Feb+7+Mod+1+Les+8+(Contrast-Compare)

Contrast/ Comparison Paragraph media type="custom" key="22138016"

To compare means to point our similarities. To contrast means to point out differences. When you compare or contrast, you need to come to some con­clusion. It's not enough to say, "These two things are similar," or "They are dif­ferent." Your reader will be asking, "So what? What's your point?" You may be showing the differences between two restaurants to explain which is the better buy:
 * What Is Comparison? What Is Contrast? **

//If you like Mexican food, you can go to either Cafe Mexicana or Juanita's, but Juanita's has lower prices. //

Or you may be explaining the similarities between two family members to show how people with similar personalities can clash.

//My cousin Bill and my brother Karram are both so stubborn they can't get along. //

=**Hints for Writing a Comparison or Contrast Paragraph **=

Here are some topics that are too large for a comparison or contrast paragraph: two countries, two periods in history, two kinds of addiction, two wars, two economic or political systems two presidents. **2. ** ** Avoid the obvious topic. ** Some students may think it is easier to write about g two things if the similarities or differences between them are obvious, but with an obvious topic you'll have nothing new to say, and you'll risk writing a boring paragraph. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Here are some obvious topics: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">the differences between high school and college, <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">the similarities between Terminator I and Terminator II. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">If you are drawn to an obvious topic, try a new angle on the topic. Write about the unexpected, using the same topic. Write about the similarities between high school and college, or the differences between Terminator I and Terminator II. You may have to do more thinking before you come up with ideas, but your ideas may be more interesting to write about and to read.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">1. ** **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;"> Limit your topic. ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;"> When you write a comparison or contrast paragraph, you might think that the easiest topics to write about are broad ones with many similarities or differences. However, if you make your topic too large, you will not be able to cover it well, and your paragraph will be full of very large, boring statements.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">**The topic sentence makes the point of your comparison or contrast paragraph.** It should also indicate whether the paragraph is about similarities or difference like this:
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Writing the Topic Sentence for a Comparison or Contrast Paragraph __**

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">//Because he is so reliable and loyal, Michael is a much better friend to me than Stefan.// (The phrase "much better" indicates differences.) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">//My two botany teachers share a love of the environment and a passion for protecting it.// (The word "share" indicates similarities.)

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">**The topic sentence should not announce**. The sentences below are announcements, not topic sentences: //<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">This paper will explain the similarities between my two botany teachers. // //<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Let me tell you about why Michael is a different kind of friend than Stefan. //

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">The topic sentence should do more than indicate similarities or differences; it should **focus on the specific kind of comparison or contrast you will make**. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">not focused: //My old house is different from my new house.// <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">focused: //My new home is bigger, brighter, and more comfortable than my old one.// <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Example: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">covers only one subject: //The beach at Santa Lucia was dirty and crowded.// <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">covers both subjects: //The beach at Santa Lucia was dirty and crowded, but the beach at Fisher Bay was clean and private.// <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Be careful. It's easy to get so carried away by the details of your paragraph that you forget to put both subjects into one sentence. Following is a list of possible topic sentences for a comparison or contrast paragraph. Some would make good topic sentences; others wouldn't. The ones that wouldn't make good topic sen­tences have one or more of these problems: A They are announcements. B They don't indicate whether the paragraph will be about similarities or differences. C They don't focus on the specific kind of comparison or contrast to be made. D They cover subjects that are too big to write about in one paragraph. E They don't cover both subjects. Mark the following problem sentences by using one or more of the letters above. If a sentence would make a good topic sentence for a comparison or a contrast paragraph, mark it <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> OK.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">The topic sentence should cover both subjects to be compared or contrasted. **
 * __ Exercise. Identifying Suitable Topic Sentences for a Comparison or a Contrast Paragraph __**
 * 1) I have two friends, Rick and Luke.
 * 2) My two close friends, Rick and Luke, are very similar.
 * 3) My two close friends. Rick and Luke, are alike in their athletic ability and obsession with sports.
 * 4) The United States and Canada arc similar in their economic system, history, and culture.
 * 5) The Palm Club has better music and a friendlier atmosphere.
 * 6) I'd like to discuss the similarities between my cat and my beagle.
 * 7) Men and women are different in their physical, intellectual, and emotional make-up.
 * 8) On the one hand, there is Jack's Pizza Parlour, and then there is the Italian Palace.
 * 9) Mr. Sheridan is a more energetic and enthusiastic teacher than Mr. Smith.
 * 10) Here are some significant differences between roller skating andin-line skating.
 * 11) My second date with Carla was a big improvement over my first one.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Whether you decide to write about similarities (to compare) or differences (to contrast), you will have to decide how to organize your paragraph. You can choose between **two patterns of organization**: subject-by-subject (block method) or point-by-point method.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Organizing Your Comparison or Contrast Paragraph __**

