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"... I want a perfect body,
I want a perfect soul,
I want you to notice,
When I'm not around,
You're so very special,
I wish I was special.
[Chorus:]
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo,
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here." -from "Creep" by Radiohead
"In the narrowest sense, comparison shows how two or more things are similar, and contrast shows how they are different. In most writing situations, however, the two related processes of comparison and contrast are used together" (Kirszner and Mandell 387).
When you compare, it is important to remember that if the two subjects are primarily similar, then your job in the discussion is to mention the similarities but HIGHLIGHT the differences. If the two subjects are primarily different, then you should mention the obvious differences upfront then HIGHLIGHT the similarities.
Example: 2 pizza places (Domino's and Papa John's) will be primarily similar, so we highlight the differences. 2 time periods (1890's and 1990's) will be primarily different, so we highlight the similarities. What you highlight depends on what your subjects are.
This essay explores commonalities among differences and differences among commonalities!
Again, thes are "NARRATIVE" responses... so you can use 1st person. However, it might be interesting to take a 3rd person approach; this would be analyzing from an objective perspective. Please write in proper paragraph format with indentions and proper grammar/mechanics.
Tip: Make sure that your paragraphs aren't just long lists of "differences" and "similarities". Connect all of your sub-points to a main theme-- present a thread for which to weave with your ideas.
Tutorial-- Organizing Comparison & Contrast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4DvXprcbsc&feature=related
Print out this graphic organizer. Fill in the blanks as they apply to YOUR essay. http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson275/compcon_chart.pdf
Use this model in class for brainstorming: http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/pdf/venn1.pdf
.SAMPLE OUTLINE: [Let's pretend I was assigned a paper comparing my two daughters.]
BAD Thesis: My daughters Claire and Reece have both some similarities and some differences.
** NOBODY will get away with this type of thesis!
Why is this bad? Everything, and I mean everything that you "compare" will contain both similarities and differences-- that is why you can write about the two subjects together in that way! This non-thesis is too vague; it really says absolutely nothing about the projected path of my paper.
Comparison and Contrast is a simple and straightforward essay type. There are a few key elements to remember when writing this type of essay.
The first is that if your two subjects are more similar than different, then you will set up the similarities in the introduction then focus on the differences in the body paragraphs.
Example: Domino's and Pizza Hut are more similar than different: They are both fast food pizza chains with a huge market share. Therefore, I would set that up in the introduction then proceed to focus on their differences in the body paragraphs. I can do this in two ways: Either set up 3 paragraphs with 3 separate overall differences (say, topping qualities, sauce properties, and crust options). Or, I can do block paragraphs, in which I only have 2 body paragraphs and devote 1 to Domino's and 1 to Pizza Hut. If I choose this organizational option, be careful to maintain parallelism and balance-- discuss each difference in order for each (Domino's: toppings, sauce, crusts; Pizza Hut: toppings, sauce crusts). For the assignment at hand, you will have three separate topics, so you will avoid the "block" method.
Example: The fictional cartoon character Brainy Smurf and I are obviously (I hope) more different than similar! So, if I were comparing us, I would explain those differences quickly in the introduction then devote the body of my essay to our similarities (love of books, sometimes annoying commentary, misunderstood).
Also:
The introduction will set up your comparison and reveal your ANGLE. Remember the rules of writing: Frame/Hook, Background Information (in this case this will be a brief introduction to these characters and synopsis of the stories they are from-- you can do this in 2-3 sentences), Connection, Thesis (in this case, your thesis will be your angle of approach to the prompt).
The body paragraphs will begin with a clearly stated topic statement that reveals what ONE aspect is being compared. Then you follow that up with at least 3 examples of that one mode of comparison. End with a wrap-up/transition. Each body paragraph should contain quotes and samples/examples from the plays to prove your point-- which is expressed in the topic statement of the paragraph. In essence: Point, Defense, Importance.
