![]() Predictably, the thesis of such a paper is usually an assertion that A and B are very similar yet not so similar after all. Often, lens comparisons take time into account: earlier texts, events, or historical figures may illuminate later ones, and vice versa.įaced with a daunting list of seemingly unrelated similarities and differences, you may feel confused about how to construct a paper that isn't just a mechanical exercise in which you first state all the features that A and B have in common, and then state all the ways in which A and B are different. Lens comparisons are useful for illuminating, critiquing, or challenging the stability of a thing that, before the analysis, seemed perfectly understood. Just as looking through a pair of glasses changes the way you see an object, using A as a framework for understanding B changes the way you see B. In the "lens" (or "keyhole") comparison, in which you weight A less heavily than B, you use A as a lens through which to view B. "Classic" compare-and-contrast papers, in which you weight A and B equally, may be about two similar things that have crucial differences (two pesticides with different effects on the environment) or two similar things that have crucial differences, yet turn out to have surprising commonalities (two politicians with vastly different world views who voice unexpectedly similar perspectives on sexual harassment). See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample compare-and-contrast essay.Throughout your academic career, you'll be asked to write papers in which you compare and contrast two things: two texts, two theories, two historical figures, two scientific processes, and so on. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects.Īfter you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. ![]() You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. ![]() Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both as well as state what can be learned from doing so. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.įirst choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. ![]() Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar category will increase the audience’s understanding of that category, which is the purpose of the compare-and-contrast essay. For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges rather, you might choose to compare and contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in WritingĬomparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |