Do I want this car … ?

Do I want this car … ?

… or do I want that

other car?

… or do I want that

other car?

Instructions for the Comparison or Instructions for the Comparison or Contrast EssayContrast Essay

Do I want this guy … ?

Do I want this guy … ? … or do I

want that guy?

… or do I want that

guy?

Do I want to visit Egypt on my next vacation

… ?

Do I want to visit Egypt on my next vacation

… ?

… or do I want to go to Las

Vegas?

… or do I want to go to Las

Vegas?

Do I want to eat something

healthy… ?

Do I want to eat something

healthy… ?

… or do I want something

bad?

… or do I want something

bad?

Understand what comparison or Understand what comparison or contrast requires you to do.contrast requires you to do.Understand what comparison or Understand what comparison or contrast requires you to do.contrast requires you to do.

Always choose two Always choose two equalequal items—two cars, items—two cars, two vacations, two sports stars—two vacations, two sports stars—notnot two two unequal items, like a car and an octopus.unequal items, like a car and an octopus.Next, decide if you want to Next, decide if you want to comparecompare or or contrastcontrast as your primary strategy. The essay as your primary strategy. The essay should be 80/20 in favor of one strategy, not should be 80/20 in favor of one strategy, not 50/50.50/50.Your job is to Your job is to interestinterest the reader. Choose the reader. Choose points to discuss that are points to discuss that are not immediately not immediately obviousobvious. .

Now let’s test Now let’s test your your

understanding .understanding . .. ..

Now let’s test Now let’s test your your

understanding .understanding . .. ..

A baby is like a vacuum cleaner.A baby is like a vacuum cleaner.A baby is like a vacuum cleaner.A baby is like a vacuum cleaner.

WRONG!WRONG!

Even though my little brother Fred Even though my little brother Fred is 20 years my junior, he and I have is 20 years my junior, he and I have much in common.much in common.

Even though my little brother Fred Even though my little brother Fred is 20 years my junior, he and I have is 20 years my junior, he and I have much in common.much in common.Yeah, Yeah, baby!baby!

My sister and I look alike, have My sister and I look alike, have common hobbies, and enjoy the common hobbies, and enjoy the same foods.same foods.

My sister and I look alike, have My sister and I look alike, have common hobbies, and enjoy the common hobbies, and enjoy the same foods.same foods.

Boring!Boring!

Even though Venus and Serena Williams are Even though Venus and Serena Williams are both professional tennis stars, they differ in their both professional tennis stars, they differ in their opinions about men, movies, and music.opinions about men, movies, and music.

Even though Venus and Serena Williams are Even though Venus and Serena Williams are both professional tennis stars, they differ in their both professional tennis stars, they differ in their opinions about men, movies, and music.opinions about men, movies, and music.

Excellent!Excellent!

Make the comparison or contrast Make the comparison or contrast interestinginteresting..Make the comparison or contrast Make the comparison or contrast interestinginteresting..

Be sure that your essay has a Be sure that your essay has a purposepurpose. Ask . Ask yourself this important question: Why would yourself this important question: Why would anyone want to read this comparison or anyone want to read this comparison or contrast?contrast?Consider giving the essay a Consider giving the essay a specific specific audienceaudience. Imagine the essay is a . Imagine the essay is a letterletter to a to a specific person.specific person.

Dear Mom and Dad,

My current car is a death trap! Do you want me to be the reason I-4 traffic is at a standstill? For this reason, I want you to consider helping me pay for my dream car, a 2011 Honda Accord …

Pick a pattern for your essay.Pick a pattern for your essay.Pick a pattern for your essay.Pick a pattern for your essay.

Pattern APattern A is a typical is a typical 5-paragraph essay.5-paragraph essay.The thesis statement The thesis statement will read like this:will read like this:

Because of X, Y, Because of X, Y, and Z, Subject A is and Z, Subject A is similar to similar to [[or or different fromdifferent from] ] Subject B.Subject B.

