Include “As You Read These Comparisons and Contrasts” text here.
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Learning from Other Writers
In this chapter you will be asked to write a paper setting two subjects side by side, comparing and contrasting them. Let’s see how two other writers have used these familiar habits of thought in writing. To help you begin to analyze the first reading, look at the notes in the margin. They identify features such as thesis, or main idea, the sequence of the broad subjects considered, and the specific points of comparison and contrast.
As You Read These Comparisons and Contrasts
Ask yourself the following questions:
What two (or more) items are compared and contrasted? Does the writer use comparison or contrast only? Does he combine the two? Why?
What is the purpose of the comparison and contrast? What idea does the information support or refute?
How does the writer organize the essay? Why?