Comparison & Contrast
"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).
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 write about the topic listed below. Write a 2 page, 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.
CHAPTER 7 in your textbook is about comparison & contrast.
YOUR PURPOSE: To inform your readers about the two subjects in order to provide an understanding of the two.
You must be able to decipher a "COMMON ELEMENT" between the 2 subjects.
PLEASE USE the TABLE on page 126 to help you generate ideas!! Categories Subject A Subject B
Review the sample thesis on page 127-- formula: Two Subjects + Reason
On page 128, you are given 2 models for comparison; use the ALTERNATING PATTERN: Point 1 (Subject A, Subject B); Point 2 (Subject A, Subject B); Point 3 (Subject A, Subject B)
TRANSITIONS are important in this type of essay. Look at page 130: also, both, yet, although, finally, unlike, like, etc.
Look at PEER RESPONSE on page 130-131-- we will use these on your peer editing sheet. It is a good idea to go over them so you can know what goes in your essay.
It is important to vary your wording in these essays; look at page 131.
REVISION CHECKLIST is on page 132.
This essay explores commonalities among differences and differences among commonalities!
TOPIC: Everyone has watched a television show or movie, or read a book, and has been able to "relate" to one of the characters. Compare yourself to a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. This could be a television or film character-- maybe even a literary one? Dazzle me. 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.
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". :) Maybe even Sheldon Cooper from "The Big Bang Theory." :) Have fun!
Again, these are "NARRATIVE" responses... so you can use 1st person. But, the format is "comparison & contrast." Please write in proper paragraph format with indentions 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.
++ To organize this essay, set up parallels between your two body paragraphs. One way to do this is by repeating key words and phrases.
While there are 2 main ways to write a comparison/contrast essay, I would like for you to use a point-by point organizational structure.
Introduction: Hook or lead-in, introduce TV show/book/movie that you character comes from, clear thesis that indicates that there's a similarity between you and the character and why. **You must devote 1-2 sentences introduces the "work" (book, movie, TV show) that this person is in to give context to your readers who may or may not have ever heard of this character.
Body Paragraph 1: Introduce the connection between you and this character. Maybe build up how you were introduced to the character and why you began to love, admire, emulate, etc. the character or began to see similarities between yourself and the character. Point out some prominent characteristics that you both share.
BP2: Here you may choose to discuss the major ways you differ. End with a transition that inidcates that despite all those glaring differences, there's something that draws you together. [If you have 3 distinct similarities to discuss, you may include this information in the introduction instead. Then you'd have 3 body paragraphs, each devoted to a distinct catagory of similarity.]
Or, you may focus on one group of similarities (looks, ideals, fashion, etc.).
BP3: Discuss a major similarity or catagory of similarities (likes and dislikes, goals and dreams, personality trait or traits, etc.). Just make sure you don't jump around; example: We are alike because of ____. We are also alike because of _______. Etc. You need to organize your details/examples around one main TOPIC statement that indicates one general catagory of similarity that you will present in the paragraph.
Conclusion: Reflect on the character and why you are drawn to it in such a personal way. Reflect on what having been introduced to this character has added to your life, what you've learned from the character, or what inspires you about the character. Tie in to your title for affect.
DO NOT give me THESE THESIS STATEMENTS:
Both are alike and different.
They can be compared and contrasted.
Both have good points and bad points.
In fact, it is best to altogether avoid the words "alike, similar, different, the same, good, bad, compare, contrast, etc." in your thesis.
Tutorial-- Organizing Comparison & Contrast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4DvXprcbsc&feature=related
Use this model in class for brainstorming: http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/pdf/venn1.pdf
MWF
W 25: Ch. 7 “Comparison & Contrast” (starts pg. 116): Assignment & Examples (“Me & the TV”)
F 27: C/C planning/outlining
M 30: C/C Rough Drafts Due for editing
October:
W 02: C/C Final Drafts Due
TR
R 26: Ch. 7, “Comparison & Contrast” (Me & the TV); Assignment & Examples, Outlining
October:
T 01: C/C Drafts due for editing
R 03: C/C Final Drafts Due; Literary Analysis—Bring a song that has meaning
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 write about the topic listed below. Write a 2 page, 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.
CHAPTER 7 in your textbook is about comparison & contrast.
YOUR PURPOSE: To inform your readers about the two subjects in order to provide an understanding of the two.
You must be able to decipher a "COMMON ELEMENT" between the 2 subjects.
PLEASE USE the TABLE on page 126 to help you generate ideas!! Categories Subject A Subject B
Review the sample thesis on page 127-- formula: Two Subjects + Reason
On page 128, you are given 2 models for comparison; use the ALTERNATING PATTERN: Point 1 (Subject A, Subject B); Point 2 (Subject A, Subject B); Point 3 (Subject A, Subject B)
TRANSITIONS are important in this type of essay. Look at page 130: also, both, yet, although, finally, unlike, like, etc.
