Compare and Contrast Cloze Notes
(Find the answers on the Compare and Contrast Intro PowerPoint)
- Purpose of compare and contrast is:
- Demonstrates how two subjects, which appear ______, are actually similar.
- Instead of ______, may be informational.
- Terminology: These are all synonyms for the similar “things” you notice about each topic:
- Caution! Avoid simply stating the obvious.
- In your own words, explain why this type of compare and contrast is weak.
______
- 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.
- 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.
- In your own words, explain the differences between the weak and strong thesis statements.
______
- Your thesis statement will be the last sentence of your ______paragraph and will be restated in your ______paragraph.
- 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 MethodIntroductory 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)
- Clothing
- Detail
- Detail
- Activities
- Detail
- Detail
- Traditions
- Detail
- Detail
- Clothing (Aspect 1)
- Halloween
- Detail
- Detail
- Prom
- Detail
- Detail
Body Paragraph 2
Use transitions / II.Prom (Subject B)
- Clothing
- Detail
- Detail
- Activities
- Detail
- Detail
- Traditions
- Detail
- Detail
- Activities (Aspect 2)
- Halloween
- Detail
- Detail
- Prom
- Detail
- Detail
Body Paragraph 3
Use transitions /
- Traditions (Aspect 2)
- Halloween
- Detail
- Detail
- Prom
- Detail
- Detail
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 PointIntroductory Paragraph / Thesis: / Thesis:
Body Paragraph 1 /
- Fine Dining (Subject A)
- Atmosphere
- Mood lighting
- Soft buzz of sound
- Choice of seating
- Food
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 /
- Atmosphere (Aspect 1)
- Fine Dining
2. Soft buzz of sound
3. Choice of seating
- Cafeteria Dining
- Bright lights
- Loud voices
- Assigned seating
Body Paragraph 2 /
- Cafeteria Dining (Subject A)
- Atmosphere
- Bright lights
- Loud voices
- Assigned seating
- Food
- More processed food
- Pre-made
C. Service
1. Immediate self-seating
2. Walk through line
3.Pay for food at pick up /
- Food (Aspect 2)
- Fine Dining
- Fresh ingredients
- Cooked to order
- Variety of food choices
- Cafeteria Dining
- More processed food
- Pre-made items
- Limited food options
Body Paragraph 3 /
- Service (Aspect 3)
- Fine Dining
- Wait for hostess to seat
- Service at the table
- Server provides a bill
- Cafeteria Dining
- Immediate self-seating
- Walk through line
- Pay for food at pick up
Concluding Paragraph