COMPARE & CONTRAST
Introduction to Compare and Contrast Essay
Writing
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
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Compare: to look for the similarities between
two things (objects, characters, ideas, places, etc)
and find similar meaning or arrive at a specific
conclusion.
Contrast: to look for the differences between two
things (objects, characters, ideas, places, etc) and
find similar meaning or arrive at a specific
conclusion.
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
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When you look at two things determine what
they have in common and how they differ
Then draw a conclusion
Phrase that conclusion as an overarching point–
not as a statement of evaluation or
comparison.
An overarching point is an inclusive statement
that can be proven by examining the two
things being compared and contrasted.
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
Dogs
 Needs constant care
(feeding, walking,
cleaning, etc)
 Very social animal
 Sheds
 Expenses (shots, food, etc)
 No independence
Cats
 Needs care (feeding), but
has some self reliance (no
need to walk. Cleaning)
 Less social, likes to be
alone
 Sheds
 Expenses (shots, food, etc)
 Independence
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
Not an Overarching point:
Cats are better than dogs because they allow for
the owner to have an easier lifestyle.
Overarching point:
A pet owner must select the appropriate pet based
on his/her lifestyle.
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
Karen
Harold
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Works for Tax agency
Obsessed with #’s and
routine
Lonely
Isolated because of his
routine
Spends time reflecting on
the quality of his life
Lets Ana and his coworker be a part of his life
Changes-- no longer lonely
Saves little boy (not his
normal behaviour)
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Author
Obsessed with death–
killing Harold Crick
Lonely
Isolated because of her
obsession with death
Spends time reflecting on
the impact of her life’s
work
Changes the outcome of
her story and is no longer
lonely
Changes --now interacts
with Penny and Dr Hilbert
Saves Harold (not her
normal behaviour)
Example based on Stranger Than Fiction
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
Not an Overarching point:
Both Harold and Karen reflect on their lives and
their reflections result in changes to their lives.
Overarching point:
It is only through self reflection that a person can
grow and change their life for the better.
Note: When we write our essays on The Kite
Runner we will be using overarching
points to create and support the thesis
statement and as topic sentences.
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
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View the next slide and make a list of
similarities and difference between the two
paintings
These paintings were created by the same man–
on the left is “Gin Lane” and on the right is “Beer
Street”
Be prepared to discuss your list with the class
GIN LANE VS BEER STREET
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
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Now that you have discussed the similarities and
differences as a class answer the following:
What message is the painter giving us from these
paintings?
KEEP IN MIND
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Next we will be comparing and contrasting
various characters in The Kite Runner.
We will link these comparisons to various topics
and themes in the book