Paper #2: The Comparison/Contrast Essay

 A comparison/contrast essay is an essay that discusses two things that are different from and also similar to one another.

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Adler and Uden

For your paper, you will be discussing the similarities and differences beteen Uden and Adler's opinion when it comes to marking a book. You will also be taking a stance as to which author's opinion is more correct, according to you.

Even though your opinion will be included in the paper, you will write ONLY in the third person. You will make your opinion known not with the "I" voice but by the slant or focus of your paper.

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Strong Thesis Statements Strong thesis statements for a

comparison/contrast essay will take a clear stance, from the beginning, about your stance or focus.

Good thesis statement: While Uden and Adler are both avid readers and lovers of books, they have different opinions on marking in books; Uden's opinion, while not voiced as eloquently, is gentler, softer, and more realistic.

Bad thesis statement: While Uden and Adler both discuss marking in books, they have very different opinions about whether it is right or wrong.

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Thesis Statements...

The reason it is important for your comparison/contrast essay to have such a strong thesis statement is because GOOD comparison/contrast essays do more than JUST DISCUSS how two things are alike and different.

More Than Just Comparing and Contrasting  Do not make the mistake of thinking that, for your

comparison/contrast essay, you simply have to talk about HOW two things are alike and how they are different. Your paper needs to have a REASON and PURPOSE behind it.

For example, writing a paper about how apples are different from oranges (one is red, one is orange) and how they are alike (they are both fruit) wouldn’t be very meaningful! It would just discuss basic similarities and differences that most people already know.

In that same vein, you don't want your paper to JUST look at the similarities and differences. You want to examine the similarities and differences with a clear purpose and reason for doing so.

Also, be careful that your paper doesn't end up reading like SUMMARIES of the material. You are comparing and contrasting with a purpose, not summarizing.

Reasons for writing comparison/contrast papers

To persuade: To convince your reader that, though the two topics share similarities and differences, one is ultimately better than the other because…

Example: While Uden and Adler have their own unique opinions on writing in books, Adler is more correct, and his argument is better thought out.

Reasons for writing comparison/contrast papers

To show how something has changed

Example: Adler's opinon on marking in books is outdated and irrelevant while Uden's opinion is fresh and modern and discusses newer ways, such as e-books, to approach reading and books in general.

Reasons for writing comparison/contrast essays

To explain different options

Example: Uden says that marking in a book is an act of disrespect while Adler says that doing so is the exact opposite- a sign of disrespect; both opinions are valid, and the "right option" for a specific person depends on his or her learning style.

Reasons for writing comparison/contrast essays

To clear up misconceptions

Adler and Uden both discuss marking in books, but while Uden is accurate in her opinions, Adler says a lot of things that just aren't true.

Formatting Your Essay

One Side at a Time (Block)

This format first presents all your points for one side and then presents all your points for the other side.

Point by Point

This format alternates (changes) between talking about the points for one side and the points for the other side.

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Block Format

Intro with Thesis Paragraph(s) about Uden and all things

related to her Paragrap(s) about Adler and all things related

to him Conclusion

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Point by Point Format

Introduction with Thesis First point and discussion of how Uden and

Adler relate to that point Second point....etc. (discuss as many points

as necessary to get your point across ;) Conclusion

This paper, which we will begin working on shortly, needs to include Uden and Adler's articles as properly cited sources.

It should be at least 3 pages long.

It should be in proper MLA format.