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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of a compare-and-contrast essay?
What is the primary purpose of a compare-and-contrast essay?
- To analyze two subjects by comparing or contrasting them (correct)
- To highlight the subtle differences between two very similar subjects
- To demonstrate the writer's knowledge of the subjects being compared
- To state the obvious similarities and differences between two subjects
Which of the following would be the best subjects to compare in a compare-and-contrast essay?
Which of the following would be the best subjects to compare in a compare-and-contrast essay?
- Two types of apples
- An apple and an orange
- Two types of oranges
- All of the above (correct)
What is the main difference between comparison and contrast in writing?
What is the main difference between comparison and contrast in writing?
- Comparison discusses elements that are similar, while contrast discusses elements that are different (correct)
- Comparison is more useful for analyzing two very different subjects, while contrast is better for analyzing two similar subjects
- Comparison is used to highlight subtle differences, while contrast is used to state the obvious
- Comparison is a more sophisticated writing technique than contrast
Why would a writer choose to compare two subjects that seem unrelated at first?
Why would a writer choose to compare two subjects that seem unrelated at first?
Which of the following would be the best example of a comparison between two subjects?
Which of the following would be the best example of a comparison between two subjects?
What is the primary benefit of conducting a comparison or contrast in writing?
What is the primary benefit of conducting a comparison or contrast in writing?
What is the main purpose of a compare-and-contrast essay?
What is the main purpose of a compare-and-contrast essay?
In a compare-and-contrast essay, what does the thesis statement do?
In a compare-and-contrast essay, what does the thesis statement do?
How can compare-and-contrast essays be organized?
How can compare-and-contrast essays be organized?
Which phrase can cue a reader that a comparison is being made in an essay?
Which phrase can cue a reader that a comparison is being made in an essay?
What role does the author suggest phrases like 'Both' and 'Similarly' play in an essay?
What role does the author suggest phrases like 'Both' and 'Similarly' play in an essay?
In a compare-and-contrast essay, what does it mean for a thesis to 'lean more toward contrasting'?
In a compare-and-contrast essay, what does it mean for a thesis to 'lean more toward contrasting'?
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Study Notes
Understanding Compare-And-Contrast Essays
- Compare-and-contrast essays analyze two subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences.
- The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way.
Effective Comparison and Contrast
- Focus on contrasting two subjects by highlighting subtle differences, rather than stating the obvious.
- To contrast, choose two subjects that are similar but have subtle differences (e.g., two types of oranges).
- To compare, choose two subjects that seem unrelated at first, highlighting unexpected similarities (e.g., apples and oranges).
Structure of a Compare-And-Contrast Essay
- A compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects and the reason for comparison or contrast.
- The thesis can lean towards comparing, contrasting, or both.
- The purpose of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader.
Organizing a Compare-And-Contrast Essay
- Organization can be based on either:
- The subjects themselves (discussing one then the other)
- Individual points (discussing each subject in relation to each point)
- The organizational structure depends on the topic, purpose, and audience.
Useful Phrases for Compare-And-Contrast Essays
- Phrases that cue the reader to analysis include:
- Comparison: similarly, like, both, alike
- Contrast: conversely, in contrast, unlike, whereas
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