COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAYS

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS A COMPARE & CONTRAST ESSAY?

To compare or contrast are ways of looking at objects and thinking about how they are alike and different.

For instance, all of these items are alike because they are kinds of food, but there are many ways that they are different. For instance, they belong to different food groups. Some must be cooked before eating, and some can be eaten raw.

When you write comparison and contrast, you will pay attention to these kinds of details.

WHY COMPARE OR CONTRAST?

There are 2 main reasons that people use comparison and contrast:

1. To Explain: You might compare and contrast kinds of food, for instance, to help someone understand which food need to be refrigerated and which can be stored in a cabinet or in a bowl on the counter.

2. To Evaluate: You might compare and contrast kinds of food to show why one kind of food or brand of food is better than another. For example, sliced apples are a better snack than a tablespoon of butter.

MAKING GOOD CHOICES

When you choose items to compare and contrast, make sure that you choose items that have similarities.

You have to choose things that will make sense for comparing and contrasting strengths, weaknesses or characteristics. For instance, it wouldn't make sense to compare a truck with crayons or crayons with a birdhouse.

Be sure to compare things that belong together. Compare crayons to pencils or pens, or compare trucks and cars.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAYS

DEFINING THE TERMS

COMPARISONS

When you compare items, you look for their similarities – i.e. the things that make them the same. For example:

Apples and oranges are both fruit.They're both foods.Both are made into juice.Both grow on trees.

CONTRAST

When you contrast items, you look at their differences. For example:

Apples are red. Oranges are orange.

The fruits have different textures.

Oranges need a warmer place to grow, like Florida. Apples can grow in cooler

places, like Ontario!

You probably use comparison all the

time:

Case Study:Maybe you want to buy some candy, so you go to the store and look at all of the candy that is available. You can't buy all the candy, so you have to narrow down your choices.

You compare and contrast the different kinds of candy so that you can make your decision.

CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

You can compare the kinds of candy by looking at the things that makes the candy alike:

All the kinds of candy shown on the last 2 pages are sweet. None of them are sour.

All these kinds of candy are medium-sized. None are too big or too small.

CASE STUDY

You also look at the things that make the candy different.

Some of the candy is chocolate. Some is chewy. Some pieces of the candy have a filling, like

caramel or peanut butter. Some do not. Some of the candy can be shared easily;

others, less so.

Once you have looked at all of the factors, you can decidewhat it is you WANT.

ORGANIZING AN ESSAY

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAYS

WRITING THE COMPARE & CONTRAST PAPER

Comparison and contrast are used in your writing to organize an individual paragraph as well as to organize entire papers.

For instance, you might write a paper that compares 2 books about the same topic.

Balance is important: you need to be sure that you give them equal time in what you write.

If you cover character, setting, and historical accuracy for the first book, for instance, you need to be sure that you cover the same elements for the second book.

Point – by – Point Style

In this structure, you explain one point of comparison before moving to the next point.

Introduction with THESIS Paragraph 1 might discuss the theme of

control in book 1 and book 2; their similarities, differences, examples etc.

Paragraph 2 might discuss the theme of power/its misuse; strengths, weaknesses etc.

Paragraph 3 might discuss the role of the “hero” in each text; how do their journeys compare, who is ultimately triumphant, etc.

Paragraph 4 might discuss technological advancements in each text; what has been invented and for what purpose, etc.

Conclusion

Order of Information

Maintain

Order

For consistency, begin with the same

item in each section. For instance, for

each point that you discuss, explainthe information about the Book1

firstand then Book 2.

ESSAY SKILLS

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAYS

WRITING THE ESSAY

There are two main things to pay attention to as you write a comparison and contrast paper:

1. Purpose & Supporting Details 2. Organization & Structure

In addition, be sure to pay attention to the usual requirements for writing, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

PURPOSE AND SUPPORTING DETAILS

Purpose & Supporting Details The paper has a strong THESIS

that gives the reader a sense of purpose.

The paper points to specific examples in both novels (QUOTES or PARAPHRASING) to illustrate the comparison.

The paper only includes information relevant to the comparable or contrasting points.

