Comparison & Contrast
Reece Peace & Claire Bear
"In the narrowest sense, comparison shows how two or more things are similar, and contrast shows how they are different. In most writing situations, however, the two related processes of comparison and contrast are used together" (Kirszner and Mandell 387).
Chapter 11
Read Chapter 11.
Select your points for discussion, formulate a thesis, structure your essay, etc. Use the tools in the chapter, such as the transitions box (393) and revision checklist (394) to help with your assignment. Use the Peer Editing Worksheet on page 406.
Read the following: "Two Ways to Belong" (415); "Sadie and Maud" (poetry, 447); "Finishing School" (101) and "Why My Mother Never Worked" (108). You'll notice that while the first two are comparisons, the last two are found in the Narration section of the book. For this assignment, you will be using the skills of narration that you learned in the first essay assignment and build upon them to compose a COMPARATIVE NARRATIVE.
This is the final assignment that first person perspective will be accepted. Here's the assignment:
You will choose ONE of the following topics and write a 2 page, 4-5 paragraph essay in MLA format with a header, title, times new roman 12 point font, etc. Staple your essay. Grammar and mechanics must be correct. Paragraphs must contain at least 5 sentences; vary your sentence structure, and use description. Your paragraphs should all be balanced in length. Hook the reader-- make them want to read on!
When you compare, it is important to remember that if the two subjects are primarily similar, then your job in the discussion is to mention the similarities but HIGHLIGHT the differences. If the two subjects are primarily different, then you should mention the obvious differences upfront then HIGHLIGHT the similarities.
Example: 2 pizza places (Domino's and Papa John's) will be primarily similar, so we highlight the differences. 2 time periods (1890's and 1990's) will be primarily different, so we highlight the similarities. What you highlight depends on what your subjects are.
This essay explores commonalities among differences and differences among commonalities!
1. Write about the similarities and differences between you and your primary same-gender caretaker (father/son, mother/daughter). You may talk about the differences between that generation and yours, including expectations, instilled values, and realities; you may talk about interests, personalities, and goals. In the conclusion, you may want to discuss (in spite of or due to those commonalities or differences) the most important lesson that person has taught you thus far, or what can you take from your childhood and pass on to your children (or future children).
++ To organize this essay, set up parallels between your two body paragraphs. One way to do this is by repeating key words and phrases. You may discuss you and your generation in body 1, then your caregiver and their generation in body 2, and draw the key distinction (or parallel) in the conclusion. You may do a point-by point organization (personality, interests, goals, circumstances of childhood, etc.-- choose 3) or a subject by subject (discuss you in one paragraph hitting 3 separate key points, then in a separate paragraph, discussing those same key points in the same order but in reference to your other subject).
+++ Rather than generalize, you may also choose to focus in on just one-three major similarites between you and your caretaker. The differences are obvious (age, generation, etc.), but maybe you both love art, hate math, or fell in love young... whether you want to have a general essay or a more tightly-woven one is up to you. Either way, the organizational pattern must be clear.
2. Compare and contrast you (and your life) to that of someone you admire. This could be anyone from a family member to a teacher to your favorite celebrity (dead or alive). Clearly, the differences will be huge, so the essay should establish those differences quickly upfront then move on to focusing in on the similarities. What do you have in common? What draws you to that person? You should use "common knowledge" and not research to write this essay. If you do use research of any kind, including quotes, a works cited page will be required (formatted in MLA properly), but we'd like to avoid this until the research section is covered by the instructor. See the above notes about organization-- they apply with this topic as well.
3. Compare yourself to a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. :) This could be a television or film character-- maybe even a literary one? Dazzle me.
[BTW, favorite current TV programs: "Modern Family", "Big Bang Theory", "How I Met Your Mother", "The Middle", "90210", "Project Runway", "Sister Wives", "Bill Maher"... and the BIO channel.] If I had to compare myself to a fictional character, it would be Lindsey Weir from the short-lived series "Freaks and Geeks" or Alex P. Keaton from "Family Ties". :) Have fun!
Again, thes are "NARRATIVE" responses... so you can use 1st person. However, it might be interesting to take a 3rd person approach; this would be analyzing from an objective perspective. Please write in proper paragraph format with indetnions and proper grammar/mechanics.
Tip: Make sure that your paragraphs aren't just long lists of "differences" and "similarities". Connect all of your sub-points to a main theme-- present a thread for which to weave with your ideas.
