Comparison and Contrast: Showing Similarities and Differences

Writing Quick Start: Showing Similarities and Differences

16

Comparison and Contrast

Showing Similarities and Differences

IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN TO

understand the purpose and function of comparison or contrast essays,
use graphic organizers to visualize comparison and contrast essays,
integrate comparison and contrast into an essay,
read and think critically about comparison and contrast, and
plan, organize, draft, revise, and edit essays using comparison and contrast.

WRITING QUICK START

tudy the photograph showing a group of friends playing Rockband. Then make two lists, one of ways that playing Rockband and playing in a real band are similar and another of ways that they are different. In your lists, include details about the types of skills required, the setting, and so on. Then write a paragraph comparing playing Rockband with being in a band.

Using comparison and contrast involves looking at similarities (comparison), differences (contrast), or both. You analyze similarities and differences when you make everyday decisions (when you shop for a pair of jeans or select a sandwich in the cafeteria) as well as when you make important decisions (deciding which college to attend or which person to date). Your paragraph about playing Rockband and playing in a rock band is an example of comparison-and-contrast writing.

USING COMPARISON AND CONTRAST IN COLLEGE AND THE WORKPLACE

For a course in criminal justice, your instructor asks you to participate in a panel discussion comparing organized crime in Italy, Japan, and Russia.
For a journalism course, you are asked to interview two local television news reporters and write a paper contrasting their views on journalistic responsibility.
As a computer technician for a pharmaceutical firm, you are asked to compare and contrast several models of tablet computers and recommend the one the company should purchase for its salespeople.