays
13
A Short Essay
Point by Point or Block Organization
From page 116 in Effective Academic Writing 2
The Short Essay
14
There are two places that have had a profound
impact on my life. One of them is New York City,
and the other is Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. When
you compare them, they seem like dramatically
different places, but they have some things in
common, and I love them both. There are many
reasons why New York seems like my home away from
home. Both cities are striking and distinctive.
For example, each has its own nickname. Everyone
knows New York is the Big Apple. Quetzaltenango
is known as Xela (pronounced (shey-la), which
is a lot easier to say! Second, both cities have
a Central Park where people like to go and
walk. Although Central Park in Xela is smaller,
its tropical flowers and colonial architecture
mean it is just as beautiful as New Yorks.
Furthermore, when you walk around Xela, you find
many tourists and people from other countries,
just like New York. For me, this means
conversations in Xela are just as interesting as
conversations in New York.
15
Despite their similarities, these cities are
different. Life in Xela is more colorful and the
pace of life is slower. For this reason, whenever
I return to Xela, it is like an escape. When I
arrive, the first thing I notice is the color. In
New York, many people wear black to be stylish,
but in Xela stylish clothing is the
rainbow-colored clothing of the indigenous
people. And because Xela is smaller, the
beautiful green mountains outside the city are
always visible. The second thing I notice is the
pace of life. They say New York never sleeps, and
it must be true, because I always see people
walking and cars on the streets even late at
night. In the evening, my Guatemalan city
definitely sleeps. Some younger people go out
dancing and some families take a walk in the
citys Central Park, but by ten oclock the
streets are pretty deserted. On the other hand,
New Yorkers are often in such a hurry, they dont
even stop to eat. For breakfast they buy food on
the street, and eat it while they are walking or
on the subway. At lunch they order food from work
and eat at their desks. In Xela people eat their
breakfast at home and most come home from work
for a much more relaxed and longer lunch.
16
In conclusion, these are two cities I love. For
me, both are home, are unique, and are filled
with interesting people. These places represent
the best of both worlds. New York is more hurried
and rushed when I need energy, and Xela gives me
a slower pace when I need to relax. Together they
keep me balanced.
17
The Introduction
There are two places that have had a profound
impact on my life. One of them is New York City,
and the other is Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. When
you compare them, they seem like dramatically
different places, but they have some things in
common, and I love them both.
Introduces the topic and general information
The specific things that will be compared. It
also gives the writers opinion about the topic
18
There are many reasons why New York seems like my
home away from home. Both cities are striking and
distinctive. For example, each has its own
nickname. Everyone knows New York is the Big
Apple. Quetzaltenango is known as Xela
(pronounced (shey-la), which is a lot easier to
say! Second, both cities have a Central Park
where people like to go and walk. Although
Central Park in Xela is smaller, its tropical
flowers and colonial architecture mean it is just
as beautiful as New Yorks. Furthermore, when you
walk around Xela, you find many tourists and
people from other countries, just like New York.
For me, this means conversations in Xela are just
as interesting as conversations in New York.
Introduces the similarities with general
statements
Examples of similarities between the two cities
explain why the writer likes the two cities
19
Despite their similarities, these cities are
different. Life in Xela is more colorful and the
pace of life is slower. For this reason, whenever
I return to Xela, it is like an escape. When I
arrive, the first thing I notice is the color. In
New York, many people wear black to be stylish,
but in Xela stylish clothing is the
rainbow-colored clothing of the indigenous
people. And because Xela is smaller, the
beautiful green mountains outside the city are
always visible. The second thing I notice is the
pace of life.
Introduces the differences
Specific examples of the differences
20
They say New York never sleeps, and it must be
true, because I always see people walking and
cars on the streets even late at night. In the
evening, my Guatemalan city definitely sleeps.
Some younger people go out dancing and some
families take a walk in the citys Central Park,
but by ten oclock the streets are pretty
deserted. On the other hand, New Yorkers are
often in such a hurry, they dont even stop to
eat. For breakfast they buy food on the street,
and eat it while they are walking or on the
subway. At lunch they order food from work and
eat at their desks. In Xela people eat their
breakfast at home and most come home from work
for a much more relaxed and longer lunch.
More specific examples of the differences
21
In conclusion, these are two cities I love. For
me, both are home, are unique, and are filled
with interesting people. These places represent
the best of both worlds. New York is more hurried
and rushed when I need energy, and Xela gives me
a slower pace when I need to relax. Together they
keep me balanced.
Restates the topic and main ideas
The Writers opinion
A final thought about the topic
22
Notice that the introduction introduces the topic
clearly and does not give too many details. It
also clearly states the writers opinion about
the topic.
In the body paragraphs, the similarities and
differences are put together logically. For
example, the nicknames of each city are discussed
before the next similarity is brought up. The
colors in each city are discussed before another
difference is brought up, etc.
The conclusion restates the information presented
in the introduction in different words but does
not bring in new ideas about the topic.
23
A Longer Essay
Block Organization
From pages 193-5 in Introduction to Academic
Writing Second Edition
24
A nations purpose in educating its children is
to prepare them to become productive members of
society. Each country in the world has developed
a system of education based on its needs,
economic resources, and traditions. One would
think that industrial societies such as the
United States and the countries of Europe would
have similar systems for educating their
children. However, a comparison of school systems
in Europe and the United States reveals several
similarities but a greater number of differences.
The educational systems of Europe and the
United States are similar in a number of ways. To
begin with, elementary school classes look the
same everywhere There are about twenty to
twenty-two pupils per class, and the classes are
coeducational. Also, there is one teacher for all
subjects for each grade (except in Scandinavia),
and the majority of elementary school teachers
are women. In addition, the subjects taught at
the elementary level are basically the same
everywhere reading and writing, mathematics,
introductions to the sciences, music, sports, and
art. The only major difference in the elementary
curriculum is that most Europeans study a foreign
language in elementary school, but most America
children do not.
25
Second, European and American students spend
approximately the same number of years in school.
Both the United States and most European
countries require children to attend school for
at least nine or ten years. Germany and Belgium
have the highest requirement twelve years of
education. Also, children in most countries start
compulsory schooling at a similar age, usually
age six, and they may leave school at a similar
age, usually sixteen. Despite these
similarities, the educational systems differ
greatly in several areas. For example, the number
of hours per year that children must attend
school varies widely. The number of hours
students must spend per day in high school ranges
from a low of five in Belgium to a high of eight
in parts of Hungary and Turkey. Some countries
require a half-day of school, whereas others
require a full day. In addition, the number of
days per year that students must be in school
differs. Austria requires 237 days of school per
year, while Spain and Hungary require only 170.
That is a difference of more than two months!
26
Another major difference is the types of schools
available. In the countries of Northern Europe,
there is no division between elementary and
secondary school school just flows from the
first day of first grade until the end of
compulsory schooling at age sixteen. However, in
the United States, school is divided in to nine
years of elementary and four years of secondary
education. Furthermore, some countries require
students to make a choice between academic
preparatory and vocational training schools. In
Germany, pupils must make this decision as early
as age ten. In the United States, in contrast,
they never have to make it. Anyone in the United
States who graduates from high school has the
opportunity to go on to a college or university.
In addition to the differences in academic and
vocational schools, there are also differences in
private schools. In France, Spain, Belgium, and
Austria, most private schools are religious, but
in most other countries, they are not. Also, in
most of Europe, the government pays part of the
cost of private schools 70 percent in Hungary,
80 percent in Denmark and Austria, and 85 percent
in Norway. In contrast, parents must pay the full
cost in Britain, Greece, Turkey, and the United
States if they want their children to attend a
private school.
27
A final major difference between Europe and the
United States is in the number of students who go
on to higher education. In the United States,
over 50 percent of high school graduates enter a
college or university. In contrast, fewer than 15
percent of British students do so. The European
average is about 30 to 40 percent. It is clear
that the experience of schoolchildren varies from
country to country. Even though the United States
and the countries of Europe seem very similar in
many ways, their educational systems are actually
quite different. No one can say if one system is
better than another system, for each one fits its
own needs, economies, and traditions best.
28
A nations purpose in educating its children is
to prepare them to become productive members of
society. Each country in the world has developed
a system of education based on its needs,
economic resources, and traditions. One would
think that industrial societies such as the
United States and the countries of Europe would
have similar systems for educating their
children. However, a comparison of school systems
in Europe and the United States reveals several
similarities but a greater number of differences.