Tutorial-- Organizing Comparison & Contrast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4DvXprcbsc&feature=related
W 06 October: Comparison Draft--GRAPHIC ORGANIZER DUE F 08 October: No Class M 11 October: Comparison Draft & Revisions W 13 October: Typed Copy of Comparison Due;
Print out this graphic organizer. Fill in the blanks as they apply to YOUR essay. This is due on WEDNESDAY. http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson275/compcon_chart.pdf
Use this model in class for brainstorming: http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/pdf/venn1.pdf
Chapter 11
Read Chapter 11.
Select your points for discussion, formulate a thesis, structure your essay, etc. Use the tools in the chapter, such as the transitions box (393) and revision checklist (394) to help with your assignment. Use the Peer Editing Worksheet on page 406.
Read the following: "Two Ways to Belong" (415); "Sadie and Maud" (poetry, 447); "Finishing School" (101) and "Why My Mother Never Worked" (108). You'll notice that while the first two are comparisons, the last two are found in the Narration section of the book. For this assignment, you will be using the skills of narration that you learned in the first essay assignment and build upon them to compose a COMPARATIVE NARRATIVE.
This is the final assignment that first person perspective will be accepted. Here's the assignment:
You will choose ONE of the following topics and write a 2 page, 4-5 paragraph essay in MLA format with a header, title, times new roman 12 point font, etc. Staple your essay. Grammar and mechanics must be correct. Paragraphs must contain at least 5 sentences; vary your sentence structure, and use description. Your paragraphs should all be balanced in length. Hook the reader-- make them want to read on!
When you compare, it is important to remember that if the two subjects are primarily similar, then your job in the discussion is to mention the similarities but HIGHLIGHT the differences. If the two subjects are primarily different, then you should mention the obvious differences upfront then HIGHLIGHT the similarities.
Example: 2 pizza places (Domino's and Papa John's) will be primarily similar, so we highlight the differences. 2 time periods (1890's and 1990's) will be primarily different, so we highlight the similarities. What you highlight depends on what your subjects are.
This essay explores commonalities among differences and differences among commonalities!
1. Write about the similarities and differences between you and your primary same-gender caretaker (father/son, mother/daughter). You may talk about the differences between that generation and yours, including expectations, instilled values, and realities; you may talk about interests, personalities, and goals. In the conclusion, you may want to discuss (in spite of or due to those commonalities or differences) the most important lesson that person has taught you thus far, or what can you take from your childhood and pass on to your children (or future children).
++ To organize this essay, set up parallels between your two body paragraphs. One way to do this is by repeating key words and phrases. You may discuss you and your generation in body 1, then your caregiver and their generation in body 2, and draw the key distinction (or parallel) in the conclusion. You may do a point-by point organization (personality, interests, goals, circumstances of childhood, etc.-- choose 3) or a subject by subject (discuss you in one paragraph hitting 3 separate key points, then in a separate paragraph, discussing those same key points in the same order but in reference to your other subject).
+++ Rather than generalize, you may also choose to focus in on just one-three major similarites between you and your caretaker. The differences are obvious (age, generation, etc.), but maybe you both love art, hate math, or fell in love young... whether you want to have a general essay or a more tightly-woven one is up to you. Either way, the organizational pattern must be clear.
2. Compare and contrast you (and your life) to that of someone you admire. This could be anyone from a family member to a teacher to your favorite celebrity (dead or alive). Clearly, the differences will be huge, so the essay should establish those differences quickly upfront then move on to focusing in on the similarities. What do you have in common? What draws you to that person? You should use "common knowledge" and not research to write this essay. If you do use research of any kind, including quotes, a works cited page will be required (formatted in MLA properly), but we'd like to avoid this until the research section is covered by the instructor. See the above notes about organization-- they apply with this topic as well.
3. Compare yourself to a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. :) This could be a television or film character-- maybe even a literary one? Dazzle me.
[BTW, favorite current TV programs: "Modern Family", "Big Bang Theory", "How I Met Your Mother", "The Middle", "90210", "Project Runway", "Sister Wives", "Bill Maher"... and the BIO channel.] If I had to compare myself to a fictional character, it would be Lindsey Weir from the short-lived series "Freaks and Geeks" or Alex P. Keaton from "Family Ties". :) Have fun!
