Comparison-Contrast

Cause-and-Effect
Comparison-Contrast

 Comparison points out similarities; contrast

points out differences; comparison-contrast
mentions both similarities and differences.

 For example, the comparison and contrast

between online classroom and traditional
classroom will point out the similarities and
differences between the two subjects
Using comparison-contrast for a purpose

 1- To inform
Ex. Compare and contrast the marriage rituals in two cultures
 2- To entertain
Ex. Compare studying for exams and preparing for war
 3- To persuade
Ex. Compare and contrast public and private schools while the
writer argues in favor of public schools
 4- To relate experience and convey feelings
Ex. Compare between your life after and before marriage
Supporting details

 Same points should be discussed about

each of the two subjects and they should
be discussed in the same order for both
subjects. (sense of balance)

 Detailscan include descriptions,

anecdotes, examples, and process analysis.
Organizing details

 The thesis statement mentions the

subjects under consideration and may
indicate whether they will be
compared, contrasted, or both.
 It can also refer to the purpose.

Ex. Islam and Christianity have more in common than most people
realize.
 Order of details

There are two types of arrangements:

 1- the block pattern
 2- the alternating pattern
 Block pattern is when all the points about one subject are
made (in a block) then all the points about the other subject are
made ( in a second block)
 Alternating pattern is when a point is made for one subject,
then for the other. A second point is made for the first subject,
then for the other/
Transitions

Transitions that signal similarities:

Similarly, Likewise, In similar fashion,
In like manner, In the same way,
Transitions that show contrast:
However, On the other hand,
Conversely, In contrast.
 Studying Then and Now p. 291

 Identifythe thesis statement and note whether the

two subjects will be compared, contrasted, or both.
 What is the writer’s purpose?
 Does the writer discuss the same points for both
subjects? If not, is the lack of balance a problem?
 How are the details arranged?
 Cite some transitions that show similarities or
contrast.
Cause-and-Effect analysis

 Itexamines the reasons and results

of a certain event or subject.
 For example, the causes of divorce
and its effects on children.
Using cause-and-effect for a
purpose

 1- to entertain
Ex. Causes and effects of a surprise party that turns to be disastrous
 2- to inform
Ex. Causes and effects of inflation
 3- to persuade
Ex. Effects of smoking on your health
 4- to relate experience and express feelings
Ex. Causes and effects of leaving home and moving to another place.
Supporting details

Supporting details can include:

 1- immediate and remote causes
 2- narration, exemplification,
description, and process analysis.
Organizing details

 Points out the causes and then the effects.

 Progressive order (especially in persuasive essays)
 Chronological order (casual chains)
Transitions:
One thing is the effect of another:
As a result, Consequently, Thus, Hence,
Therefor, For this reason,
Transitions of addition:
Also, In addition, Additionally, Furthermore,
Another,
Why Athletes use steroids p. 390

 Identify the thesis statement, the topic, and whether the essay
explain causes, effects, or both.
 What is the writer’s purpose?
 Determine the order of the details.
 How did the writer support his causes ?
 Identify the causal chain.
 Cite transitions that introduce causes and effects.