You can outline similarities and differences within the similarities.... for example:
Brainy Smurf and I share a love of books. We both tend to quote from our favorite readings regularly; however, I tend to know my audience a bit better. While Brainy's incessant referral to the written word often gets him thrown out of a room, I save my snippets of wisdom for appropriate occasions. ...
Finally:
Remember, it isn't just enough to state that these characters ARE similar... you have to make some overall point, an overall revelation. What can we learn from studying these characters side by side? That overall point is the "so what?" and should be clearly addressed in the conclusion of the paper.
Sample Essay:
Prompt:
Compare yourself to a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. Remember to double-space; this is just a sample!
Name
English 1301, Summer 2015
Instructor Domingue
WWAD
Sometimes a television show comes along that has a profound impact on a person’s life. As an English Instructor, I’m accustomed to viewing “characters” as real people; I get to know these characters so well that they become “old friends” and sometimes even “family”. That is how I feel about the Keaton’s, the famous television family from the popular 1980’s series Family Ties. I grew up wishing I were a Keaton, longing for a family as loving and picture imperfect as they were. The premise of the show is the dynamic created when liberal, hippy parents end up raising an ultra-conservative son; that son is Alex P. Keaton, a name that continues to garner a reaction two decades after the show ended its run. I realized early on that I viewed Alex as a hero, but it was only later on in my life that I understood the depth of impact that he had on my life; in fact, I live my life by the motto WWAD (what would Alex do?).
Alex and I share a love of politics. As a young child when Family Ties was in its first run, I looked up to his character and wanted to emulate him. Alex was first and foremost a Conservative Republican. As a young child growing up during the Reagan era, I too was conservative; I was that irritating kid that tried to spark political conversation on the elementary school playground. I often wondered who among my peers would grow up to vote Republican and who would be a Democrat. This kind of age-inappropriate contemplation was a big part of who Alex was; as a baby, he played with money and his Nixon rattle, and as a child, he was already dishing out political and financial advice. While I didn’t begin my love of politics in the crib, I did enjoy saving money as a child. Alex displayed a poster of Nixon above his bed, much the same as the framed letter from Michelle Obama hangs above my computer desk. Furthermore, he lived in a family that didn’t share his political views and wasn’t so keen to that advice. I was exactly that way; in fact, during the 1992 presidential election, I proudly convinced my very conservative parents to cast their votes for the very liberal Bill Clinton. I’d say that Alex would be proud, but…
Our passion for political and social causes far outweighs our differences in party affiliation. Alex often found himself fighting for political causes that seemed out of character for him, like the women’s movement and civil rights; like Alex, I can’t resist a good cause. I’ve been an advocate for gay rights since adolescence and am a long standing member of The Human Rights Campaign. Alex always fought for fairness and justice, and for all the sarcasm he dished out to his sister Mallory, he was always the first to stand up for her. For all of Alex’s political passion, he had an even greater passion for his family, and he prioritized correctly. Like Alex, I put family first, and I would never let political disputes come between the relationships with the people that I love.
The quality in Alex that I admired most was his confidence. Alex was smart, very smart, and he knew it; in fact, he’d let everyone know it. Like Alex, I always earned good grades school; I would always strive to make the best grade on the test or write the best paper. Like Alex, being good wasn’t good enough; we believe in striving to be the best. And like Alex, I sometimes fell short; neither Alex nor I graduated first in our high school class, yet we were both destined for success. Alex embraced the college experience with excitement and enthusiasm, and he strove hard to impress the professors that he so admired; so did I. Alex’s confident, perfectionist personality was off-putting to some but charming to others; like Alex, I understood that everyone should like me. Alex was often told that it must be easy to be him, but that was a misunderstanding; it isn’t easy to live up to such high expectations all the time, especially when they are self-imposed.
