Compare/Contrast:



How to Write a Compare/Contrast Essay:

Compare/Contrast essays are the other important genre of academic writing that you need to master. These essays follow a specific question and are usually easy to complete. There are several ways to write this type of essay. Other than strongly supported claims and content, the most important thing to remember is structure. Many wonderful essays fall victim to the woes of bad structure. For the introduction and conclusion, follow a similar structure to the persuasive essay. Then structure everything in between based on either of the two following formats.

1.Introduction
Your introduction — like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally (with a quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis statement.

2.Topic 1
This next portion of your essay (which may consist of one paragraph or several) should cover only the first topic of the comparison and contrast. Compare/Contrast essays take two topics and illustrate how they are similar and dissimilar. Do not mention topic 2 in this first portion.

3.Topic 2
This next portion of your essay (which may also consist of one or more paragraphs) should cover the second of the two topics. Do not discuss Topic 1 in this section. Since you have already gone into great detail about it, you may allude to Topic 1 briefly; however, do not analyze Topic 1 in this section. This portion of the paper is to discuss Topic 2 in great detail.

4.Topics 1 and 2 Together
Now that you have analyzed both Topic 1 and Topic 2 independently, now it is time to analyze them together. This section may also be one or several paragraphs.

5.Conclusion
The conclusion — like the introduction — should be a generalization of the thesis. This paragraph should express your certainty and absolute knowledge on the subject matter. You should reaffirm your thesis (essentially restate it in new words) and show how you've proven it.

OR

1.Introduction

Your introduction — like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally (with a quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis statement.

2.All Comparisons (Topics 1 and 2)

This section — which should consists of several paragraphs — should go through all similarities you find in the two topics on which you are writing. There should be at least three comparisons (essentially three short body paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in each.

3.All Contrasts (Topics 1 and 2)

This section — which should consist of several paragraphs — should go through all differences you find in the two topics on which you are writing. There should be at least three contrasts (essentially three short body paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in each.

4.Conclusion

This conclusion is wrapping up everything you have just proven in your paper. It should restate the thesis in a new, more official way, and you should feel quite confident in your writing.

Use a venn diagram for your pre-writing

Day 1: Music

Compare/Contrast: The Original vs. The Cover

One of Tupac Shakur's most popular songs is "Changes", but did you know that the chorus and melody of the song comes from a Bruce Hornsby song titled, "The Way It Is"? It's understandable if you didn't know this about the song or even know who Bruce Hornsby is, but know that you do, let's observe the similarities and differences between the two songs. Oh yeah, and Bruce Hornsby was once a keyboard player for the Grateful Dead and was also a successful pop artist of the 1980s. Anyway, its important to recognize that the songs are actually quite similar. They deal with the same core issues; poverty, violence, ignorance and intolerance towards those who are less fortunate.

Undoubtedly, Tupac Shakur was aware of the song's content and used this as a starting point for his own song. While recognizing the songs similarities, we must also consider that clear differences in the sound, content and overall message that is being conveyed.

After listening to the two songs and comparing/contrasting the lyrics, please fill out the venn diagram to help you map out your ideas. Then write a 250-500 word response that illuminates the similarities and differences between the two songs. HAVE FUN!

Tupac Shakur - Changes

Bruce Hornsby - The Way It Is by Dixvad59

Day 2: Art and Advertising

Compare/Contrast:

Michaelango's "David" is one of the most famous scultures of all time. It is iconic. There are a number of reasons for the statues popularity and appeal. Below I have provided you with some of the note-worthy information about the statue.

Important Information:
In Autumn 1504 the Florentines witnessed an exceptional event: after four days travelling round the city, transported with the care and attention normally reserved for great events, inside a wooden cage running on greased beams, Michelangelo's David finally reached its destination, the Piazza della Signoria - and was immediately celebrated as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance.

The statue was first intended to be displayed in the Cathedral, but was then felt to be of so great merit as to deserve a more important position.

Chronicles tell us of the immense surprise and marvel that the Florentines showed as it was uncovered. 'It took the voice away from statues both ancient and modern', wrote Vasari, author of a famous biography of the artist. Such a superb work had never been seen before either in Florence or elsewhere, with its manifest expression of awareness of power.

The Florentines, who called it Michelangelo's "giant", considered it the most explicit example of the spirit of the New Republic that had chased the Medici from Florence in 1494. When he created his David, Michelangelo was not even thirty, but had already produced works of great value such as the Tondo Doni which can be found in the Uffizi today. His David was so successful that he was called back to Rome by the Pope himself, Giulio II, for whom he would then paint the famous Sistine Chapel.

Due to its popularity we should not be surprised that this statue was used to promote a product. We should also not be surpised at the type of product that was promoted. All kidding aside, consider how significant the original piece was and still is today versus the slightly compromised version displayed in the Calvin Klein ad. Obviously, the piece is being utilized for a different purpose in each situation. In other words, don't simply dwell on the exterier differences but every aspect revolving around the ad and original work of art. As I've said before, you do not have to pick a side for your response. 250-500 words. HAVE FUN!

Day 3: Sports

Compare/Contrast: NCAA Basketball Tournament costs the American economy nearly $200 Million! 

Some of you may have heard this before: "The productivity of the American workforce drops significantly during March Madness." Apparently, this is quite a popular topic this time of year considering the number of articles I was able to find on the topic. I have provided you with a few links that consider both sides of this argument. Each article describes the suspected drop in productivity and the potentially over-blown statistics that tend to accompany this argument.

The Other March Madness: Workplace Distraction   

Productivity Madness

After reading both articles, weigh both sides of information. Then write a 250-500 response that covers the entirety of the debate. HAVE FUN!



Day 4: Politics

Compare/Contrast: The pros and cons of the United States joining the UN coalition forces to enforce the no fly zone over Libya. Watch this interview and read this article before posting anything to your blog.

Remember, you do not have to choose a side in a Compare/Contrast response, but rather provide an equal amount of evidence to support each position. 250-500 word response is required. HAVE FUN!