Compare_ Contrast

ENGL 1301
Professor Marshall
Compare_Contrast
General Notes

 In the everyday world the terms may be used interchangeably.

 In the academic world, the terms have distinct meanings.

 Quite common mode

Compare_Contrast
General Notes

Compare Contrast
 Examines the similarities among  Examines the differences among
items items

These are the strictest terms, but most often these two
related processes are used together to make a larger point.
Compare_Contrast
How to Approach this Mode
 Recognize when you’re being asked to use this type of thinking.
 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the electoral college. (government)
 How are mitosis and meiosis similar? (science)
 Which is the better gaming system? (technology)

 We use this type of reasoning in academia and in everyday life to make

decisions and perform examinations.

 In academia, we must make sure that the topics chosen have academic merit.
Compare_Contrast
How to Approach this Mode
 There must be a basis for comparison

 The items must have enough in common to compare but not so much in common
that everything is already obvious to the audience.

 When two subjects are very similar writing about the differences may prove
interesting

 When two subjects seem very different examining their similarities will make an
interesting paper.
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How to Approach this Mode
 Choose a topic worthy of academic discussion

 This doesn’t mean the topic or paper has to be stuffy or use overblown
language.

 This means you must have a larger (more significant) point than simply
showing the similarities or differences. Most people already know them.

 Do this by creating an audience and a purpose for your information.

 Compare_Contrast
Avoid these Most Common Errors
 Writing a choppy essay
 Use appropriate transitions & decide how to organize the essay
 textbook reading

 Having a “So What?” thesis

 Discuss the significance of the similarities or differences

 Do not confuse the terms

 Make sure you are addressing the prompt
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How to Approach this Mode
 Sample prompt- Discuss the differences between face-to-face and online
classes.
 1. Brainstorm the differences between the two

Online Face-to-face

Access anywhere, access Set days. Times, set calendar,

anytime, tests dates flexible, lots of verbal interaction,
don’t need transportation, need transportation, questions
very little verbal interaction, answered immediately, feed
little f2f interaction, student of classmates ideas, may get
has to be self-motivated & reminders in class about
organized, wait for responses assignments,
to questions
Compare_Contrast
How to Approach this Mode
 Sample prompt- Discuss the differences between face-to-face and online
classes.

 2. Organize the information into categories.

 Physical space
 Interactions
 Motivation
 Calendar flexibility
Compare_Contrast
How to Approach this Mode
 Sample prompt- Discuss the differences between face-to-face and online
classes.
 3. Create a hardworking thesis!
Here’s an appropriate intro and thesis for a contrast essay.

There have been drastic changes in education in the last twenty years. One of the
biggest changes is how classes can be accessed. Widening internet access has made online
learning an increasingly popular option for delivering content. While both face-to-face and
online classes offer the same curriculum, differences do exist between the two methods.
Despite these differences, the overall flexibility of online classes makes them a better
option for certain students.
 Compare_Contrast
Sample prompt- Discuss the differences between face-to-face and online
classes.

There have been drastic changes in education in the last twenty years. One of the biggest changes has been how
classes can be accessed. Widening internet access has made online learning an increasingly popular option for
delivering content. While both face-to-face and online classes offer the same curriculum, differences do exist
between the two methods. Despite these differences, the overall flexibility of online classes makes them a better
option for certain students.
This thesis clearly
 details the two items being examined(face-to-face & online classes)
 gives the mode contrast (differences)
 makes an argument (online classes are better for certain students)
 targets an audience (“certain” students... discussed throughout the essay)
 Compare_Contrast
Sample prompt- Discuss the differences between face-to-
face and online classes.
 Remember these guys?
 Organize the information into categories.
 Physical space
 Interactions
 Motivation
 Calendar flexibility

 These are now the topics for each body paragraph.

 Compare_Contrast
Sample prompt- Discuss the differences between face-to-face
and online classes.

There have been drastic changes in education in the last twenty years. One of the biggest changes has been
how classes can be accessed. Widening internet access has made online learning an increasingly popular option for
delivering content. While both face-to-face and online classes offer the same curriculum, differences do exist
between the two methods. Despite these differences, the overall flexibility of online classes makes them a better
option for certain students.
Physical space is one major difference between face-to-face and online classes. Face-to-face classes have a
physical, set space, usually on the main campus or a learning center. These classes are conducted in real-time. This
works well for some students; however, this often includes travel time. Online classes, on the other hand, can be
conducted anywhere and anytime; there are no physical restraints. This makes online classes better for students
who may have transportation or scheduling difficulties.

 Notice how the highlighted sentence links back to the larger point made in
the thesis statement. I tell you who that “certain” student is in this case.
 Compare_Contrast
Sample prompt- Discuss the differences between face-to-face
and online classes.

There have been drastic changes in education in the last twenty years. One of the biggest changes has been how classes can be
accessed. Widening internet access has made online learning an increasingly popular option for delivering content. While both face-to-
face and online classes offer the same curriculum, differences do exist between the two methods. Despite these differences, the overall
flexibility of online classes makes them a better option for certain students.
Physical space is one major difference between face-to-face and online classes. Face-to-face classes have a physical, set space,
usually on the main campus or a learning center. These classes are conducted in real-time. This works well for some students;
however, this often includes travel time. Online classes, on the other hand, can be conducted anywhere and anytime; there are no
physical restraints. This makes online classes better for students who may have transportation or scheduling difficulties.

 Here are the topic sentences for the rest of the body paragraphs.
 Another difference between these two learning environments is how and when interactions
occur.
  Students’ levels of motivation is a third difference to note when discussing face-to-face versus
online learning settings.
 Flexible exam dates are a final difference between face-to-face and online courses.
  Construct a conclusion

What’s left? Ensure transitions were used


correctly
 Submit for tutoring or peer review
 Edit & Revise as necessary
Compare_Contrast  Ensure all assignment instructions
Essay Writing were followed