Compare and Contrast

What is the purpose of a compare/contrast essay?

• talk about the similarities and differences of two subjects
• inform or explain a subject to the reader
• tell a story
• use the five senses to paint a picture for the reader, incorporating imagery and specific details

What does it mean to contrast?

• To tell what is alike and what is the same.
• To tell what is different.
• To tell what is the same.
• To tell what is alike and what is different.

What does it mean to compare?

• To look at what is similar, or the same

• To look what is different

• To tell what's alike and what's different

• To tell what you don't like.

What is the purpose of the thesis statement

(more than one answer is possible)

• hooks the reader to want to read more

• states the action the writer wants the reader to take

• lets the reader know what information he/she will read and in which order it will be written

• gives the writer a focus to maintain throughout the essay

Which sentence contrasts two ancient civilizations?

• Pyramids were built by ancient Egyptians and the Aztec/Mayan civilizations.

• The Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations were both located near rivers.

• The Chinese settled near the Huang river, but the Egyptians settled near the Nile river.

Which sentence compares lions and tigers?

• The average lion weighs 180kg, but the average tiger weights 220kg.

• Both lions and tigers grow to 2.4 meters in length.

• Lions are native to Africa. Tigers, however, are native to Asia.

The wolf in Little Red Riding Hood wants to eat people. The wolf is The Three Little Pigs wants to eat animals. So, in both stories the wolf is hungry and wants to eat things he should NOT be eating.

• This is an example of comparing

• This is an example of being kind

• This is an example of contrasting

Cinderella is kind and helpful, while her sisters are cruel and demanding. The BEST description for this sentence is...

• This is an example of comparing the sisters qualities

• This is an example of contrasting the sisters qualities

• This is an example of character qualities.

What does elaborate or elaboration mean?

• to make something fancy

• to talk more

• to add more details, explanations, examples

• to add an accessory to an outfit

Why must you elaborate each similarity and each difference?

(more than one possible answer)

• makes writing more interesting

• makes writing easier to understand

• makes the writer's hand hurt

• makes the reader's eyes sore