Look at PEER RESPONSE on page 130-131-- we will use these on your peer editing sheet. It is a good idea to go over them so you can know what goes in your essay.
It is important to vary your wording in these essays; look at page 131.
REVISION CHECKLIST is on page 132.
This essay explores commonalities among differences and differences among commonalities!
TOPIC: Everyone has watched a television show or movie, or read a book, and has been able to "relate" to one of the characters. Compare yourself to a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. This could be a television or film character-- maybe even a literary one? Dazzle me. 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.
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". :) Maybe even Sheldon Cooper from "The Big Bang Theory." :) Have fun!
Again, these are "NARRATIVE" responses... so you can use 1st person. But, the format is "comparison & contrast." Please write in proper paragraph format with indentions 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.
++ To organize this essay, set up parallels between your two body paragraphs. One way to do this is by repeating key words and phrases.
While there are 2 main ways to write a comparison/contrast essay, I would like for you to use a point-by point organizational structure.
Introduction: Hook or lead-in, introduce TV show/book/movie that you character comes from, clear thesis that indicates that there's a similarity between you and the character and why. **You must devote 1-2 sentences introduces the "work" (book, movie, TV show) that this person is in to give context to your readers who may or may not have ever heard of this character.
Body Paragraph 1: Introduce the connection between you and this character. Maybe build up how you were introduced to the character and why you began to love, admire, emulate, etc. the character or began to see similarities between yourself and the character. Point out some prominent characteristics that you both share.
BP2: Here you may choose to discuss the major ways you differ. End with a transition that inidcates that despite all those glaring differences, there's something that draws you together. [If you have 3 distinct similarities to discuss, you may include this information in the introduction instead. Then you'd have 3 body paragraphs, each devoted to a distinct catagory of similarity.]
Or, you may focus on one group of similarities (looks, ideals, fashion, etc.).
BP3: Discuss a major similarity or catagory of similarities (likes and dislikes, goals and dreams, personality trait or traits, etc.). Just make sure you don't jump around; example: We are alike because of ____. We are also alike because of _______. Etc. You need to organize your details/examples around one main TOPIC statement that indicates one general catagory of similarity that you will present in the paragraph.
Conclusion: Reflect on the character and why you are drawn to it in such a personal way. Reflect on what having been introduced to this character has added to your life, what you've learned from the character, or what inspires you about the character. Tie in to your title for affect.
DO NOT give me THESE THESIS STATEMENTS:
Both are alike and different.
They can be compared and contrasted.
Both have good points and bad points.
In fact, it is best to altogether avoid the words "alike, similar, different, the same, good, bad, compare, contrast, etc." in your thesis.
Tutorial-- Organizing Comparison & Contrast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4DvXprcbsc&feature=related
Use this model in class for brainstorming: http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/pdf/venn1.pdf
MWF
W 25: Ch. 7 “Comparison & Contrast” (starts pg. 116): Assignment & Examples (“Me & the TV”)
F 27: C/C planning/outlining
M 30: C/C Rough Drafts Due for editing
October:
W 02: C/C Final Drafts Due
TR
R 26: Ch. 7, “Comparison & Contrast” (Me & the TV); Assignment & Examples, Outlining
October:
T 01: C/C Drafts due for editing
R 03: C/C Final Drafts Due; Literary Analysis—Bring a song that has meaning
ccgraphicorganizer.1301.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
SAMPLE ESSAY
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 Keatons, 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-- because my parents were and because Alex was; 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, but eventually, I switched political sides; 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 (his very liberal parents) 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. His 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, and 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. Unlike Alex, I don't desire money, nor did I pick a lucrative career; however, I'd like to think I'm the kind of girl who Alex would've married, and that makes me proud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCiRuJ8fWYs
**The clip below is very telling. 15 years ago, I would've totally identified with Alex. Today, I totally identify with his mother.
**The second clip is from one of the most moving hours of TV ever to get air time. If you'd like to watch the entire 2 episodes, search for "A, My Name is Alex" on YOUTUBE.
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 Keatons, 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-- because my parents were and because Alex was; 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, but eventually, I switched political sides; 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 (his very liberal parents) 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. His 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, and 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. Unlike Alex, I don't desire money, nor did I pick a lucrative career; however, I'd like to think I'm the kind of girl who Alex would've married, and that makes me proud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCiRuJ8fWYs
**The clip below is very telling. 15 years ago, I would've totally identified with Alex. Today, I totally identify with his mother.
**The second clip is from one of the most moving hours of TV ever to get air time. If you'd like to watch the entire 2 episodes, search for "A, My Name is Alex" on YOUTUBE.