Comparing and Contrasting Essays: A Comprehensive Guide, Summaries of Technical English

Download Comparing and Contrasting Essays: A Comprehensive Guide and more Summaries Technical English in PDF only on Docsity! Learning & Advising Center Philadelphia University COMPARISON-CONTRAST ESSAYS When you are assigned to compare and contrast different theories, or viewpoints, or events, or individuals, or processes, your entire paper should be devoted to describing and analyzing what your various subjects have in common (their similarities) and what sets them apart (their differences). Your essay should discuss ways in which your subjects are similar-but-different, since similarities can exist for different reasons, or at different times, or to different degrees. example: Both types of storms are feared because they are so destructive, but tornados affect only the places where they touch down while hurricanes cause destruction over a very wide area. Your essay should discuss ways in which your subjects are different-but-the same, since differences can exist for different reasons, or at different times, or to different degrees. example: Although path of a hurricane can be tracked with some degree of accuracy, it is almost impossible for meteorologists to predict where a tornado’s funnel cloud will touch down. Step 1: gather evidence • Take notes in columns, designating one column for each subject, like this: Hurricanes Tornados form in tropics over oceans counterclockwise winds season June to November travel 20-40 mph produce high tides, flooding mostly occur in Midwest winds 70-200 mph season hot summer weather • OR—make a chart of shared qualities or characteristics, like this: Hurricanes Tornados causes speed of travel direction wind strength special features • OR—color-code similar features and different features, using markers or highlighters.