Again, thes are "NARRATIVE" responses... so you can use 1st person. However, it might be interesting to take a 3rd person approach; this would be analyzing from an objective perspective. Please write in proper paragraph format with indetnions and proper grammar/mechanics.
Tip: Make sure that your paragraphs aren't just long lists of "differences" and "similarities". Connect all of your sub-points to a main theme-- present a thread for which to weave with your ideas.
Tutorial-- Organizing Comparison & Contrast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4DvXprcbsc&feature=related
W 06 October: Comparison Draft--GRAPHIC ORGANIZER DUE F 08 October: No Class M 11 October: Comparison Draft & Revisions W 13 October: Typed Copy of Comparison Due;
Print out this graphic organizer. Fill in the blanks as they apply to YOUR essay. This is due on WEDNESDAY. http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson275/compcon_chart.pdf
Use this model in class for brainstorming: http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/pdf/venn1.pdf
.SAMPLE OUTLINE: [Let's pretend I was assigned a paper comparing my two daughters.]
BAD Thesis: My daughters Claire and Reece have both some similarities and some differences.
** NOBODY will get away with this type of thesis!
Why is this bad? One word: DUH! Everything, and I mean everything that you "compare" will contain both similarities and differences-- that is why you can write about the two subjects together in that way! This non-thesis is too vague; it really says absolutely nothing about the projected path of my paper.
Title: Heart & Soul [implies a comparison]
I'd start with a hook: It has been famously said that "little girls are sugar and spice and everything nice;" and when it comes to my two daughters, this is indeed true. [Then transition to the real topic.] My babies came into the world only fifteen months apart; not only are they siblings, but they are also best friends. Because they are so close in age, many people assume that they are exactly alike; some even assume that they are twins. This, however, is not entirely accurate. While they are obviously alike in some ways, including their size, their good behavior, and their homelife, they are quite different in other significant ways; to put it simply, Claire is my heart, and Reece is my soul... or is it opposite? I guess it depends on the day. [Thesis]
Body 1: Work Ethic -- Claire is lazy, Reece is enthusiastic (give at least 3 examples)
Body 2: Interests/Activities-- while they both have similar interests, they excel at various different activities. (give 3 supporting details-- girl scouts, orchestra, dance...)
Body 3: Perhaps the most significant area of difference between them is their root personalities: Claire is ruled by her head, and Reece is ruled by her heart. (3 examples/supporting details).
Conclusion: I would discuss how after having your first child, you find it difficult to grasp how you could love another child just the same. After you have another child, you learn that you don't love them the same, but you certainly love them equally. I'd also include a brief commentary on what each child means to me-- what unique qualities do they bring to this family.
Sample Essay:
WWAD
Sometimes a television show comes along that has a profound impact on a person’s life. As an English Instructor, I’m accustomed to viewing “characters” as real people; I get to know these characters so well that they become “old friends” and sometimes even “family”. That is how I feel about the Keaton’s, the famous television family from the popular 1980’s series “Family Ties”. I grew up wishing I were a Keaton, longing for a family as loving and picture imperfect as they were. The premise of the show is the dynamic created when liberal, hippy parents end up raising an ultra-conservative son; that son is Alex P. Keaton, a name that continues to garner a reaction two decades after the show ended its run. I realized early on that I viewed Alex as a hero, but it was only later on in my life that I understood the depth of impact that he had on my life; in fact, I live my life by the motto WWAD (what would Alex do?).
When “Family Ties” was in its first run, I was of an age to be Alex’s little sister, yet looking back, I now realize that my admiration for him was partly because I saw myself (or more accurately who I wanted to become) in him. Alex was first and foremost a Conservative Republican. As a young child growing up during the Reagan era, I too was conservative; I was that irritating kid that tried to spark political conversation on the elementary school playground. I often wondered who among my peers would grow up to vote Republican and who would be a Democrat. This kind of age-inappropriate contemplation was a big part of who Alex was; as a baby, he played with money and his Nixon rattle, and as a child, he was already dishing out political and financial advice. I was exactly that way; in fact, during the 1992 presidential election, I proudly convinced my very conservative parents to cast their votes for the very liberal Bill Clinton. I’d say that Alex would be proud, but…
Now, you might be thinking that that is where Alex and I differ; he was conservative, and I became liberal. Fine, but the passion for politics that we share is an undeniable similarity; Alex would’ve considered getting Elyse and Stephen to vote for Bush quite an accomplishment. While I don’t have a Nixon poster above my bed, I do have a framed letter from Michelle Obama proudly displayed on my bookshelf. Alex often found himself fighting for political causes that seemed out of character for him, like the women’s movement and civil rights; like Alex, I can’t resist a good cause. Alex always fought for fairness and justice, and for all the sarcasm he dished out to his sister Mallory, he was always the first to stand up for her. For all of Alex’s political passion, he had an even greater passion for his family, and he prioritized correctly. Like Alex, I put family first, and I would never let political disputes come between the relationships with the people that I love.