Each body paragraph Each body paragraph will discuss both will discuss both Subject A and Subject A and Subject B.Subject B.

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

All about All about Point XPoint XAll about All about Point XPoint X

All about All about Point YPoint YAll about All about Point YPoint Y

All about All about Point ZPoint ZAll about All about Point ZPoint Z

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion

Pattern B will look a bit different.Pattern B will look a bit different.Pattern B will look a bit different.Pattern B will look a bit different.Pattern BPattern B has only 4 has only 4 paragraphs.paragraphs.Alas, the essay must Alas, the essay must still be 500 words.still be 500 words.The thesis statement The thesis statement should should notnot include include restrictions, like this:restrictions, like this:

Subject A is similar Subject A is similar to to [[or different or different fromfrom]] Subject B. Subject B.

One body paragraph One body paragraph will discuss will discuss XX, , YY, and , and ZZ for for Subject ASubject A; the ; the other body paragraph other body paragraph will do the same for will do the same for Subject BSubject B..

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

All about All about Subject ASubject AAll about All about Subject ASubject A

All about All about Subject BSubject BAll about All about Subject BSubject B

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion

If we follow the If we follow the advice above …advice above …If we follow the If we follow the advice above …advice above …

Do we have two like things? Do we have two like things? How are they alike? How are they alike? Would it be better to compare Would it be better to compare or contrast?or contrast?What is the purpose?What is the purpose?What will make the essay What will make the essay interesting?interesting?Would Would Pattern APattern A or or Pattern BPattern B work the best?work the best?

Format the Format the Pattern APattern A outline outline correctly.correctly.Format the Format the Pattern APattern A outline outline correctly.correctly.

I.I. Point XPoint XA.A. Subject ASubject A

1.1. Detail 1Detail 1

2.2. Detail 2Detail 2

3.3. Detail 3Detail 3

B.B. Subject BSubject B1.1. Detail 1Detail 1

2.2. Detail 2Detail 2

3.3. Detail 3Detail 3

I.I. Point XPoint XA.A. Subject ASubject A

1.1. Detail 1Detail 1

2.2. Detail 2Detail 2

3.3. Detail 3Detail 3

B.B. Subject BSubject B1.1. Detail 1Detail 1

2.2. Detail 2Detail 2

3.3. Detail 3Detail 3

Roman numerals Roman numerals address the address the XX, , YY, and , and ZZ from the thesis from the thesis statement.statement.

Capital letter ACapital letter A is is always for the always for the first first subjectsubject; ; capital capital letter Bletter B is always for is always for the the second subjectsecond subject..

A A detaildetail for Subject A for Subject A must correspond to a must correspond to a detaildetail for Subject B.for Subject B.

Thesis statement:Thesis statement: The two Sigourney Weaver The two Sigourney Weaver movies, movies, AliensAliens and and Gorillas in the MistGorillas in the Mist, have three , have three important points of comparison [or contrast]: X, Y, and important points of comparison [or contrast]: X, Y, and Z.Z.

Thesis statement:Thesis statement: The two Sigourney Weaver The two Sigourney Weaver movies, movies, AliensAliens and and Gorillas in the MistGorillas in the Mist, have three , have three important points of comparison [or contrast]: X, Y, and important points of comparison [or contrast]: X, Y, and Z.Z.

I.I. Point XPoint XA.A. Gorillas in Gorillas in

the Mistthe Mist1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

B.B. AliensAliens1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

I.I. Point XPoint XA.A. Gorillas in Gorillas in

the Mistthe Mist1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

B.B. AliensAliens1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

II. Point YII. Point YA.A.Gorillas in Gorillas in

the Mistthe Mist1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

B.B.AliensAliens1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

II. Point YII. Point YA.A.Gorillas in Gorillas in

the Mistthe Mist1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

B.B.AliensAliens1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

III. Point ZIII. Point ZA.A. Gorillas in Gorillas in

the Mistthe Mist1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

B.B. AliensAliens1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

III. Point ZIII. Point ZA.A. Gorillas in Gorillas in

the Mistthe Mist1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

B.B. AliensAliens1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

A A Pattern BPattern B outline looks a little different:outline looks a little different:A A Pattern BPattern B outline looks a little different:outline looks a little different:

