COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

A very common and useful method of essay organization is comparison and contrast. It is a form of writing that is used frequently in college work and in business and the profession as well. Anything can be compared and contrasted such as periods in history, characters in stories, kinds of equipment, or the qualifications of two jobs applicants. The only important rule to observe is to compare and contrast things of like nature, or else the comparison or contrast apples and bananas, but you cant compare apples and typewriters. When you make comparison, you show how certain aspects of one item are similar to the same aspects of another item in the same general class. A comparison answers the question. what features do X and Y have in common? or how are X and Y similar? When you contrast two things, you point out the differences between them, i. e you point out hoe they are not alike. A contrast answers the question, what are the differences between X and Y different? As with every other kind of writing, there are specific techniques you need to learn in order to write good comparison and contrast essays. The two major techniques are : 1. Appropriate use of comparison and contrast structure words. 2. Logical organization of the points of comparison and contrast.

Comparison And Contrast Structure Words The first key to writing successful comparison and contrast essays is the appropriate use of comparison and contrast structure words. These are words that introduce points of comparison and points of contrast.

A. Comparison Structure Words 1. Sentence Connectors 4. Others Like Just like Alike Similar (to) The same as Bothand Not onlybut also Compare to Similarly Likewise Also Too

2. Subordinators As Just as

3. Coordinators And

B. Contrast Structure Words 1. Sentence Connectors On the other hand In contrast However By ( in) comparison

2. Subordinators Although Though Even though Whereas While

3. Coordinators 4. Others Different (from) Dissimilar Unlike To differ (from) But yet

The example of comparison and contrast essay

Right Brain and Left Brain

The human brain is divided into two sides, or hemispheres, called the right brain and the left brain. The two hemispheres work together, but each one specializes in certain ways of thinking. Each side has its own way of using information to help us think, understand, and the process information. The left side of brain controls language. It is more verbal and logical. It names things and puts them into groups. It uses rules and likes ideas to be clear, logical, and orderly. It is best at speech, reading, writing, and math. You use this side of the brain when you memorize spelling and grammar rules or when you do a math problem. The right side of the brain is more visual and creative. It specializes in using information it receives from the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. This side of the brain likes to dream and experiment. It controls your appreciation of music, color, and art. You use this side when you draw a picture or listen to music. Although we all use both sides of our brains, one side is usually stronger and dominant. Some people are more left- brained and others are more right- brained. Our dominant side influences the kinds of jobs and hobbies we have. Politicians, artists, architects, and musicians depend on their right brains. Accountant, engineers, doctors, and lawyers usually rely on their left brains.