The World We Know Today

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

UNIT 3. LESSON 2 - Writing Comparison and/or Contrast Essays

INTRODUCTION In this lesson you will learn to:

A. Balance Points in Comparison and/or Contrast Essays, B. Write a Strong Thesis from a T-Diagram, C. Write Effective Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs, and D. Follow Steps When Writing Comparison or Contrast Essays.

A. Balancing Points in Comparison and/or Contrast Essays

Thinking of points of comparison or contrast when planning your essay will help you:

1. Determine the direction of the essay

• Ask yourself if the differences outweigh the similarities or vice-versa. This can help you balance the points of the thesis.

• Decide if this is a comparison, contrast, or comparison and contrast essay. If you have more differences than similarities or vice-versa, you can decide how to organize your writing.

• Use a T-Diagram to disclose the strongest points may have. This form of outlining will help you organize your ideas in a logical way.

The Block Method T Diagram

Topic 1

Florida

Points

A. sunny climate

B. beautiful beaches

C. glamorous cities

Topic 2

California

Points

A. sunny climate

B. beautiful beaches

C. glamorous cities

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

Essay 3.1 -

Living in Florida or California?

I have now spent time living in two of the United States' most popular vacation destinations, Florida and California, and I can truly compare the two. At first, they both seem to be a lot alike. California and Florida are both large states, with warm, sunny climates, beautiful beaches, and glamorous cities. However, the two states also have many differences. Before you consider a permanent move to either California or Florida, you should carefully look at the differences in landscape, geography, and immigration.

California's geography and its people are very different from Florida's. California has high mountains, where the snow can get over 20 feet deep, only a few-hour drive from the ocean. A visitor or new resident who wants geographic variety will find California very appealing. In addition, California has a lot of immigrants from Mexico and the Pacific Rim nations. This means that the Mexican and Asian lifestyle, foods and celebrations are common to encounter in California.

On the other hand, Florida has no mountains and is very flat. Unlike California, snow is almost unknown in Florida, which is one of the attractions for new residents and visitors alike. That is probably one reason why most of the immigrants to Florida are from warm countries surrounding the Caribbean, such as Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and Central and South America. These countries' influences are easily seen in Florida's lifestyles, foods, and celebrations.

Having lived in both these states, I can truthfully say that both are exciting destinations, whether to vacation or to live. But if you can only see one, consider carefully their differences. Someone who is happy living in one state might not be happy at all in the other state, even though they may seem so similar at first glance.

Essay 3.1 uses the Block Method to organize the ideas as shown in the Block Method T-Diagram. It could have also used one of the other two styles of organization.

The flowing T Diagrams show you the other methods of organization.

The Point-by-Point Method T Diagram (Example of one point)

Point A

Sunny climate

Topics

Florida

Point A

Sunny climate

Topics

California

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

The Similarities and Difference Method T Diagram

Similarities

Florida and California

A. sunny climate

B. beautiful beaches

C. glamorous cities

Differences

Florida and California

A. pollution

B. natural disasters

C. landscape

Let’s look at another essay pointing at the similarities and differences.

Essay 3.2

A New Me in the Making

Once, an anonymous author wrote, “We have changed over the years, but the sparkle in your eyes is as bright as ever, and my love for you is even stronger.” Certainly, there are things like temper and personality traits which usually endure the test of time, but other aspects of one’s life are always in constant change. Changes, of course, do not happen overnight; some qualities keep the same for some time, and the new ones take residence in our lives. This is particularly true for anyone’s way of living, and their position in society. I have certainly experienced how the old me has remained the same while this ever-changing pattern has taken my life on a different path in the last four years.

During the last four years, my interest in physical fitness, appearance, and social status has remained the same. Keeping in shape is one of my priorities. I have been a member of several gyms throughout the years which have allowed me to do workouts four to six times every week. Combining exercise and good nutrition has helped me keep a healthy weight, not forgetting other important benefits like endurance, strength, aerobic capacity and flexibility. These are elements which I include in my routines under the guidance of the instructors. Another important point is looking good by grooming the best I can. I often go to the beauty salon to have my hair nicely styled and colored. Beauty shops supply me with everything I need to keep my skin radiant and young so that I can look ageless. Appropriate up-to-date fashion apparel has always been part of me. I do believe that presenting a good look has a powerful effect both on us and others. Finally, I must say that, for better or for worse, I have retained the same social status all these years. I belong to that increasing number of unmarried couples. As a result, my social life is always exciting as I meet new people in the many social events that I am a part of. These are aspects of my life that have not changed in the last few years.