I.I. Subject ASubject AA.A. First Point of C/CFirst Point of C/C

1. Detail1. Detail

2. Detail2. Detail

3. Detail3. Detail

B.B. Second Point of C/CSecond Point of C/C

1. Detail1. Detail

2. Detail2. Detail

3. Detail3. Detail

C.C. Third Point of C/CThird Point of C/C

1. Detail1. Detail

2. Detail2. Detail

3. Detail3. Detail

II.II. Subject BSubject BA.A. First Point of C/CFirst Point of C/C

1. Detail1. Detail

2. Detail2. Detail

3. Detail3. Detail

B.B. Second Point of C/CSecond Point of C/C

1. Detail1. Detail

2. Detail2. Detail

3. Detail3. Detail

C.C. Third Point of C/CThird Point of C/C

1. Detail1. Detail

2. Detail2. Detail

3. Detail3. Detail

Thesis Statement:Thesis Statement: Subject A is different from/similar to Subject B.Subject A is different from/similar to Subject B.

Pattern B Outline Topics:Pattern B Outline Topics:Expectation vs. RealityExpectation vs. Reality

Pattern B Outline Topics:Pattern B Outline Topics:Expectation vs. RealityExpectation vs. Reality

VacationVacation

ClassClass

DateDate

CarCar

FriendFriend

PetPet

JobJob

ComputerComputer

SchoolSchool

ScholarshipScholarship

ChurchChurch

ConcertConcert

Sports eventSports event

MembershipMembership

Decide the topic for your actual Decide the topic for your actual essay:essay:Decide the topic for your actual Decide the topic for your actual essay:essay:

Your comparison/contrast essay will discuss the Your comparison/contrast essay will discuss the similarities/differencessimilarities/differences between the Disney between the Disney version of Cinderella version of Cinderella oror Snow White Snow White andand the the Brothers Grimm Brothers Grimm oror Anne Sexton version Anne Sexton version or or the the Vietnamese Cinderella.Vietnamese Cinderella.

Consider these Consider these pointspoints of comparison or contrast:of comparison or contrast:CharactersCharacters

AnimalsAnimals

Costume and settingCostume and setting

ViolenceViolence

Parents and step-parentsParents and step-parents

LessonsLessons

Reading and viewingReading and viewing

Remember that you need a Remember that you need a purposepurpose for the comparison for the comparison //

contrast. So decide contrast. So decide which which fairytale version you would fairytale version you would share with a share with a specific specific child.child.

Remember that you need a Remember that you need a purposepurpose for the comparison for the comparison //

contrast. So decide contrast. So decide which which fairytale version you would fairytale version you would share with a share with a specific specific child.child.

Create a works cited page:Create a works cited page:Create a works cited page:Create a works cited page:

Use Use MLA-styleMLA-style page numbering: your page numbering: your last name last name and and the the page numberpage number..

The works cited page is the The works cited page is the last page last page of the essay.of the essay.

Title the page: Title the page: Works CitedWorks Cited..

The entire page is The entire page is double spaceddouble spaced [with [with no extra no extra spacingspacing between entries].between entries].

For each entry, all lines after the first are For each entry, all lines after the first are indented indented five spacesfive spaces..

Punctuation and capitalization require Punctuation and capitalization require your careful your careful attentionattention..

The list of entries is The list of entries is alphabetizedalphabetized..

Note the format:Note the format:Note the format:Note the format:

Williams 4

Works Cited

The Greatest Movie Ever Made. Dir. John

Bowman. Funtime Studios, 2010. DVD.

Robertson, Zachary. “Wow Story.” The

Greatest Website Ever Made. Web. 19

Jully. 2011.

