Comparison and Contrast Writing

AP Language and Composition

What is comparison and contrast?

Comparison shows how two or more things are similar

Contrast shows how two or more things are different

In most writing situations, the two related processes are used together

Establishing a basis for comparison

The two things to be compared must have enough in common to justify the comparison.

In making comparisons, you should move beyond the obvious (i.e., people and bees)

When two things are very similar, it is the contrasts that may be worth writing about.

Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)

Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)

What significant characteristics do these two sculptures share? Do they share enough characteristics to establish a basis for comparison? Explain.

WRITING EXERCISE: LOVE!

Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)

Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)

How does each sculpture convey the idea of love? Which one do you believe conveys this idea more effectively? Why?

Searching points for discussion Determine your

emphasis on similarities, differences, or both.

Determine the major focus of your paper.

Make sure you treat the same or similar elements for each subject you will discuss:

Character Character

Traits Traits

Relationships

Relationships

Choices Choices

Do not discuss entirely different elements for each subject.

Character Character

Traits Death

Relationships

Reputation

Choices symbolism

Formulating a Thesis Statement Identify not only the subjects to be

compared and contrasted in your essay, but the point you will make about them.

Also indicate whether you will focus on similarities or differences, or balance the two.

“Although Melville’s Moby-Dick and London’s The Sea Wolf are both about the sea, the minor characters, major characters, and themes of Moby-Dick establish its greater complexity.”

Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (Sculpture)

Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)

What general statement could you make about these two sculptures?

Two Formats for Compare/Contrast Essays:

Block Format:

Paragraph 1: Apples

a. Color

b. Flavor

c. Varieties

Paragraph 2: Oranges

a. Color

b. Flavor

c. Varieties

Point-by-Point Format

Paragraph 1: Color of Apples and oranges

Paragraph 2: Flavor of apples and oranges

Paragraph 3: Varieties of apples and oranges

Structuring a Comparison and Contrast Essay

Subject by Subject Write a separate essay about each subject,

but you discuss the same points for both subjects.

Use basis for comparison to guide your selection of points.

Arrange points in logical order, usually order of importance.

Good for short, uncomplicated papers.

Point by Point Comparison Good for longer, more complex papers Make a point about one subject, and then

follow it with a comparable point about the other subject.

Alternating pattern Be careful not to fall into a monotonous,

back and forth movement between points. To avoid this problem, vary sentence structure as you move from point to point.

Student Example: Comparison and Contrast Essay