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

However, as I look back, I realize that some changes have actually occurred in my life over this period of time in the areas of maturity, education, and ownership. Reaching maturity is usually a question of time and life experiences. For instance, I used to overreact to simple inconveniences before, but now I have learned to control my temper by taking deep breaths and counting to ten. Four years ago, I was still too assertive. Now, I try to tell the truth in a more compassionate way. Life has also taught me that it pays to choose mature friends who will exert a positive influence on us. Another way my life has changed is that I am more aware of the importance of attaining a college education. For the first time, I have enrolled in college courses with the hope of obtaining a college degree in the near future. A few years ago, I was more interested in having fun and trivialities. Even the thought of reading a book was foreign to me. Presently, I feel much more motivated to work toward a profession. It will mean not only more personal fulfillment but also better job opportunities and a better salary. A further change which has made a great impact on my way of living is that I have become a homeowner. For the last few years, I had to pay rent, which worried me because there were times I was not earning enough money to pay the rent. Now, that I enjoy living in my own apartment, and life is less stressful for me. In fact, these changes in my life have made me the new person that I am today.

When I review my last four years, I am quite satisfied because, on the one hand, I have been able to keep some priorities such as keeping fit, maintaining a good appearance, and keeping a healthy social status. On the other hand, my current self enjoys the benefits which were foreign to my younger self, such as having an increased maturity, continuing with my education, and being able to own a place to live. In the continuum of time, life is ever-changing, but we can control most of the events in its course. It is up to us to choose which ones to retain, and which ones to amend.

In Essay 3.2, the writer is comparing and contrasting aspects of her life. Notice that the points compared are balanced by the points contrasted.

2. Choose the strongest points to write your thesis.

When using the T diagram, you will see how to balance your writing. Any point that does not support the topic of your thesis statement should be disregarded or changed before beginning to write the essay.

B. Writing a Strong Thesis from a T-Diagram

• Now, that you have your T-diagram, you can rest assured that your thesis will show balance. • Then, see if your points show similarities or differences between the two topics. • Begin to write your thesis. • Remember that thesis statement signals from the beginning that the essay is comparing or

contrasting or both.

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

Putting Purpose in the Thesis

• Purpose refers to the writer’s intention when writing. • It reflects the preference of the writer. • A piece of writing can report facts, events or statistics. • It can also use language to change the reader’s opinion on the topic at hand.

Because the thesis statement includes a clear point of view of the writer, the language used is very important in reflecting an opinion. The language used in writing steers the wheel of the controlling idea, not only to present an opinion but also, in the case of comparison or contrast, to change the direction of the reader’s point of view. When language is used to change the reader or listener’s point of view, it is said to persuade or to be for the purpose of persuasion.

Let’s see, for example, what happens to the thesis statement when it is written for the purpose of changing the reader’s opinion or to persuade the reader. Notice how the intention of this thesis changes when the language used changes.

In Essay 3.1, the writer is using language to do one of two things: to inform or to persuade.

Read Thesis Statements in column A and compare them to the corresponding Thesis Statement in column B. Decide which thesis is challenging the reader’s course of action.

Thesis Statement A: Thesis Statement B: Analysis: Before you consider a permanent move to either California or Florida, you should carefully look at the differences in landscape, geography, and immigration.

Some significant differences between California and Florida are landscaping, geography, and immigration.

If you chose A, you are correct.

The two major political parties, the Republican and the Democratic Parties, are different in their immigration laws, tax reforms, and homeland security.

Some of the differences that make the Republican Party better fit for a changing world are the immigration laws that they propose, more suitable tax reforms, and more interest in homeland security.

If you chose B, you are correct. Adjectives like better, suitable more interest in changing the tone of the language.

I have certainly experienced how the old me has remained the same while this ever- changing pattern has taken my life on a different path in the last four years.

While some of my old ways have remained the same, the new me has taken me to an infinite path of possibilities in the last four years.

In Thesis Statement A the purpose of this essay is to simply outline the points that remained the same and those that changed. However, it is easy to see that Thesis Statement B shows how much more she appreciates her new life.

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

C. Writing Effective Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs

Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs can make your comparison or contrast, or comparison/contrast essays memorable.