Williams 4

Works Cited

The Greatest Movie Ever Made. Dir. John

Bowman. Funtime Studios, 2010. DVD.

Robertson, Zachary. “Wow Story.” The

Greatest Website Ever Made. Web. 19

Jully. 2011.

If you are using a If you are using a moviemovie, set , set up the entry like this:up the entry like this:If you are using a If you are using a moviemovie, set , set up the entry like this:up the entry like this:

The TitleThe Title.. [in [in italicsitalics]]

Dir. Director’s First Name and Dir. Director’s First Name and Last. Last. [[Dir.Dir. stands for stands for Directed by.Directed by.]]

Studio Name, Year of Release.Studio Name, Year of Release.

Publication Medium.Publication Medium.

The entry will look like this:The entry will look like this:The entry will look like this:The entry will look like this:

Title of Film. Dir. Director’s

First and Last Name. Studio

Name, Year of Release. DVD.

Title of Film. Dir. Director’s

First and Last Name. Studio

Name, Year of Release. DVD.

Your two movie options:Your two movie options:Your two movie options:Your two movie options:

Title:Title: CinderellaCinderella

Directors:Directors: Clyde Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Jackson, and Hamilton LuskeHamilton Luske

Studio:Studio: Walt Walt Disney PicturesDisney Pictures

Year:Year: 1950 1950

Title:Title: Snow White Snow White and the Seven and the Seven DwarfsDwarfs

Director:Director: David David HandHand

Studio:Studio: Walt Walt Disney PicturesDisney Pictures

Year:Year: 1937 1937

If you are using a If you are using a document document within a within a websitewebsite, set up the , set up the entry like this:entry like this:

If you are using a If you are using a document document within a within a websitewebsite, set up the , set up the entry like this:entry like this:

Author’s last name, first name.Author’s last name, first name.

““Title of Story or Poem.” Title of Story or Poem.” [in [in quotation marks]quotation marks]

Title of Website. Title of Website. [in [in italicsitalics]]

Publication Medium.Publication Medium.

Date accessed. Date accessed. [Day Month Year][Day Month Year]

The entry will look like this:The entry will look like this:The entry will look like this:The entry will look like this:

Author’s Last Name, First Name.

“Title of Story or Poem.”

Website Name. Web. 11 Feb.

2011.

Author’s Last Name, First Name.

“Title of Story or Poem.”

Website Name. Web. 11 Feb.

2011.

Your two author options:Your two author options:Your two author options:Your two author options:

Authors:Authors: Jacob Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm Grimm

Title:Title: “Cinderella” “Cinderella” or “Little Snow or “Little Snow White”White”

Website:Website: National National GeographicGeographic

Author:Author: Anne Anne SextonSexton

Title:Title: “Cinderella” “Cinderella” or “Snow White and or “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”the Seven Dwarfs”

Website:Website: Miami Miami University University or or Poets.orgPoets.org

Tam and Cam:Tam and Cam:Tam and Cam:Tam and Cam:

Author:Author: None – so skip it! None – so skip it!

Title:Title: “The Story of Tam and Cam” “The Story of Tam and Cam”

Website:Website: The Homepage of Professor D. The Homepage of Professor D. L. Ashliman, University of PittsburghL. Ashliman, University of Pittsburgh

Note these rules about Note these rules about namesnames::Note these rules about Note these rules about namesnames::

If you refer to the If you refer to the charactercharacter, treat , treat his/her name as your own and just his/her name as your own and just capitalizecapitalize..If you refer to the If you refer to the short storyshort story or or poempoem, use , use quotation marksquotation marks and and capitalizecapitalize all major words.all major words.If you refer to the If you refer to the moviemovie, use , use italicsitalics and and capitalizecapitalize all major words.all major words.

Draft the introduction.Draft the introduction.Draft the introduction.Draft the introduction.

