|
Work with a partner. Write the names of two comparable examples for each group. Say why they can be compared.
1.fast food restaurants:________________ _______________
2.amusement parks: ________________ _______________
3.computers: _________________ ________________
4.cars: _______________ _______________
►Basis of Comparison
The basis of comparison is an important aspect in the organization and development of your essay. When comparing two items, the same aspects of each must be compared. For example, when comparing two people, the basis of comparison could be appearance, behavior, or personality. Whatever bases of comparison you choose, you must use the same ones to discuss each person. You cannot compare the personality of one person to the appearance of the other.
The following is an example of some of the possible bases for comparing two universities:
Bases of comparison:
University AUniversity В
size size
location location
reputation reputation
specialty specialty
►Thesis Statement
In a comparison-and-contrast essay, you may want to compare and contrast two items to show that one is better than the other, or that the two are totally different, or that they have some similarities and some differences. Your purpose will vary.
The thesis statement for a comparison and contrast essay should include the names of the two items being compared and the dominant impression of the items.
Sample thesis statement:
University A is a better choice for me than University В because of its
size, location, reputation, and specialty.
Task:
1. Write a thesis statement for an essay in which you compare two
fast-food restaurants.
2. Write a thesis statement in which you compare two kinds of cars.
Organizing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
There are two basic ways to organize a comparison-and-contrast essay: (1) block organization and (2) point by point organization.
In block organization, one item such as University A is discussed in one block (one or more paragraphs) and University В is discussed in another block. In Reading 1, "Toe Fashion Comparison," small-sized feet were discussed in one block and then oversized shoes were discussed in another. In Reading 2 on trousers and skirts, the European association of flowing robes with femininity and trousers with masculinity was discussed in one block, and then in another block, what these garments were associated with in China.
Imagine you were going to write a comparison-and-contrast essay about the clothing styles in Los Angeles and New York City. The following outlines show how you might organize your essay using either the block or point-by-point approach.
►Block Organization Outline
Topic: A Comparison and Contrast of the Clothing Styles in Los Angeles and
New York City.
Thesis Statement: The clothing style in Los Angeles is quite different from that
of New York City in terms of fabrics, colors, and style.
I. Los Angeles
A. Fabrics (light, same for summer and winter)
B. Colors (bright)
C. Style (casual)
II. New York City
A. Fabrics (heavy, different for summer and winter)
B. Colors (not bright)
C. Style (formal)
Conclusion
►Point-by-Pointi Organization Outline
Topic: A Comparison and Contrast of the Clothing Styles in Los Angeles and
New York City.
Thesis Statement: The clothing style in Los Angeles is quite different from that
of New York City from the point of view of fabrics, colors,
and style.
I. Fabrics
A. Los Angeles (light, same for summer and winter)
B. New York City (heavy, different for summer and winter)
II. Colors
A. Los Angeles (bright)
B. New York City (not bright)
III. Style
A. Los Angeles (casual)
B. New York (formal)
Conclusion
As can be seen, the block organization is simpler because fewer transitions are required, and one subject is discussed completely before going on to the other. The point-by-point organization in which similarities and differences of each point are discussed together requires the constant use of comparison-and-contrast indicators.
Comparison and Contrast Indicators
A good comparison-and-contrast essay should be sprinkled with comparison-and-contrast indicators, or structure words. The following is a list of some of these structure words.
►Comparison Indicator Words
Sentence Connectors | Clause Connectors | Others |
similarly | as | like (+ noun) |
likewise | just as | similar to (+ noun) |
also | and | just like (+ noun) |
(be) similar to | ||
(be) same as | ||
both... and | ||
not only... but also |
Task:
Underline all the comparison structure words in Reading 1 and Reading 2.
►Contrast Indicator Words
Sentence Connectors | Clause Connectors | Others |
however | although | |
nevertheless | even though | but |
in contrast | while | yet |
on the other hand | whereas | despite (+ noun) |
on the contrary | in spite of (+ noun) |
Task:
Underline all the contrast structure words in Reading 1 and Reading 2.
Дата добавления: 2015-09-12; просмотров: 17 | Поможем написать вашу работу | Нарушение авторских прав |