Compare and Contrast Cloze Notes

(Find the answers on the Compare and Contrast Intro PowerPoint)

  1. Purpose of compare and contrast is:
  • Demonstrates how two subjects, which appear ______, are actually similar.
  • Instead of ______, may be informational.
  1. Terminology: These are all synonyms for the similar “things” you notice about each topic:

  1. Caution! Avoid simply stating the obvious.
  1. In your own words, explain why this type of compare and contrast is weak.

______

  1. How do I prepare to write a comparison and contrast essay?

Create a ______(or Venn diagram)

3 Easy Steps

6. Write a thesis statement

  • Decide to what extent the similarities between subjects will be stressed and to what extent their differences will be stressed.
  • In other words, will you focus on similarities, ______, or an even discussion of both?
  • Create a ______that reflects that decision.
  1. Example: Weak thesis statements
  • They are both somewhat alike and ______.
  • I can see some ______and some differences too.
  • Both of them involve (only a single similarity, no ______).

Examples: Strong thesis statements

  • Ralph and Jack have very different leadership styles and motivations which lead to the eventual chaos and anarchy on the island.
  • In order to make a decision between the Honda Civic and the BMW, consider the following criteria: price of the vehicle, average mileage, and price of insurance.
  1. In your own words, explain the differences between the weak and strong thesis statements.

______

  1. Your thesis statement will be the last sentence of your ______paragraph and will be restated in your ______paragraph.
  1. Describe the Subject-by-Subject and the Point by Point organizational methods

______

Organizing Structures for Compare and Contrast Essays

Block and Point by Point

Block Method / Point by Point Method
Introductory Paragraph
Think of this paragraph as the “So what?”
Why should the reader care about this subject
Use transitions / Introduction of the topics (hook)
(transition) Provides background info on the topics
Thesis statement / Introduction of the topics (hook)
(transition) Provides background info on the topics
Thesis statement
Body Paragraph 1
Use transitions / I.Halloween (Subject A)
  1. Clothing
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
  1. Activities
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
  1. Traditions
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
(Add a concluding sentence) /
  1. Clothing (Aspect 1)
  1. Halloween
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
  1. Prom
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
(Add a concluding sentence)
Body Paragraph 2
Use transitions / II.Prom (Subject B)
  1. Clothing
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
  1. Activities
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
  1. Traditions
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
(Add a concluding sentence) /
  1. Activities (Aspect 2)
  1. Halloween
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
  1. Prom
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
(Add a concluding sentence)
Body Paragraph 3
Use transitions /
  1. Traditions (Aspect 2)
  1. Halloween
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
  1. Prom
  1. Detail
  2. Detail
(Add a concluding sentence)
Concluding Paragraph
Use transitions / Summary of the main points
Restate the thesis
Evaluation/future developments/
Reflection/significance of the topics / Summary of the main points
Restate the thesis
Evaluation/future developments/
Reflection/significance of the topics

Transitions

SimilaritiesDifferences

In addition CorrespondinglyAs well asHoweverOn the contraryOn the other hand

Just as Same asSimilarlyEven thoughIn contrastMeanwhile

Likewise Compared toLikeUnlikeConverselyAlthough

Toddlers vs. Teens

Block / Point by Point
Introductory Paragraph / Thesis: / Thesis:
Body Paragraph 1 /
  1. Fine Dining (Subject A)
  1. Atmosphere
  1. Mood lighting
  2. Soft buzz of sound
  3. Choice of seating
  1. Food
1.Fresh ingredients
2. Cooked to order
3. Variety of food choices
C. Service
1. Wait for hostess to seat
2. Service at table
3. Provides a bill /
  1. Atmosphere (Aspect 1)
  1. Fine Dining
1.Mood lighting
2. Soft buzz of sound
3. Choice of seating
  1. Cafeteria Dining
  1. Bright lights
  2. Loud voices
  3. Assigned seating

Body Paragraph 2 /
  1. Cafeteria Dining (Subject A)
  1. Atmosphere
  1. Bright lights
  2. Loud voices
  3. Assigned seating
  1. Food
  1. More processed food
  2. Pre-made
3. Limited food options
C. Service
1. Immediate self-seating
2. Walk through line
3.Pay for food at pick up /
  1. Food (Aspect 2)
  1. Fine Dining
  1. Fresh ingredients
  2. Cooked to order
  3. Variety of food choices
  1. Cafeteria Dining
  1. More processed food
  2. Pre-made items
  3. Limited food options

Body Paragraph 3 /
  1. Service (Aspect 3)
  1. Fine Dining
  1. Wait for hostess to seat
  2. Service at the table
  3. Server provides a bill
  1. Cafeteria Dining
  1. Immediate self-seating
  2. Walk through line
  3. Pay for food at pick up

Concluding Paragraph