Comparison and Contrast Writing

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Comparison and Contrast Writing

• AP Language and Composition

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What is comparison and contrast?

• Comparison shows how two or more things are
  similar
• Contrast shows how two or more things are
  different
• In most writing situations, the two related
  processes are used together

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Establishing a basis for comparison

• The two things to be compared must have enough in
  common to justify the comparison.
• In making comparisons, you should move beyond the
  obvious (i.e., people and bees)
• When two things are very similar, it is the
  contrasts that may be worth writing about.

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WRITING EXERCISE LOVE!
Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
What significant characteristics do these two
sculptures share? Do they share enough
characteristics to establish a basis for
comparison? Explain.
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Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
How does each sculpture convey the idea of love?
Which one do you believe conveys this idea more
effectively? Why?
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Searching points for discussion

• Determine your emphasis on similarities,
  differences, or both.
• Determine the major focus of your paper.
• Make sure you treat the same or similar elements
  for each subject you will discuss

Character Character
Traits Traits
Relationships Relationships
Choices Choices
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• Do not discuss entirely different elements for
  each subject.

Character Character
Traits Death
Relationships Reputation
Choices symbolism
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Formulating a Thesis Statement

• Identify not only the subjects to be compared and
  contrasted in your essay, but the point you will
  make about them.
• Also indicate whether you will focus on
  similarities or differences, or balance the two.
• Although Melvilles Moby-Dick and Londons The
  Sea Wolf are both about the sea, the minor
  characters, major characters, and themes of
  Moby-Dick establish its greater complexity.

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Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
What general statement could you make about these
two sculptures?
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Two Formats for Compare/Contrast Essays
Block Format Paragraph 1 Apples a. Color b. Flavor c. Varieties Paragraph 2 Oranges a. Color b. Flavor c. Varieties Point-by-Point Format Paragraph 1 Color of Apples and oranges Paragraph 2 Flavor of apples and oranges Paragraph 3 Varieties of apples and oranges
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Structuring a Comparison and Contrast Essay

• Subject by Subject
• Write a separate essay about each subject, but
  you discuss the same points for both subjects.
• Use basis for comparison to guide your selection
  of points.
• Arrange points in logical order, usually order of
  importance.
• Good for short, uncomplicated papers.

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Point by Point Comparison

• Good for longer, more complex papers
• Make a point about one subject, and then follow
  it with a comparable point about the other
  subject.
• Alternating pattern
• Be careful not to fall into a monotonous, back
  and forth movement between points. To avoid this
  problem, vary sentence structure as you move from
  point to point.

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Student Example Comparison and Contrast Essay
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