COMPARE AND CONTRAST IN WRITING

Using what we already know and applying it to formal writing.

From chapter 24, p. 273 – 280, Writing with Confidence

Tuesday, 9/25 – Tuesday, 10/2

What is it???

• A comparison shows similarities, a contrast shows how they are different

• A comparison-contrast paragraph discusses BOTH!!!

• TWO MAIN STRATEGIES:

• Whole to whole: describe x and y completely and compare/contrast while describing y after completely describing x

• Part to part: describe one part of x, compare/contrast to the same “part” of y; then describe another part of x, compare/contrast to y, etc. remember – if you discuss a part in one, you must discuss it in the other

Sample plan/blueprint on page 274-275

Additional Guidelines (from p. 274)

• DON’T OVERSIMPLIFY: very few issues are black and white so be sure to evaluate on a deep, critical level

• DON’T USE CIRCULAR REASONING: provide specific reasons to support your claims without restating the first idea with a new word

• BE CONSISTENT: make it easy for readers to understand – present the same aspects for both, and in the same order

ACTIVITY 1 and HOMEWORK

• CLASS ACTIVITY:

• Read “The Light and Dark of It”, p. 275

• Analysis questions ion your ISN

• HOMEWORK: (based on assignment, p. 276)

• Review gathering, generating, and arranging materials,

• Brainstorm two things you love – movies, books, games, etc. … one of which you will recommend to your readers

• Make a list of comparisons and contrasts using the sample grid or one of your own.

• Bring to class for discussion/activity on Thursday

Writing the paragraph

• Decide on the type of organization – whole to whole or part to part

• With the list from Tuesday, brainstorm a topic sentence for a paragraph

• Remember to use key words/ transitions that introduce comparisons and contrasts

• Be sure to write a concluding statement

• Reference templates available (p.277-278)

ACTIVITY 2

• Meet with your 3 o’clock appointment to discuss your paragraphs

• Use the checklist on page 278 to provide feedback (handouts available)

• Rewrite paragraph, turn in for a formative grade (include your feedback sheet for a diagnostic grade as well)

HOMEWORK

• Read “Additional Writing Assignment” on page 279

• Decide what idea from the list interests you and write a compare/contrast paragraph, using citations from research and ideas that are important to you

• You will share your perspective in philosophical chairs, discussing which of the two you chose is the “better” choice

PHILOSOPHICAL CHAIRS

• STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITY:1. A facilitator is chosen. He/she will go first and pull the

“speak” cards from the class as they raise their hand to add to the discussion.

2. If a student wishes to make their statement, argument, or suggestions, they must raise their hand, with their name card. The card will be pulled by the facilitator.

3. Each person who speaks must first summarize, acknowledge, or address the comment made previous to theirs and continue on. Remember – research makes your argument more credible, so have some!!!

4. Once your card is “taken” you can not address the group again until everyone has spoken. As a class, it is your job to assist the facilitator in making sure this happens.

Reading and Writing in the Compare/Contrast Genre

• Read Mark Twain’s “Two Views of the Mississippi” (p.417) – preview, vocab, story

• Meet with your 4 o’clock to complete ALL “Questions for Analysis” in your ISN

• Discuss questions as a class• FOOD FOR THOUGHT: does it make sense

to pity doctors? How does Twain relate this to the story?

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

• Consider the questions under “Suggestions

for Writing”• Choose one to write about• On a loose sheet of paper, show your thoughts

before writing on how you will compare/contrast the ideas presented

• Write your response and turn in for a SUMMATIVE GRADE• minimum of 2 paragraphs ACE-ed