Remember that you are explaining Remember that you are explaining which which version version of the story is of the story is appropriate for a appropriate for a specific specific child.child.Use the introduction to give your reader Use the introduction to give your reader background background on that child.on that child.Write Write 5 - 7 5 - 7 sentences that explain the sentences that explain the child’s child’s personality personality and/or and/or situationsituation..Have these sentences lead up to your Have these sentences lead up to your thesis statementthesis statement..

Add support with Add support with direct quotationsdirect quotations..Add support with Add support with direct quotationsdirect quotations..

First, First, introduceintroduce the source with a speaker tag. the source with a speaker tag.The Queen says, …The Queen says, …

According to “Little Snow White,” …According to “Little Snow White,” …

Then use the Then use the exact wordsexact words of the source in of the source in quotation quotation marksmarks..

You can make You can make small changes small changes with with brackets brackets like these: like these: [ ][ ]

You can You can omit omit chunks of text with chunks of text with ellipsesellipses, three periods in a , three periods in a row where you have removed words in the middle or at the end.row where you have removed words in the middle or at the end.

Follow with an Follow with an in-text citation in-text citation [aka parenthetical [aka parenthetical reference]reference]

If you have one or more authors, use the name(s) of the If you have one or more authors, use the name(s) of the author(s) in author(s) in parenthesesparentheses:: (Grimm and Grimm) (Grimm and Grimm)

If you do If you do not not have an author, use the have an author, use the abbreviated abbreviated title of the title of the work in work in parenthesesparentheses: : (“The Story”) (“The Story”)

Format the quotations like this:Format the quotations like this:Format the quotations like this:Format the quotations like this:

According to _____ [story or poem’s title],According to _____ [story or poem’s title], “exact “exact words”words” (In-text citation)(In-text citation)..

__________ says,__________ says, “exact words”“exact words” (In-text citation)(In-text citation)..

According to “Little Snow White,”According to “Little Snow White,” our heroine our heroine “was as beautiful as the day, and more beautiful than “was as beautiful as the day, and more beautiful than the Queen herself”the Queen herself” (Grimm and Grimm)(Grimm and Grimm)..

The queen says,The queen says, “[B]ring me her heart … and I will “[B]ring me her heart … and I will salt and eat it”salt and eat it” (Sexton)(Sexton)..

First Draft DirectionsFirst Draft DirectionsFirst Draft DirectionsFirst Draft Directions

To earn all of the points on your prewriting To earn all of the points on your prewriting sheet, do the following:sheet, do the following:

Confirm that you have a Confirm that you have a correct heading correct heading at at the the top lefttop left..

Give the essay a Give the essay a correctcorrect and and interestinginteresting title.title.

Be sure that you have written Be sure that you have written 500+500+ words.words.

Be sure to work in at least Be sure to work in at least three three quotationsquotations that have that have in-text citationsin-text citations..

Your homework is to Your homework is to type/polishtype/polish the draft the draft for an in-class activity during the next class.for an in-class activity during the next class.

Prepare the Prepare the final draftfinal draft of the of the essay.essay.Prepare the Prepare the final draftfinal draft of the of the essay.essay.

Be sure that you have Be sure that you have MLA-style page numberingMLA-style page numbering on every page.on every page.The works cited page should be the The works cited page should be the last pagelast page of the of the essay.essay.Confirm that you have Confirm that you have three three quotations—correctly quotations—correctly integrated integrated and and citedcited—from your print source.—from your print source.Know how many points each skill is worth on the Know how many points each skill is worth on the evaluation sheetevaluation sheet..Visit the Visit the Writing Center Writing Center [5-155] for advice.[5-155] for advice.Be sure to read and follow all of the Be sure to read and follow all of the format format guidelinesguidelines on your syllabus. on your syllabus.Send the essay as an Send the essay as an email attachmentemail attachment before before you arrive to class!you arrive to class!

The End.The End.The End.The End.

Look, I don’t have time for this. I’m

going to get to work.

Look, I don’t have time for this. I’m

going to get to work.