Chapter 8 Comparison and Contrast
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A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
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The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
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The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.
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There are two main organizing strategies for compare-and-contrast essays.
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Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
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Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
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Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.
This chapter was adapted by Joy Xiao under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License without attribution as requested by the work’s original creator or licensor.