My married name is Hollie P. Domingue; I often emphasize that middle P. Perhaps subconsciously that P. binds me to Alex P. Keaton, my childhood hero. Every time I watch an episode of Family Ties, I remain fixated on Alex and reflect on how he mirrored something inside of me and shaped who I would become. Over the past decade, I’ve rarely made a decision without asking myself, WWAD? Who would Alex vote for? How would Alex approach his career? How would Alex lead his family? I know that Alex would put his family first and love them with his whole heart and soul. I know that Alex would continually strive to be the best at his job. For success, he would do almost anything, but what he would never do is sacrifice his family. Who Alex would vote for is a fairly serious question that has been contemplated by the creator of the show and Fox himself. I believe that Alex would be disappointed in the direction the Republican Party has taken, and while he’d be gravely disappointed in the state of the economy and never advocate government intervention as a solution to any problem, I do think that he would hold liberal social views. If Family Ties were real life, perhaps Alex would be running for high office by now, and he'd have my vote!
Sample Narrative-- use as a guide for using description and detail in your writing.
Header Goes Here
Name
Essay 1-- Narrative
Freddy’s Impact
1984 was a significant year in my upbringing; it was the year I was introduced to what is now my second home: the movie theater! Sure, I had been to a movie theater prior to 1984, but seeing a movie was a rare occasion for a small town girl who had to be driven 30 minutes to the nearest big screen. In 1984, I had that opportunity in abundance because it was a great year for movies! Ghostbusters, The Karate Kid, Gremlins, and even Purple Rain were all released that year, so the movie theater became a frequent outing for my cousins and I. On a cool fall day in November of 1984, after running a quick errand in “the big city,” my mom and aunt decided to take my cousin and I to the movies. As we approached the ticket desk and scanned the movie times, my mom and aunt proceeded to have a discussion, the outcome of which would shape my life in a profound way. Little did they know that they were creating a moment of magic for me that would leave a lasting impact on my life. My cousin and I were bursting with excitement as our tickets were torn to enter the experience of our young lives—the screening of Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Tracey and I thought we were “big girls”—surely we could handle a little monster movie. We convinced our parents to allow us to sit several rows down from where they were to prove our bravery. As the lights dimmed, and the popcorn bucket waned, we giggled in anticipation of our moment of transition from childhood to adulthood. This was it! If the training bras we had asked for to go back to school that year hadn’t proven our maturity, sitting through this movie surely would! We survived the first part of the film, bladders intact. The theater was fairly empty, as it was the middle of the day—the most uncool time to watch a horror flick. Every now and again we’d look back at our mothers to reassure ourselves that we were, in fact, safe in that dark theater. And then Nancy gets a phone call on an unplugged phone; it was a phone call that would change everything—for her and for us!
As Nancy picks up the phone, a large, nasty tongue spews from the phone and licks her face! In an instant, Tracey and I were three feet in the air, headed to the aisle, running for our dear lives! My heart was pounding like a drum, and I’m pretty sure I broke a sweat. When I finally calmed down, safe in the seat right next to my mother, I could hear the laughter. My own aunt, and my own mother for that matter, were making fun of us! They knew in that moment that they had us—that we would never live this down. Our days of convincing them we were “mature” were over. After we left the theater that day, all agreed on one point-- that this was one entertaining film!
I suppose one reading this might think that the lesson learned from that day in the movie theater is that kids are not mature enough to handle horror movies. On the contrary, what Freddy Krueger did for me that day was turn me into a horror movie fanatic! Fear creates an adrenaline rush, and when that rush is experienced in the confines of a safe display of fiction, it is quite satisfying. The next summer, Tracey and I videotaped the movie on HBO and watched it over and over again. We memorized every scene, every line. We longed for our mothers to walk in on us watching Freddy so that they would understand that we had grown; we had matured. Who knew that one magic moment in a movie theater in 1984 could shape my personality? Who knew that a fictionalized monster by the name of Freddy Krueger could write so boldly on my slate? Who knew that he would inadvertently lead me down a path of sharing my love of fiction and the thrill of storytelling? Thanks for the impact, Freddy… just don’t visit me in my dreams!