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Subject-by-Subject ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">In the subject-by-subject pattern, you support and explain your topic sentence by first writing all your details on one subject and then writing all your details on the other subject. If you choose a subject-by-subject pattern, be sure to discuss the points for your second subject in the same order as you did for the first subject. Presents the whole picture of the two sides Can be more effective if the essay is below 3-4 pages and is covering a general issue Does not appear as monotonous Tends to become a summary if the writer is not careful The reader must remember a lot The paper is not always as clearly organized
 * Definition:** a presentation of all facts and supporting details about one topic followed by the facts and supporting details about the second topic
 * Advantages:**
 * Disadvantages:**

People should own boxers and underwear. When wearing boxers under pants, the boxers bunch up in different places, forming little hills out of the pants. They come up high on the waist, so people can see them above the pants unless the shirt is tucked in. However, they can be worn without any clothes over them without any embarrassment. When worn like this, they are very comfortable. Underwear do not bunch up under pants, leaving the pants smooth. Usually they do not come up high on the waist, so people can not see them above the pants. They can not be worn without clothes on top without violating the law. They are very comfortable when worn under pants.
 * Example:** Male Boxers vs. Underwear

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Look carefully at the paragraph in the subject-by-subject pattern, and you'll note that it > > **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Point-by-Point ** > > **Definition:** a comparison of one point of a topic with a point of the other topic > <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">In the point-by-point pattern, you support and explain your topic sentence by discussing each point of comparison or contrast, switching back and forth between your subjects. You explain one point for each subject, then explain aother point for each subject, and so on. > **Advantages:** > Keeps each set of points for discussion close together > The reader does not have to remember as much information > Keeps the parapraph clearly organized > Avoids summary > **Disadvantages**: > Can appear mechanical and monotonous > Does not provide a unified discussion of the two sides > > **Example:** Male Boxers vs. Underwear > People should own boxers and underwear. When wearing boxers under pants, the boxers bunch > up in different places, forming little hills out of the pants. When wearing underwear under pants, they do > not bunch up, leaving the pants smooth. Boxers come up high on the waist, so people can see them > above the pants unless the shirt is tucked in, but underwear do not come up high on the waist, so no one > can see them above the pants. However, boxers can be worn without any clothes on top, but this can not > be done with underwear. Wearing boxers without any pants on is very comfortable. Underwear is very > comfortable with pants on. Because of the advantages and disadvantages of each, people should own > both boxers and underwear. > > <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Look carefully at the paragraph in the point-by-point pattern, and you'll note that it
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">begins with a topic sentence about both subjects— boxers and underwear
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">gives all the details about one subject— boxers
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">then gives all the details about the second subject— underwear
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">begins with a topic sentence about both subjects— Boxers vs. Underwear
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">discusses how Boxers and Underwear <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">are different in the points:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">switches back and forth between the two subjects.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Subject-by-subject and point-by-point patterns can be used for either a comparison or a contrast paragraph. But whatever pattern you choose, remember these hints: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">1. Be sure to use the same points to compare or contrast two subjects. If you are contrasting two cars, you can't discuss the price and safety features of one and the styling and speed of the other. You must discuss the price of both, or the safety features, or styling, or speed of both. You don't have to list the points in your topic sentence, bur you can include them, like this: "My old Celica turned out to be a cheaper, a safer, and a faster car than my boyfriend's new Taurus." <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">2. Be sure to give roughly equal space to both subjects. This rule doesn't mean you must write the same number of words—or even sentences—on both subjects. It does mean you should be giving fairly equal attention to the details of both subjects. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Because you will be writing about two subjects, this type of paragraph can involve more details than other paragraph formats. Thus, a comparison or contrast paragraph __**may be longer than twelve sentences.**__

__** Using Transitions Effectively for Comparison or Contrast **__ The transitions you use in a comparison or a contrast paragraph, how to use them, and when to use them all depend on the answers to two questions:
 * Are you writing a comparison or a contrast paragraph? **
 * When you choose to write a **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> comparison ** paragraph, you use transition words, phrases, or sentences that point out **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> similarities. **
 * When you choose to write a **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> contrast ** paragraph, you use transition words, phrases, or sentences that point out <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> **differences**.
 * Are you organizing your paragraph in the point-by-point or subject-by-subject pattern? **
 * When you choose to organize your paragraph in the **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> point-by-point pat­tern ** **,** you need transitions **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> within each point **, and <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> **between points**.
 * If you choose to organize in the **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> subject-by-subject pattern ** you need **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">most of your transitions in the <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> second half ** **of the paragraph**, to remind the reader of the points you made in the first half.

Here are some transitions you can use in writing comparison or contrast. **To show similarities:** additionally, again, also, and, as well as, both, each of, equally, furthermore, in addition, in the same way, just like, like, likewise, similarly, similar to. too, so **To show differences:** although, but, conversely, different from, despite, even though, except, however, in contrast to, instead of, in spite of, nevertheless, on the other hand, otherwise, still, though, unlike, whereas, while, yet

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Writing a comparison or contrast paragraph challenges you to make deci­sions: Will I compare or contrast? Will I use a point-by-point or a subject-by- subject pattern? These decisions will determine what kind of transitions you will use and where you will use them. **__ Exercise. Writing Appropriate Transitions for a Comparison or Contrast Paragraph __** Following are pairs of sentences. First, decide whether each pair shows a comparison or a contrast. Then combine the two sentences into one, using an appropriate transition (a word or phrase).You may have to rewrite parts of the original sentences to create one smooth sentence.

