The document discusses comparison and contrast as a writing technique. It explains that comparison shows similarities while contrast shows differences between two or more subjects. Keywords that indicate a comparison/contrast assignment include "compare and contrast" and discussions of similarities/differences. When using this technique, writers must establish a basis for comparison by selecting subjects with enough commonalities. They should then determine points of focus and develop a thesis stating the subjects and whether similarities or differences will be emphasized. The essay can be structured by discussing each subject separately or making point-by-point comparisons. Transitions are important to clearly signal similarities and differences to the reader.

1. Comparison &
Contrast
How does it work?

2. What is Comparison & Contrast
 Comparison shows how two or more things
are similar.
 Contrast shows how they are different.
 Most often used together.
 Analogy: explains one thing by comparing it to
a second more familiar thing.
 E.G. a high school and a shopping mall

3. Recognizing C&C Assignments
 When you read questions with key words and
phrases:
 Compare and contrast, similarities and
differences, relative merits, advantages and
disadvantages
 You may choose C&C even if the assignment
doesn’t suggest it.
 When you evaluate, you frequently use
comparison and contrast.

4. Establishing a Basis for
Comparison
 Before you can compare two things, you must be
sure a basis for comparison exists.
 That the two things have enough in common to
justify comparison.
 Should lead you beyond the obvious.
 When two subjects are very similar, the contrast
may be worth writing about.
 And when two subjects are not very much alike,
you may find that the similarities are worth
considering.

5. Selecting Points for Discussion
 Determine your emphasis- on similarities,
differences, or both- and the major focus of
your paper.
 Make sure to treat the same elements for
each subject you discuss.
 Try to avoid discussing entirely different
elements for each subject.

6. Developing a Thesis Statement
 Thesis statement should tell readers what to
expect in your essay.
 Identify the subjects to be compared and
contrasted and also the point you will make about
them.
 Similarities, differences, or both
 Structure can indicate the emphasis of your essay.
 Despite the fact that television and radio are
distinctly different media, they use similar strategies
to appeal to their audience..

7. Structuring a C&C Essay
 Subject by Subject- you essentially write a
separate essay about each subject, but you
discuss the same points for both subjects.
 Appropriate for short, uncomplicated papers.
 Point by Point- you make a point about one
subject and then follow it with a comparable point
about the other.
 Useful for longer, more complicated essays.
 Use differing sentence structure and transitions to
avoid sounding monotonous.

8. Using Transitions
 Transitions are especially important in
comparison and contrast because you must
supply readers with clear signals that identify
similarities and differences.

9. Practice
Marcel Duchamp Sandro Botticelli
“Nude Descending a Staircase no.2” 1912 “The Birth of Venus” 1486

10. Practice
Nosferatu 1922 Twilight 2008