THE ASSIGNMENT
We will be watching John Hughes' 1985 film The Breakfast Club: "They were five students with nothing in common, faced with spending a Saturday detention together in their high school library. At 7 a.m., they had nothing to say, but by 4 p.m., they had bared their souls to each other and become good friends. To the outside world they were simply a Brain, an Athlete, a Basket Case, a Princess, and a Criminal, but to each other, they would always be the Breakfast Club." - Written by Anonymous
You are being asked to write your own comparative narrative inspired by this film.
PROMPT:
Does the world view you as a Brain, an Athlete, a Basket Case, a Princess, or a Criminal (more accurately, a Rebel)? Compare yourself to the character in the film to whom you relate the most.
* Be specific and detailed.
* Be organized and narrow.
* Use varied sentence structure and academic vocabulary: Avoid "pebble" words like "it," "thing," etc.
* Be creative. Hook your readers. Make them want to read on.
* Reveal a lesson in your conclusion.
Cite the film on a separate page since you will be referencing it:
The Breakfast Club. Dir. John Hughes. Perf. Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd
Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy. Universal Pictures, 1985. DVD.
In a comparison essay, the prompt is usually referenced as part of the thesis statement.
It's okay to think outside of the box! Maybe the world sees you one way, but you see yourself in another. Maybe you reject labels- or embrace them-- and this opinion comes into play here. Maybe you've walked the halls with a different label that needs to be explored. Whatever your angle, just be sure to have a comparative basis with a character from Hughes' film.
In addition, like Bowie's quote and Radiohead's lyrics above, perhaps Hughes' film can be compared to some other "text" with which you are familiar. Perhaps you wish to bring that in to shape your angle, your lead-in, or some other aspect of your paper.
Perhaps you have imagined yourself as part of a "breakfast club"... perhaps your high school experience can be related to that which is depicted in the film in some specific way. Maybe that becomes your angle.
This is a comparison, but it is also a narrative. Be creative, descriptive, and detailed. Have fun!
Specifics: Write a 2 page, 5 paragraph essay in MLA format with a header, title, times new roman 12 point font, etc. Staple your essay. Grammar and mechanics must be correct. Paragraphs must contain at least 5 sentences; vary your sentence structure, and use description. Your paragraphs should all be balanced in length. Hook the reader-- make them want to read on!
When you compare, it is important to remember that if the two subjects are primarily similar, then your job in the discussion is to mention the similarities but HIGHLIGHT the differences. If the two subjects are primarily different, then you should mention the obvious differences upfront then HIGHLIGHT the similarities.
Example: 2 pizza places (Domino's and Papa John's) will be primarily similar, so we highlight the differences. 2 time periods (1890's and 1990's) will be primarily different, so we highlight the similarities. What you highlight depends on what your subjects are.
Information on Comparison & Contrast can be found on pages 308-310 of your textbook. However, the information given is limited.
YOUR PURPOSE: To inform your readers about the two subjects in order to provide an understanding of the two.
You must be able to decipher a "COMMON ELEMENT" between the 2 subjects.
Make a list of your two subjects: Categories Subject A Subject B
THESIS formula: Two Subjects + Reason
Example: Two subject: Domino's and Papa John's
Reason: To explore why one pie is superior over the other.
Working thesis: Although both Domino's and Papa John's are popular fast food chains, one offers a superior product.
There are 3 popular models for comparison; use the ALTERNATING PATTERN: Point 1 (Subject A, Subject B); Point 2 (Subject A, Subject B); Point 3 (Subject A, Subject B)
TRANSITIONS are important in this type of essay: also, both, yet, although, finally, unlike, like, etc.
Peer Response Questions: It is a good idea to go over them so you can know what goes in your essay:
1. How does the introduction motivate you to read the entire essay?
2. What is the point of the comparison and contrast of the two subjects? Is the thesis stated in the essay, or is it implied?
3. Is the essay organized by the opposing or alternating pattern? Does the writer follow directions about the appropriate pattern?