The quality in Alex that I admired most was his confidence. Alex was smart, very smart, and he knew it; in fact, he’d let everyone know it. Like Alex, I always earned good grades school; I would always strive to make the best grade on the test or write the best paper. Like Alex, being good wasn’t good enough; we believe in striving to be the best. And like Alex, I sometimes fell short; neither Alex nor I graduated first in our high school class, yet we were both destined for success. Alex embraced the college experience with excitement and enthusiasm, and he strove hard to impress the professors that he so admired; so did I. Alex’s confident, perfectionist personality was off-putting to some but charming to others; like Alex, I understood that everyone should like me. Alex was often told that it must be easy to be him, but that was a misunderstanding; it isn’t easy to live up to such high expectations all the time, especially when they are self-imposed.
My married name is Hollie P. Domingue; I often emphasize that middle P. Perhaps subconsciously that P. binds me to Alex P. Keaton, my childhood hero. Every time I watch an episode of “Family Ties”, I remain fixated on Alex and reflect on how he mirrored something inside of me and shaped who I would become. Over the past decade, I’ve rarely made a decision without asking myself, WWAD? Who would Alex vote for? How would Alex approach his career? How would Alex lead his family? I know that Alex would put his family first and love them with his whole heart and soul. I know that Alex would continually strive to be the best at his job. For success, he would do almost anything, but what he would never do is sacrifice his family. Who Alex would vote for is a fairly serious question that has been contemplated by the creator of the show and Fox himself. I believe that Alex would be disappointed in the direction the Republican Party has taken, and while he’d be gravely disappointed in the state of the economy and never advocate government intervention as a solution to any problem, I do think that he would hold liberal social views. If “Family Ties” were real life, perhaps Alex would be running for high office by now; even if he were still a Republican, he’d still have my vote, and that is saying a LOT.
BAD Thesis: My daughters Claire and Reece have both some similarities and some differences.
** NOBODY will get away with this type of thesis!
Why is this bad? One word: DUH! Everything, and I mean everything that you "compare" will contain both similarities and differences-- that is why you can write about the two subjects together in that way! This non-thesis is too vague; it really says absolutely nothing about the projected path of my paper.
Title: Heart & Soul [implies a comparison]
I'd start with a hook: It has been famously said that "little girls are sugar and spice and everything nice;" and when it comes to my two daughters, this is indeed true. [Then transition to the real topic.] My babies came into the world only fifteen months apart; not only are they siblings, but they are also best friends. Because they are so close in age, many people assume that they are exactly alike; some even assume that they are twins. This, however, is not entirely accurate. While they are obviously alike in some ways, including their size, their good behavior, and their homelife, they are quite different in other significant ways; to put it simply, Claire is my heart, and Reece is my soul... or is it opposite? I guess it depends on the day. [Thesis]
Body 1: Work Ethic -- Claire is lazy, Reece is enthusiastic (give at least 3 examples)
Body 2: Interests/Activities-- while they both have similar interests, they excel at various different activities. (give 3 supporting details-- girl scouts, orchestra, dance...)
Body 3: Perhaps the most significant area of difference between them is their root personalities: Claire is ruled by her head, and Reece is ruled by her heart. (3 examples/supporting details).
Conclusion: I would discuss how after having your first child, you find it difficult to grasp how you could love another child just the same. After you have another child, you learn that you don't love them the same, but you certainly love them equally. I'd also include a brief commentary on what each child means to me-- what unique qualities do they bring to this family.