THE THESIS STATEMENT

Writing Your ThesisMost assignments can be distilled down to a single question, no matter how

detailed or overwhelming they seem. Try to figure out the main question being

asked…for instance: How do both of the novels you are reading fall into the

category “dystopic literature”?

Turn that question into a STATEMENT as your thesis is a bluntly stated, arguable

point that guides your whole essay. For example,

How do both of the novels you are reading fall into the category “dystopic literature”?

TURNS INTO

The novels xxxxx and yyyyy can be categorized as dystopic literature based

on the misuse of power, the reluctant hero and the rebellion against authority.

4 ELEMENTS OF A STRONG THESIS

A strong thesis statement is specific.

“There are many dystopic novels” is not a thesis –

for one, it can’t be argued and even if it could,

you couldn’t argue it in 5-7 pages! Make a

specific point that you can PROVE within the

number of expected pages.

A strong thesis statement takes

some sort of stand.Don’t sit on the fence – make a decision.

The novel is either dystopic or it isn’t. It can’t

be both.

A strong thesis statement

expresses one main idea.

Keep your thesis simple – argue1 thing and

provide detail to support your argument.

A strong thesis statement

justifies discussion.Don’t make a statement people

can’t

argue with. For instance, “I read a

dystopic novel” is not a thesis.

SUPPORTING DETAILS

Supporting DetailsYou will need to including supporting details in the form of:

DIRECT QUOTES: using a quote word for word from the text

“He who controls the past controls the future.”OR

PARAPHRASING: retelling situations or conversations from the

novel in your own words

In 1984, the authority’s unrelenting control of history directly

connects to their ability to shape the future.

ORGANIZATION & STRUCTURE

A strong paragraph is organized in the following manner:

TOPIC SENTENCE EXPLANATION (i.e. plot details, lead in to quote) QUOTE EXPLANATION OF QUOTE CONNECTION TO THESIS

If you are integrating MULTIPLE quotes in one paragraph, the same order applies. Your quote needs a lead in and a follow up explanation. Don’t assume your reader understands why you have chosen that quote.

AN EXAMPLE

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAYS

The following outline will show you how to write a Point–by–Point essay on 2 dystopic texts: V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and 1984 by George Orwell.

1984 vs. V for Vendetta

Hook & ThesisIn

trod

ucti

on Hook

What are “dystopian texts”?

SetupGive a brief plot synopsis (1-2 sentences) that connect each novel.

Main Idea: V for Vendetta and 1984 are both highly dystopic novels rooted in history and the desire to alter a controlling totalitarian government.

Mock Introduction

Dystopian texts have surged in popularity over the last decade especially within the realm of young adult fiction and graphic novels. Where once the literary trend was vampires or wizards, oppressive governments now attract as varied and supportive an audience. George Orwell’s seminal dystopian text 1984, however, was published in 1949. As one of the forerunners of the dystopian trend, it shares many traits with modern literature, as seen in the graphic novel V for Vendetta. These texts both deal with war and rebellion so naturally that readers may even become desensitized to it. In 1984, Winston Smith fights against Big Brother as the totalitarian government goes to any and all lengths to control the past and the future. Similarly, V, the protagonist in V for Vendetta, attacks the autocratic regime in a manner that reflects Guy Fawkes’ historical attempt to blow up the British Parliament. Both texts look at history, control, power and rebellion in the pursuit of change and the hope for a better future.

Hook

Setup / Synopsis

Thesis(main idea)

The Body Paragraphs

If I were to write the essay that corresponds withthat introduction, my body paragraphs would befocused on the following:

The role of history / the past The theme of control – both physical and psychological The theme of power / corruption in government The role of the rebel forces / the protagonist as rebellious hero

Each paragraph would include one quote from each

text that underscores my point and makes an overt

connection to my thesis.Th

e B

od

y

CORRUPTION / POWERS

ett

ing

up

a b

od

y

para

gra

ph

Topic Sentence: Define corruption; articulate the idea of a government who misuses of power and is willing to kill to set an example.

