COMPARE AND CONTRAST

When you COMPARE things, you show their

similarities

When you CONTRAST things, you show their

differences

COMPARE and CONTRAST address similarities

and/or differences between two or more
people, places, things, or ideas
WHAT WE KNOW

We understand things that are FAMILIAR to us

or SIMILAR to things we already understand

COMPARING and/or CONTRASTING the

unfamiliar with the familiar will enhance
understanding
COMPARE AND/OR CONTRAST

Academically Personally

- Presidents - Cars
- Procedures - Dates
- Poems - Religions
- Professors - Restaurants
METHODS - CHUNKING

Each object of the comparison is presented

separately
Discussion is organized around each separate
item
List the distinct features of the first subject
then list the distinct features of the second
subject
CHUNKING

Oranges (subtopic 1) round fruit that can be made

into juice. They are (subtopic 2) healthy and
contain fiber and vitamin C. Oranges are (subtopic
3) orange in color and grow in warmer climates.
Apples are also (subtopic 1) round fruit that can be
made into juice. They too are (subtopic 2) healthy
and contain fiber and vitamin C. Apples are
(subtopic 3) red, green, or yellow in color and they
grow in cooler climates.
METHODS - SEQUENCING

Items are compared to the other point by point

Comparison is organized around characteristics
of the items being compared
Analyze feature by feature .
SEQUENCING

Beagles and Corgis based on (subtopic 1)

appearance
Breeds of dogs that are similar in size and will
grow to about 35 pounds at adulthood
The Beagles ears are floppy and droopy as
opposed to a Corgis ears which are pointy and
stick straight up
Both have medium length fur and shed a lot
SEQUENCING

Beagles and Corgis based on (subtopic 2) jobs

Beagles are hunters bred for hunting rabbits. These
dogs will go wherever their noses lead them. A
Beagles hearing seems to turns off when sniffing so
they seem to ignore their masters, but theyre really
just busy.
Corgis are herders bred for herding sheep. They will
follow people and nip at their heels and toes as the
work to herd their humans in the direction they want
them to go.
SEQUENCING

Beagles and Corgis based on (subtopic 3)

personality traits.
These dogs share trait of being pack dogs that
enjoy company of family, children, and other
dogs. Beagles are stubborn and aloof. In
contrast, Corgis are pleasers and friendly.
Beagles differ from Corgis in that they are laid
back and unconcerned while Corgis are sassy
and in everyones business.
YOUR CHOICE

you can choose to

chunk or sequence any topic of interest to you
NFL QUARTERBACKS
SUPERMODELS
NASCAR HEROS
YOUR CHILDREN
CUE WORDS - SIMILARITIES

Winter weather in St. George is similar to winter

weather in Las Vegas.
Both St. George and Las Vegas are hot and dry
in the summer.
Las Vegas is also cold in the winter
Las Vegas is dry and hot too.
As well, St. George is windy in the spring.
CUE WORDS - DIFFERENCES
On the other hand, St. George experiences more rain.
However, it rains more often in St. George.
Las Vegas experiences some rain in the fall, but
receives less than St. George.
In contrast to Las Vegas, St. George receives more
rain.
Las Vegas differs from St. George in that is receives
less rain.
While it rains in Las Vegas in the fall, it rains more in
St. George.
Unlike St. George, Las Vegas receives little rain in the
fall.
CHOOSE ONE
Two items that relate to your research paper
Two ways of achieving the same goal
Two job interviews
Two classes or professors
Relationship with two friends or relatives
Two religions or congregations
Two methods of doing a task
Two vehicles, houses, or neighborhoods
Two celebrities, recording artists, movie stars
BRAINSTORM THE TOPIC

10 similar features 10 different features

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
CHUNKING TWO SUBJECTS IN AN ESSAY

Introduction
Begin with a sentence that will catch the readers
interest
A question
A reason people find the topic interesting or important

Something the two subjects have in common

Name the two subjects and say they are very

similar, very different, or have many important
(or interesting) similarities and differences
CHUNKING TWO SUBJECTS IN AN ESSAY

Paragraph 2 first subject

Describe features of the first subject
Besure to include examples to be used later in proving that
the similarities and/or differences exist but dont mention
the second subject yet.
Paragraph 3 second subject
This paragraph must begin with a transition showing
you are comparing this subject to the first
Foreach comparison, use compare/contrast cue words
Provide examples proving the similarities and/or differences
CHUNKING TWO SUBJECTS IN AN ESSAY

Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give a brief, general
summary of the most important similarities and
difference. End with a personal statement, a
prediction or other clever clincher.
SEQUENCING TWO SUBJECTS IN AN ESSAY

Introduction
Begin with a sentence that will catch the readers
interest
A reason people find the topic interesting or important
A statement about something the subjects have in
common
Name the two subjects and say that they are very similar,
very different, or have many important (or interesting
similarities and differences
SEQUENCING TWO SUBJECTS IN AN ESSAY

Paragraph 2
Transitions beginning each paragraph are made by
repeating ideas, phrases or words. Without
transitions, the essay will sound choppy and
disjointed.
Discuss how both subjects compare on the common
features
For each comparison, use compare cue words

Provide examples proving the similarities and/or

differences
SEQUENCING TWO SUBJECTS IN AN ESSAY

Paragraph 3 (and subsequent)

Remember your transitions
Discuss how both subjects contrast on the dissimilar
features
For each contrast, use contrast cue words

Provide examples proving the similarities and/or

differences
SEQUENCING TWO SUBJECTS IN AN ESSAY

Conclusion
Inthis paragraph, give a brief, general summary of
the most important similarities and differences