Sample Essay:
WWAD
Sometimes a television show comes along that has a profound impact on a person’s life. As an English Instructor, I’m accustomed to viewing “characters” as real people; I get to know these characters so well that they become “old friends” and sometimes even “family”. That is how I feel about the Keaton’s, the famous television family from the popular 1980’s series “Family Ties”. I grew up wishing I were a Keaton, longing for a family as loving and picture imperfect as they were. The premise of the show is the dynamic created when liberal, hippy parents end up raising an ultra-conservative son; that son is Alex P. Keaton, a name that continues to garner a reaction two decades after the show ended its run. I realized early on that I viewed Alex as a hero, but it was only later on in my life that I understood the depth of impact that he had on my life; in fact, I live my life by the motto WWAD (what would Alex do?).
When “Family Ties” was in its first run, I was of an age to be Alex’s little sister, yet looking back, I now realize that my admiration for him was partly because I saw myself (or more accurately who I wanted to become) in him. Alex was first and foremost a Conservative Republican. As a young child growing up during the Reagan era, I too was conservative; I was that irritating kid that tried to spark political conversation on the elementary school playground. I often wondered who among my peers would grow up to vote Republican and who would be a Democrat. This kind of age-inappropriate contemplation was a big part of who Alex was; as a baby, he played with money and his Nixon rattle, and as a child, he was already dishing out political and financial advice. I was exactly that way; in fact, during the 1992 presidential election, I proudly convinced my very conservative parents to cast their votes for the very liberal Bill Clinton. I’d say that Alex would be proud, but…
Now, you might be thinking that that is where Alex and I differ; he was conservative, and I became liberal. Fine, but the passion for politics that we share is an undeniable similarity; Alex would’ve considered getting Elyse and Stephen to vote for Bush quite an accomplishment. While I don’t have a Nixon poster above my bed, I do have a framed letter from Michelle Obama proudly displayed on my bookshelf. Alex often found himself fighting for political causes that seemed out of character for him, like the women’s movement and civil rights; like Alex, I can’t resist a good cause. Alex always fought for fairness and justice, and for all the sarcasm he dished out to his sister Mallory, he was always the first to stand up for her. For all of Alex’s political passion, he had an even greater passion for his family, and he prioritized correctly. Like Alex, I put family first, and I would never let political disputes come between the relationships with the people that I love.
The quality in Alex that I admired most was his confidence. Alex was smart, very smart, and he knew it; in fact, he’d let everyone know it. Like Alex, I always earned good grades school; I would always strive to make the best grade on the test or write the best paper. Like Alex, being good wasn’t good enough; we believe in striving to be the best. And like Alex, I sometimes fell short; neither Alex nor I graduated first in our high school class, yet we were both destined for success. Alex embraced the college experience with excitement and enthusiasm, and he strove hard to impress the professors that he so admired; so did I. Alex’s confident, perfectionist personality was off-putting to some but charming to others; like Alex, I understood that everyone should like me. Alex was often told that it must be easy to be him, but that was a misunderstanding; it isn’t easy to live up to such high expectations all the time, especially when they are self-imposed.
My married name is Hollie P. Domingue; I often emphasize that middle P. Perhaps subconsciously that P. binds me to Alex P. Keaton, my childhood hero. Every time I watch an episode of “Family Ties”, I remain fixated on Alex and reflect on how he mirrored something inside of me and shaped who I would become. Over the past decade, I’ve rarely made a decision without asking myself, WWAD? Who would Alex vote for? How would Alex approach his career? How would Alex lead his family? I know that Alex would put his family first and love them with his whole heart and soul. I know that Alex would continually strive to be the best at his job. For success, he would do almost anything, but what he would never do is sacrifice his family. Who Alex would vote for is a fairly serious question that has been contemplated by the creator of the show and Fox himself. I believe that Alex would be disappointed in the direction the Republican Party has taken, and while he’d be gravely disappointed in the state of the economy and never advocate government intervention as a solution to any problem, I do think that he would hold liberal social views. If “Family Ties” were real life, perhaps Alex would be running for high office by now; even if he were still a Republican, he’d still have my vote, and that is saying a LOT.
SADIE AND MAUD
Maud went to college.
Sadie stayed home.
Sadie scraped life
With a fine toothed comb.
She didn't leave a tangle in
Her comb found every strand.
Sadie was one of the livingest chicks
In all the land.
Sadie bore two babies
Under her maiden name.
Maud and Ma and Papa
Nearly died of shame.
When Sadie said her last so-long
Her girls struck out from home.
(Sadie left as heritage
Her fine-toothed comb.)
Maud, who went to college,
Is a thin brown mouse.
She is living all alone
In this old house.
Gwendolyn Brooks