Small children are often afraid to leave their parents. Teenagers can't wait to get away from their parents.

Phillippe was an intelligent dog who learned all sorts of tricks. Elvis, our basset hound, refused to do the simplest tricks.

Exercise can help you lower cholesterol levels, fight heart disease, and relieve stress. A doctor can give you medicine for heart disease, high cholesterol, or stress.

=<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Writing the Comparison or Contrast Paragraph in Steps =

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">**STEP 1. THINK (BRAINSTORM)** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">One way to get started on a comparison or a contrast paragraph is to **list** as many differences or similarities on one topic as you can. Then you can see whether you have more similarities (comparisons) or more differences (contrasts), and decide which approach to use.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Whether you compare or contrast, you are looking for **specific points of comparison or contras**t, items you can discuss about both subjects. Following are some topics that could be used for a comparison or a contrast paragraph. Underneath each topic, write three points of comparison or contrast. a movie and its sequel two friends two university courses two professional sport players
 * __ Exercise. __****__ Developing Points of Comparison or Contrast __**

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">To write your paragraph, start with several points of comparison or contrast. It is better to start with too many points than with too few. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Once you have some points, you can begin adding details, which will lead you to more points. Even if they don't, the process will help you to develop the ideas of your paragraph.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Once you have a list of points and some details, you can review your list and ask yourself, "**What's my main idea?** Where is the list taking me?" <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Now that you have a point, you can put it into **a topic sentence (see above)**.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">**STEP 2. PLAN (Outline)**

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">When you have a topic sentence, you can begin to draft an outline. Before you can write an outline, however, you have to make a decision: What pattern do you want to use in organizing your paragraph? Do you want to use the subject-by- subject or the point-by-point pattern? <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Do not forget about **concluding sentence**. There are two str <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5;">ategies: <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5;">Evaluate - which object is a better choice <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5;">Aswer the question "So what?"

<span style="display: block; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: left;">Once you've drafted an outline, check it. Use the checklist below to help you review and revise your outline.

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Do I have enough details?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Are all my details relevant?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Have I covered all the points on both sides?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">If I'm using a subject-by-subject pattern, have I covered the points in the same order on both sides?

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">✓Have I tried to cover too many points?

✓ <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Have I made my main idea clear? What is the conclusion?

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">**STEP 3. WRITE (Draft)**

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">When you've revised your outline, you can write the first draft of the paragraph. After making a first draft, you may want to combine more sentences, rearrange your points, fix your topic sentence, or add vivid detail. You may also need to add transitions. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">checklist

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Did I include a topic sentence that covers both subjects?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Is the paragraph in a clear order?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Does it stick to one pattern, either subject-by-subject or point-by- point?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Are both subjects given roughly the same amount of space?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Do all the details fit?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Are the details specific and vivid?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Do I need to combine any sentences?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Are transitions used effectively?

✓ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Have I made my point?

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">**STEP 4. Final lines (Edit)**

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Before you prepare the final lines copy of your comparison or contrast paragraph, check your latest draft for errors in spelling and punctuation, and for any errors made in typing or recopying.

Home assignment <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Choose ONE of the following <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">A. Write a paragraph that compares or contrasts any experience you've heard about with the same experience as you lived it. For example, you could compare or con­trast what you heard about starting university with your actual experience of starting university. You could compare or contrast what you heard about falling in love with your experience of falling in love, or what you heard about playing a sport with your own experience playing that sport. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">B. Contrast what your appearance (or your behavior) makes others think of you and what you are like below the surface of your appearance (or behavior). <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">C. Contrast something you did in the past with the way you do the same thing today. For example, you could compare the two ways (past and present) of studying, shopping, treating your friends, spending your free time, or getting along with a parent. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">D. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Contrast your taste in music, or dress, or ways of spending leisure time with that of another generation.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">To write your paragraph, follow these steps
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Choose the topic you will write about; then list all the similar­ities and differences between the chosen objects.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">To decide whether to write a comparison or a contrast paragraph, survey your list to see which has more details, similarities or differences.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;"> Add details to your comparison or contrast list. Survey your list again, and group the details into points of comparison or contrast.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;"> Write a topic sentence that includes both subjects, focuses on comparison or contrast, and make a point.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Decide whether your paragraph will be in the subject-by-subject or point-by-point pattern. Write your outline in the pattern you choose.
 * 6) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Write a roughlines draft of your paragraph. Revise your draft, checking the transitions, the order of the points and the space given to each point for each subject, the relevance and vividness of the details. Combine any short, choppy sentences.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Before you prepare the final copy of your paragraph, edit for word choice, spelling, punctuation, and transitions.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">media type="custom" key="22138164"