Introduces the topic
General information about the topic and
introduction of the comparison
Introduces the specific comparison
29
The educational systems of Europe and the United
States are similar in a number of ways. To begin
with, elementary school classes look the same
everywhere There are about twenty to twenty-two
pupils per class, and the classes are
coeducational. Also, there is one teacher for all
subjects for each grade (except in Scandinavia),
and the majority of elementary school teachers
are women. In addition, the subjects taught at
the elementary level are basically the same
everywhere reading and writing, mathematics,
introductions to the sciences, music, sports, and
art. The only major difference in the elementary
curriculum is that most Europeans study a foreign
language in elementary school, but most America
children do not.
First similarity is introduced
Details and examples about the similarity show
comparison between Europe and the United States
30
Second, European and American students spend
approximately the same number of years in school.
Both the United States and most European
countries require children to attend school for
at least nine or ten years. Germany and Belgium
have the highest requirement twelve years of
education. Also, children in most countries start
compulsory schooling at a similar age, usually
age six, and they may leave school at a similar
age, usually sixteen.
Introduces the second similarity
Details and examples to explain the similarity
and show the comparison
31
Despite these similarities, the educational
systems differ greatly in several areas. For
example, the number of hours per year that
children must attend school varies widely. The
number of hours students must spend per day in
high school ranges from a low of five in Belgium
to a high of eight in parts of Hungary and
Turkey. Some countries require a half-day of
school, whereas others require a full day. In
addition, the number of days per year that
students must be in school differs. Austria
requires 237 days of school per year, while Spain
and Hungary require only 170. That is a
difference of more than two months!
Transition tells the reader that differences will
now be discussed.
The first difference is introduced and explained
with specific details and examples
32
Another major difference is the types of schools
available. In the countries of Northern Europe,
there is no division between elementary and
secondary school school just flows from the
first day of first grade until the end of
compulsory schooling at age sixteen. However, in
the United States, school is divided in to nine
years of elementary and four years of secondary
education. Furthermore, some countries require
students to make a choice between academic
preparatory and vocational training schools. In
Germany, pupils must make this decision as early
as age ten. In the United States, in contrast,
they never have to make it. Anyone in the United
States who graduates from high school has the
opportunity to go on to a college or university.
The next difference is introduced
Details and specific examples show the contrast
33
In addition to the differences in academic and
vocational schools, there are also differences in
private schools. In France, Spain, Belgium, and
Austria, most private schools are religious, but
in most other countries, they are not. Also, in
most of Europe, the government pays part of the
cost of private schools 70 percent in Hungary,
80 percent in Denmark and Austria, and 85 percent
in Norway. In contrast, parents must pay the full
cost in Britain, Greece, Turkey, and the United
States if they want their children to attend a
private school.
The next difference is introduced and explained
34
A final major difference between Europe and the
United States is in the number of students who go
on to higher education. In the United States,
over 50 percent of high school graduates enter a
college or university. In contrast, fewer than 15
percent of British students do so. The European
average is about 30 to 40 percent.
The last difference
35
It is clear that the experience of
schoolchildren varies from country to country.
Even though the United States and the countries
of Europe seem very similar in many ways, their
educational systems are actually quite different.
No one can say if one system is better than
another system, for each one fits its own needs,
economies, and traditions best.
The conclusion restates the topic, what is being
compared and the main idea.
36
A Longer Essay
Point by Point Organization
Adapted from pages 193-5 in Introduction to
Academic Writing Second Edition
37
A nations purpose in educating its children is
to prepare them to become productive members of
society. Each country in the world has developed
a system of education based on its needs,
economic resources, and traditions. One would
think that industrial societies such as the
United States and the countries of Europe would
have similar systems for educating their
children. However, a comparison of school systems
in Europe and the United States reveals several
similarities but a greater number of
differences. One way the educational systems of
Europe and the United States are similar is the
elementary school system. Elementary school
classes look the same everywhere There are about
twenty to twenty-two pupils per class, and the
classes are coeducational. Also, there is one
teacher for all subjects for each grade (except
in Scandinavia), and the majority of elementary
school teachers are women. In addition, the
subjects taught at the elementary level are
basically the same everywhere reading and
writing, mathematics, introductions to the
sciences, music, sports, and art. The only major
difference in the elementary curriculum is that
most Europeans study a foreign language in
elementary school, but most America children do
not.
38
While the elementary school systems in Europe
and the United States are similar, there are
differences in the types of schools available. In
the countries of Northern Europe, there is no
division between elementary and secondary school
school just flows from the first day of first
grade until the end of compulsory schooling at
age sixteen. However, in the United States,
school is divided in to nine years of elementary
and four years of secondary education.