One popular way to write an introduction to a comparison essay is to use contrasting points as introductory material, or when writing a contrasting essay, to use points of similarities to introduce the thesis. This style brings contrast to the writings only if the points used in the introduction are of interest to the reader. An example of this is the introductory paragraph of Essay 3.1.

Using a relevant quotation is a good way to start a comparison and/or contrast essay. This technique becomes the hook since it draws the reader into the essay.

Introductory Paragraph 3.3

Once, an anonymous author wrote, “We have changed over the years, but the sparkle in your eyes is as bright as ever, and my love for you is even stronger.” Certainly, there are things like temper and personality traits which usually endure the test of time, but other aspects of one’s life are always in constant change. Changes, of course, do not happen overnight; some qualities keep the same for some time, and the new ones take residence in our lives. This is particularly true for anyone’s way of living, and their position in society. I have certainly experienced how the old me has remained the same while this ever-changing pattern has taken my life on a different path in the last four years.

Notice that the writer introduces the thesis by giving background information on the topic she is about to develop. It also uses a quote as a hook to get the reader’s attention.

Introductory Paragraph 3.4

At wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom are encouraged to say, "Till death do us apart," but should they say, 'at least until we meet someone better or start to fight a lot.' What is it that we really promise when we marry? If we are being honest, maybe we should admit what it is that we really mean when we say "I do". This is extremely important since more than fifty percent of "I do's" end up in divorce court creating a wealth of other problems to all of those involved. Gender plays a significant role in the inheritance of such problems. In many cases, divorced women experiences are very different from divorced men experiences in the emotional, financial and social realms.

When selecting quotes, remember the following:

• Search for popular, interesting and relevant quotes. • Keep it short. • Correctly link the quote to the rest of the introductory material. • Use a quote that positively connects to your audience. • Give credit to the person who said it.

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

Conclusion paragraphs can reconnect with the introductory paragraph by:

• Restating the thesis • Revisiting the introductory material

Conclusion Paragraph 3.5

Divorced women often carry the emotional, financial and social burden that comes with divorce in our society. Perhaps, women think that because they are very much in love when they get married, their desire to be with their loved one is never going to wear out and they will never be on their own. They could not be further from the truth. We see what happens time and time again in psychologist offices where women go to seek advice, in banks where many divorced women get a line of credit for the first time, and in society in general. These women are the first victims of divorce.

D. Following Steps When Writing Comparison and/or Contrast Essays

There are six steps when proceeding to write.

1. Choosing a topic • If given the choice, choose a topic that you know a lot about or can research on.

Remember to choose a topic that you can contrast or if you want to compare, be sure your points of comparison are interesting enough to your audience.

2. Brainstorming • Write all the ideas that come to mind in any order. Use a T Diagram to organize your

thoughts and decide which method of organization you can best use in your outline. 3. Outlining

• Organize ideas by starting with the thesis statement. Remember that you are looking for the ideas that will form the most logical patterns later. Use this template to outline.

Introductory Paragraph

Hook / Background Material Thesis Statement

Developmental Paragraph 1 First Point to Compare/Contrast

Topic Sentence a. Major Support + Minor Support b. Major Support + Minor Support c. Major Support + Minor Support

Developmental Paragraph 1 Second Point to Compare/Contrast

Topic Sentence a. Major Support + Minor Support b. Major Support + Minor Support c. Major Support + Minor Support

EAP1640 - Level 6 Writing (Virtual College, MDC)

Author: Professor Irasema Fernandez (do not copy or redistribute) (Unit 3: Lesson 2) Page 1 of 8

Developmental Paragraph 1 Third Point to Compare/Contrast

Topic Sentence a. Major Support + Minor Support b. Major Support + Minor Support c. Major Support + Minor Support

Conclusion Paragraph

Re-worded Thesis / Summary Opinion / Advice

4. Writing the First Draft • This is the step that takes the longest time. If this is timed writing, use 90% of your time

developing your essay. 5. Editing

• After you have written your first draft, you may have to edit using different layers of editing. Be sure to check your essay against the published RUBRIC for this assignment.

• The RUBRIC can be found in Step 2 of your Journal Writing folder and it is the tool used to grade the JE’s in this course.

6. Re-Writing • If you are not using a computer, this step is needed. If you are using a computer or an

editing tool, your document will be re-written as it is edited.