V for Vendetta•The Fascist Norsefire Party rules in a totalitarian manner setting up concentration camps for political prisoners, homosexuals, immigrants and leftwingers•Adam Susan is the leader of the Norsefire Party though his power is largely ceremonial.  He believes in fascism and racist notions of "purity", and genuinely believes that civil liberties are dangerous and unnecessary.•The Norsefire regime shares every facet of fascist ideology: it is highly xenophobic, rules the nation through both fear and force, and worships strong leadership. •V, meanwhile, ultimately strives for a "free society" ordered by its own consent.•Slogan: Strength through Unity, Unity Through Faith

1984•The general principle of the authority changing history continually to suit its purpose. •The continual motif of 2+2=5; the ability to convince people that what they see, hear, feel and can quantifiably know, is not real•Trying to change/simplify language to NEWSPEAK – a way of simplifying or controlling vocabulary.•Forcing people to pledge allegiance to the government and never even show a moment of mistrust or questioning for fear of being arrested•Training children to spy on their parents and adults around them•Winston believes that hope lies in the Proles – the “freest” members of Oceania•Slogan: War is Peace etc

Helpful Quotes from 1984

These quotes may be used in

a paragraph focussed

on corruption and misuse

of power

Make sure to record

the page #

Nearly all children nowadays were horrible…they adored the Party and everything connected with it... All their ferocity was turned outwards, against the enemies of the State, against foreigners, traitors, saboteurs, thought-criminals. It was almost normal for people over thirty to be frightened of their own children."

It was terribly dangerous to let your thoughts wander when you were in any public place or within range of a telescreen. The smallest thing could give you away. A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety, a habit of muttering to yourself--anything that carried with it the suggestion of abnormality, of having something to hide. In any case, to wear an improper expression on your face...; was itself a punishable offense. There was even a word for it in Newspeak: facecrime...“

People simply disappeared, always during the night. Your name was removed from the registers, every record of everything you had ever done was wiped out, your one-time existence was denied and then forgotten. You were abolished, annihilated: vaporized was the usual word

 Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date. In this way every prediction made by the Party could be shown by documentary evidence to have been correct; nor was any item of news, or any expression of opinion, which conflicted with the needs of the moment, ever allowed to remain on record. All history was a palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary."

Helpful Quotes from V for Vendetta

These quotes may be

used in a paragraph focussed

on corruption and misuse

of power

Make sure to record

the page #

Since mankind's dawn, a handful of oppressors have accepted the responsibility over our lives that we should have accepted for ourselves. By doing so, they took our power. By doing nothing, we gave it away. We've seen where their way leads, through camps and wars, towards the slaughterhouse.

I remember how the meaning of words began to change. How unfamiliar words like "collateral" and "rendition" became frightening, while things like Norsefire and the Articles of Allegiance became powerful. I remember how "different" became dangerous.

People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” 

Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission.

“

Mock Body ParagraphCorruption when combined with oppression results in an undesirable society for its members and an

unreliable and dishonest power structure. The authority in an oppressive society may be manipulative, may be coercive, and may go so far as to sacrifice society members that do not fall in line with its rules and ideology. Oceania, the dominant society in 1984, is a perfect example of this type of dystopian society. The government, known as Big Brother, maintains control predominantly by managing the flow of information, insofar as they have altered the vocabulary of the society and rewrite history in order to ensure that it complies with their current ideals: 

Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date. In this way every prediction made by the Party could be shown by documentary evidence to have been correct; nor was any item of news, or any expression of opinion, which conflicted with the needs of the moment, ever allowed to remain on record. All

history was a palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary (Orwell, 78)

