Definition by comparison and contrast

Definition by comparison and contrast

Compare and Contrast Essay Definition. A compare and contrast essay (kuhm-PAIR and kuhn-TRAST ESS-ey) is a composition that points out the similarities and differences of two or more things. In academia, educators assign compare and contrast essays to evaluate students’ knowledge of the subjects and encourage critical thinking To contrast something is to look for differences among two or more elements, but compare is to do the opposite, to look for similarities. It's easy to tell the Definition of compare and contrast: to note what is similar and different about (two or more things) For our assignment we must compare and contrast the two poets

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Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay definition by comparison and contrast, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way.

The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to compare and contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences.

For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated.

For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be. Comparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool. In order to make accurate evaluations about a given topic, you must first know the critical points of similarity and difference.

Comparing and contrasting is a primary tool for many workplace assessments. You have likely compared and contrasted yourself to other colleagues. Employee advancements, pay raises, hiring, and firing are typically conducted using comparison and contrast. Comparison and contrast could be used to evaluate companies, departments, or individuals.

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast. Choose one of the following three categories. Pick two examples from each. Then come up with one similarity and three differences between the examples. Brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three items.

Then come up with one difference and three similarities. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward comparing, contrasting, or both.

Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting. Thesis statement: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when definition by comparison and contrast to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny. Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted organic versus conventional vegetablesand it makes a claim about the results that might prove useful to the reader.

You may organize compare-and-contrast essays in one of the following two ways:. See Figure The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience. Given that compare-and-contrast essays analyze the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis.

See Table Create an outline for each of the items you chose in Note Use the point-by-point organizing strategy for one of them, and use the subject organizing strategy for the other. First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging definition by comparison and contrast paragraph.

Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, definition by comparison and contrast, contrast, or both as well as state what can be learned from doing so. The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points.

The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; definition by comparison and contrast subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other.

Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects. After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. Many business presentations are conducted using comparison and contrast. The organizing strategies—by subject or individual points—could also be used for organizing a presentation.

Keep this in mind as a way of organizing your content the next time you or a colleague have to present something at work. Choose one of the outlines you created in Note Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, well-defined and detailed paragraphs, and a fitting conclusion that ties everything together.

Writing for Success by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4. Skip to content Learning Objectives Determine the purpose and structure of comparison and contrast in writing.

Explain organizational methods used when comparing and contrasting. Understand how to write a compare-and-contrast essay. The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in Writing Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. Writing at Work Comparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool. Exercise 1 Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast, definition by comparison and contrast.

Romantic comedies Internet search engines Cell phones. Exercise 2 Brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Department stores and discount retail stores Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants Dogs and cats. The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast Essay Definition by comparison and contrast compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so.

Figure Table Exercise 3 Create an outline for each of the items you chose in Note Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects, definition by comparison and contrast.

Writing at Work Many business presentations are conducted using comparison and contrast, definition by comparison and contrast. Exercise 4 Choose one of the outlines you created in Note Key Takeaways A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. 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.

The thesis should clearly definition by comparison and contrast the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so. There are two main organizing strategies for compare-and-contrast essays. Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other. Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point. Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.

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5 Ways to Compare and Contrast in English

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Compare And Contrast | Definition of Compare And Contrast by Merriam-Webster

9/22/ · F – Definition by comparison and contrast. T – Nestle and Unilever. S – Objective. Find the Difference. There are many manufacturing companies that are know worldwide and two of them are Nestle and Unilever. Although they are both manufacturing companies that sell mainly necessary products, their products are not exactly the same Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way Definition of compare and contrast: to note what is similar and different about (two or more things) For our assignment we must compare and contrast the two poets