4. Are the same categories discussed for each subject?
5. Are there enough details for you to understand the comparison and contrast? Put check marks where more details are needed.
6. If this paper were yours, what is the one main thing you would be sure to work on before handing it in.
It is important to vary your wording in these essays: Add lively details, transitions, dashes of color, and variety.
REVISION CHECKLIST:
1. Does your introduction present your TOPIC and MAIN POINT clearly? Is it interesting and inviting?
2. Is your reason for comparing and contrasting unmistakably clear? What do you demonstrate, argue for, or find out? What is your goal?
3. Have you discussed the same categories/features for each subject?
4. Have you selected less obvious points of comparison and interesting supporting details that will intrigue and enlighten your readers?
5. What have you concluded about your two subjects?
6. Does your draft look thin at any point for lack of evidence? Make sure to develop all of your ideas. Remember the "rule of 3"-- 3 details or examples for each category.
7. Have you used the best possible arrangement given your subject and your point?
8. Are there any spots where you need to revise a boring, mechanical, monotonous style?
Check sentence structure: NO choppy or run-on sentences.
Check commas!
Make sure you use parallel structure in your comparisons and contrasts. Balance your sentences and your ideas.
Make sure you have transitions between ideas and paragraphs.
Avoid LISTING, i.e.: We are alike in this way. We are also alike in this other way. We are alike in that way too.
SAMPLE organizational structure:
INTRODUCTION:
Lead-in
Brief introduction to the film (1-2 sentences max)
Transition between the film and you/your life
Thesis statement that clearly draws a link between you & the character of your choosing
Body 1:
Topic Statement with clearly identifiable key word-- the way in which you most identify with the character, perhaps
3 specific details that prove/demonstrate this commonality (examples from the film and from your own personal life)
Wrap-up and transition
Body 2:
Topic statement with clearly identifiable key word-- perhaps another way in which you identify with the character
3 specific details that prove/demonstrate this commonality
Wrap-up and transition
Body 3:
Topic statement with clearly identifiable key word-- perhaps a way that you differ from the character
3 specific details that prove/demonstrate this
Wrap up and transition back to the idea of "commonality"
Conclusion:
Bring this back to commonalities/what you share with the character, admire about the character, learn from the character, etc.
Address the SO WHAT? WHO CARES?
Perhaps bring your lead-in full circle, maybe talk about how we can identify with "characters" and learn something about ourselves, etc.
Hit back on your key words here... referring to a key word in the title helps to bring your essay full circle.
Conclusion: Reflect on the character and why you are drawn to it in such a personal way. Reflect on what having been introduced to this character has added to your life, what you've learned from the character, or what inspires you about the character. Tie in to your title for affect.
DO NOT give me THESE THESIS STATEMENTS:
Both are alike and different.
They can be compared and contrasted.
Both have good points and bad points.
In fact, it is best to altogether avoid the words "alike, similar, different, the same, good, bad, compare, contrast, etc." in your thesis.
**Double-Space!
(Brian Johnson) Saturday, March 24, 1984. Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois. 60062.
Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was that we did wrong. What we did WAS wrong. But we think you're crazy to make us write this essay telling you who we think we are. What do you care? You see us as you want to see us... in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal. Correct? That's the way we saw each other at seven o'clock this morning. We were brainwashed.
The end letter is as follows:
Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is ... a brain...
Andrew Clark: ...and an athlete...
Allison Reynolds: ...and a basket case...
Claire Standish: ...a princess...
John Bender: ...and a criminal...
Brian Johnson: Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.
Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was that we did wrong. What we did WAS wrong. But we think you're crazy to make us write this essay telling you who we think we are. What do you care? You see us as you want to see us... in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal. Correct? That's the way we saw each other at seven o'clock this morning. We were brainwashed.
The end letter is as follows:
Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is ... a brain...
Andrew Clark: ...and an athlete...
Allison Reynolds: ...and a basket case...
Claire Standish: ...a princess...
John Bender: ...and a criminal...
Brian Johnson: Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.