 A power structure that is willing to change history in order to ensure that its constituents always believe they are correct, is one that would be willing to do anything to maintain control. Similarly, the misuse of power exemplified by Big Brother can be seen in how they use children to spy on their parents. Children become pawns as they are convinced that loyalty to the party supersedes loyalty to one’s family. For instance, Winston describes children “horrible…they adored the Party and everything connected with it... All their ferocity was turned outwards, against the enemies of the State, against foreigners, traitors, saboteurs, thought-criminals. It was almost normal for people over thirty to be frightened of their own children” (105). Big Brother has fostered a society where people aren’t even safe in their own homes. By targeting children, the party sacrifices innocence and purity, confirming its status as a corrupt machine. Furthermore, by starting at such an early age, the party guarantees generations of active, supportive followers that don’t need to be brainwashed as adults since they have lived their whole lives in that reality. If you would give up your own father for the betterment of the party (215), then what else might you do in support? When the result of most serious crimes is vaporization – or, having the party erase you from existence – how can the Party members fight back? The inner party maintains complete control of the party members via its corrupt behaviour, thus Winston believes that the only hope for change lies in the Proles. The Proles are mostly ignored by the party; they maintain a relatively unhindered lifestyle and are ignorant to the corruption and misuse of power in the regime controlling Oceania. Winston believes the Proles “free” enough to exhibit the change he desires; the only problem is that they have no desire to. 

In Moore’s graphic novel V for Vendetta, the people are similarly oppressed by a tyrannous system whose corruption is ultimately responsible for its demise. Known as the Norsefire Party, they rule in a totalitarian manner setting up concentration camps for political prisoners, homosexuals, immigrants and leftwingers; essentially anyone who does not fit the Party ideals. The protagonist, V, explicitly states “There is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission (Moore, 24)… 

Topic Sentence

Explanation / leadup to quote

Quote

Explanation of Quote

Quote

Explanation of Quote

Connection to thesis

Transition

Topic Sentence

Cont…

The Last WordsC

on

clu

sio

n

Reword thesis1984 and V for Vendetta exemplify the notion that change must occur if there is to be hope for the future.

Remind us of your strongest examplesUse specific examples from your quotes but paraphrase – don`t include the direct quotes again.

Closing: Consider using a text to world connection here if you are unsure of how to end your conclusion in a meaningful way. For instance: Both 1984 and V for Vendetta both depict realistic examples of the pitfalls of autocracy and totalitarianism. These two texts, written nearly sixty years apart offer modern society the same message: power must be respected in order to foster and sustain any notion of peace.

STYLE GUIDE

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAYS

THE WORKS CITED

Alphabetical order by surname

-MLA Format (use a generator)

Single spaced but separated

Last name, First name. Title in Italics. Publishing Location: Publisher, Year. Medium.

Works Cited

Moore, Alan. V for Vendetta. Illus. David Lloyd. New York:

Vertigo-DC Comics, 2008. Print.

Orwell, George. 1984. New York: Penguin Books, 1949. Print.

USING SECONDARY SOURCES

When using secondary sources, ensure they are reputable, academic and verifiable. Quick ways to judge online sources include: looking for a specific author, looking at the URL (is it a .org

or .edu), or looking at the publication company, city and year.

Ultimately you need to make a judgment call as the author of the literary essay. Do you think this source is solid enough to back you up?

USING SECONDARY SOURCES

Limit the use of verbatim quotations when you are using secondary sources.  In general, only 10 to 15% of your secondary source references should be in the form of direct quotations. Another useful method for bringing secondary sources into a literary essay is to use paraphrased ideas. A paraphrase is a restatement in your own words of an idea from a secondary source.

Just as with a primary source quotation, introduce a secondary source quotation with a coherent introductory phrase, and enclose the quotation in quotation marks. Do not use quotation marks for paraphrased information. Follow up with an explanation as to why that secondary source idea is relevant/applicable.

Direct Quote from a secondary source:

Christopher Hollis, in A Study of George Orwell, suggests that 1984 is “a warning so that the society ruled by Big Brother could not come about”. (212). Hollis’ point reinforces the idea that…

  Paraphrased quote from a secondary source:

It is suggested, in A Study of George Orwell, that 1984 is simply a warning to modern society to change its behaviour now, before the future presented in the novel becomes a reality (Hollis, 212). Hollis’ point reinforces the idea that…

BASIC STYLISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Follow the

basic element

s as outlined on your

pink style guide

Literary Papers are written in PRESENT TENSE

Arial; or another sans serif font Size 11 or 12 font 1.5 or double spacing Margin width: 1.5cm - 2.54cm Indent new paragraphs Block quotes for 4 or more lines of text No contractions

See the pink style guide for all other stylistic guidelines / expectations.

TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR ESSAY…