Comparison and Contrast Essays, Slides of Creative writing

Download Comparison and Contrast Essays and more Slides Creative writing in PDF only on Docsity! Comparison and Contrast Essays WHAT IS A COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY? A comparison and contrast essay focuses on how two items or texts are similar, different, or similar in some ways and different in others. You can compare and contrast any number of items including theories, events, books, or people. GETTING STARTED Here are a few suggestions that will help you create a successful comparison and contrast essay: o Choose a topic that you can argue. Remember that you need to do more than just list how items are similar or different! o Discuss both items equally. o Remember to connect your ideas! One of the biggest problems that students run into with this type of essay is not actually comparing the two items – they end up simply summarizing information about each one. One way to connect your ideas is to use transitional words and phrases that emphasize how items are similar or dissimilar. o Use the conclusion to restate your thesis, to summarize your main points, and to tell your reader why your findings are significant. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE A COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY? There are two ways to organize a comparison and contrast essay. The first (and often the clearest) method is the Point-by-Point method. The second method is called the Block method. Both methods are described on this handout. Either one is acceptable – just make sure that you stick to whatever option you choose! POINT-BY-POINT METHOD The Point-by-Point method alternates arguments about the two items (A and B) that you are comparing and/or contrasting. The pattern is as follows: o Point 1 - discuss A o Point 1 - discuss B o Discussion about overall links between A and B o Point 2 – discuss A o Point 2 - discuss B o Discussion about overall links between A and B o Etc. This method is often easier for a reader to follow because similarities and differences are more obvious when placed next to each other. For this reason, writers generally use this method for longer essays. Please Note: This method, like the Block method, only offers an outline for the body of an essay. Remember, you also need to include an effective introduction and conclusion. POINT-BY-POINT METHOD OUTLINE EXAMPLE: Thesis: John Stewart Mill and Michael Bakunin both support three of the basic principles of democracy (government by the people, tolerance, and equality); however, they support them to different degrees and for different reasons. POINT 1 Paragraph 1: Mill believes that the majority makes moral decisions. Paragraph 2: Bakunin believes that public opinion should be the basis of society’s decisions, which is slightly different than Mill’s understanding of a moral majority. POINT 2 Paragraph 3: Mill argues that complete open-mindedness always benefits society. Paragraph 4: Unlike Mill, Bakunin allows freedom of expression to be limited by public opinion. POINT 3 Paragraph 5: Mill claims that we are all equal because mere accident determines what worldview we are born into. Paragraph 6: As with Mill, Bakunin extends equality to all and embraces diversity.