Furthermore, some countries require students to
make a choice between academic preparatory and
vocational training schools. In Germany, pupils
must make this decision as early as age ten. In
the United States, in contrast, they never have
to make it. Anyone in the United States who
graduates from high school has the opportunity to
go on to a college or university. Even though
European and American schools vary in the types
of instruction children receive, students spend
approximately the same number of years in school
in both places. Both the United States and most
European countries require children to attend
school for at least nine or ten years. Germany
and Belgium have the highest requirement twelve
years of education. Also, children in most
countries start compulsory schooling at a similar
age, usually age six, and they may leave school
at a similar age, usually sixteen.
39
Despite spending abut the same number of years
in school, the number of hours per year that
children must attend school varies widely. The
number of hours students must spend per day in
high school ranges from a low of five in Belgium
to a high of eight in parts of Hungary and
Turkey. Some countries require a half-day of
school, whereas others require a full day. In
addition, the number of days per year that
students must be in school differs. Austria
requires 237 days of school per year, while Spain
and Hungary require only 170. That is a
difference of more than two months! It is clear
that the experience of schoolchildren varies from
country to country. Even though the United States
and the countries of Europe seem very similar in
many ways, their educational systems are actually
quite different. No one can say if one system is
better than another system, for each one fits its
own needs, economies, and traditions best.
40
A nations purpose in educating its children is
to prepare them to become productive members of
society. Each country in the world has developed
a system of education based on its needs,
economic resources, and traditions. One would
think that industrial societies such as the
United States and the countries of Europe would
have similar systems for educating their
children. However, a comparison of school systems
in Europe and the United States reveals several
similarities but a greater number of differences.
The introduction is the same as the introduction
in the Block Organization
41
One way the educational systems of Europe and
the United States are similar is the elementary
school system. Elementary school classes look the
same everywhere There are about twenty to
twenty-two pupils per class, and the classes are
coeducational. Also, there is one teacher for all
subjects for each grade (except in Scandinavia),
and the majority of elementary school teachers
are women. In addition, the subjects taught at
the elementary level are basically the same
everywhere reading and writing, mathematics,
introductions to the sciences, music, sports, and
art. The only major difference in the elementary
curriculum is that most Europeans study a foreign
language in elementary school, but most America
children do not.
The first similarity is introduced and explained
with specific details and examples
42
While the elementary school systems in Europe
and the United States are similar, there are
differences in the types of schools available. In
the countries of Northern Europe, there is no
division between elementary and secondary school
school just flows from the first day of first
grade until the end of compulsory schooling at
age sixteen. However, in the United States,
school is divided in to nine years of elementary
and four years of secondary education.
Furthermore, some countries require students to
make a choice between academic preparatory and
vocational training schools. In Germany, pupils
must make this decision as early as age ten. In
the United States, in contrast, they never have
to make it. Anyone in the United States who
graduates from high school has the opportunity to
go on to a college or university.
The first difference is introduced and explained.
Notice the topic is related to the topic of the
first similarity.
43
Even though European and American schools vary
in the types of instruction children receive,
students spend approximately the same number of
years in school in both places. Both the United
States and most European countries require
children to attend school for at least nine or
ten years. Germany and Belgium have the highest
requirement twelve years of education. Also,
children in most countries start compulsory
schooling at a similar age, usually age six, and
they may leave school at a similar age, usually
sixteen.
The second similarity is introduced and explained
44
Despite spending abut the same number of years
in school, the number of hours per year that
children must attend school varies widely. The
number of hours students must spend per day in
high school ranges from a low of five in Belgium
to a high of eight in parts of Hungary and
Turkey. Some countries require a half-day of
school, whereas others require a full day. In
addition, the number of days per year that
students must be in school differs. Austria
requires 237 days of school per year, while Spain
and Hungary require only 170. That is a
difference of more than two months!
The second difference is introduced and
explained. Once again, notice that the topic is
related to the topic of the previous paragraph.
45
It is clear that the experience of
schoolchildren varies from country to country.
Even though the United States and the countries
of Europe seem very similar in many ways, their
educational systems are actually quite different.
No one can say if one system is better than
another system, for each one fits its own needs,
economies, and traditions best.
The conclusion is the same as the Block
Organization essay.
46
References
Oshima, A. Hogue, A. Introduction to Academic
Writing Second Ed. New York, USA. Addison
Wesley Longman, 1997.
Savage, A. Mayer, P. Effective Academic Writing
2 The Short Essay. New York, USA. Oxford, 2005.