Lang -- Compare and Contrast Notes

Goals of studying compare and contrast

1. Analyze how writers and speakers use comparison and contrast to achieve a purpose

2. Learn to employ the method in writing for the same means

Compare

Examination of similarities

Contrast

Examination of differences

How can similarities be used to discover differences?

By comparing in a systemic way, significant differences can be brought out in analysis

Strict Comparison

Examining subjects from the same category; used to examine the value of likenesses and differences

Fanciful Comparison

Examining subjects that are seemingly very different; usually metaphorical and used to simplify or clarify a complex idea.

Importance of the Audience

The audience’s prior knowledge, like narrative, allows for a different amount of detail and definition for each subject.

What is the purpose of balancing the compare and contrast passage?

Balancing the parts allows the reader to fully comprehend the argument, making the argument more memorable and hold weight.

Divided Pattern

Writing subject by subject to completion for a specific topic

Pros and Cons of Divided Pattern

• Useful as it works well in short essays and allows for development to a satisfying whole

• Drawback is it may read like two separate essays and hard to organize in longer format

Alternating Pattern

Alternating point by point with each subject

Pros and Cons of Alternating Pattern

• Emphasizes specific points applied to both subjects and works well in longer essays

• Can read choppy and be difficult to organize

Best strategy for compare and contrast?

Combine the two patterns when possible, shifting from dividing to alternating to best demonstrate similarities and differences

What are the guidelines of arguing with compare and contrast?

1. Balance the subjects compared/contrasted

2. Include reminders of the argument

3. Supply reasons and justification for your argument (it is argumentation)