Comparison And Contrast Writing Assignment Instructions ✓ Solved

Comparison And Contrast Writing Assignment Instructions

Comparison and Contrast Essay Writing Assignment: A comparison shows how two or more things are similar, and contrast shows how they are different. Before you can compare and contrast two things, you must be sure a basis for comparison exists—that the two things have enough in common to justify the comparison. A comparison should lead you beyond the obvious. However, when two things are very similar, the contrast may be worth writing about. When two subjects are not much alike, you may find that the similarities are worth considering.

Topic Selections: (Choose One)

- Write an essay on two people who are significant in your life. Why are they interesting? How are they alike and different? What do they believe? What stands out most about each of them?

- Write an essay about two groups that have divergent values, for example, vegetarians and meat eaters or Democrats and Republicans.

- Write an essay about education in online/virtual classes vs. education in traditional classes.

- Write an essay about millennial age society vs. pre-millennial society.

Requirements: Develop at least a five-paragraph essay (equivalent to 500 to 600 words). Be sure to indent paragraphs and double space. Refer to the Rules/Guidelines for Writing for complete details regarding fonts, font size, format. Submit your essay as a Microsoft Word file attachment.

Paper For Above Instructions

The art of comparison and contrast is a fundamental exercise in critical thinking and effective writing, allowing writers and readers to analyze similarities and differences between two or more subjects. This type of essay not only enhances our understanding of the subjects but also helps to elucidate nuanced perspectives and foster a deeper appreciation of diverse viewpoints. The core purpose of a comparison and contrast essay is to explore how items are similar and how they differ, guiding the reader through a structured, insightful analysis based on clearly defined criteria.

Before embarking on the writing process, selecting appropriate topics is crucial. Effective comparison and contrast require a valid basis for juxtaposition—subjects that have enough in common to make a meaningful analysis possible. For instance, comparing two people who are significant in your life allows you to explore their similarities and differences in personality, beliefs, and influences. Such personal choices provide a rich, authentic basis for exploration, engaging the reader with compelling narratives. Alternatively, comparing societal groups with divergent values, such as vegetarians and meat eaters or political parties like Democrats and Republicans, fosters understanding of ideological differences and cultural beliefs. Topics like online versus traditional education highlight modern societal shifts and technological impacts, while contrasting millennial society with pre-millennial societies reveals generational differences and historical developments.

The structure of a comparison and contrast essay typically involves an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should clearly state the purpose and the specific subjects being compared or contrasted, providing the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. The body paragraphs should each focus on specific similarities or differences, organized either by subject or criterion. Organizing by points of comparison helps maintain clarity and coherence, enabling the reader to easily follow the argument. For example, when comparing two individuals, one paragraph might explore their values, another their beliefs, and a third their distinctive qualities that stand out in each person.

Developing a well-organized, five-paragraph essay requires careful planning. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, followed by supporting details that substantiate the comparison or contrast. Using transitional phrases like “similarly,” “in contrast,” “however,” and “on the other hand” enhances the flow and clarity of the essay. The conclusion should synthesize the main points discussed, reinforcing the overall insights gained from the comparison. It might also reflect on the significance of understanding these similarities and differences, perhaps in the context of personal growth, societal understanding, or educational insights.

In writing such an essay, adherence to formal formatting guidelines is essential. This includes indenting paragraphs, double spacing, and following specific font and size requirements as prescribed by the assignment guidelines. Consulting the “Rules/Guidelines for Writing” ensures that the paper meets all academic standards for presentation and professionalism. Submitting the work as a Microsoft Word document facilitates easy review and grading, while also maintaining formatting integrity.

In sum, effective comparison and contrast essays are rooted in selecting meaningful and justifiable topics, organizing ideas logically, and employing clear, precise language. This type of writing not only demonstrates analytical skills but also prioritizes clarity and coherence, enabling the reader to appreciate the complexities and subtleties of the subjects under discussion. Whether analyzing personal relationships, societal groups, educational methods, or generational differences, a well-crafted comparison and contrast essay fosters critical understanding and engaging discourse.

References

  • Bean, J. C. (2011). Engaging Ideas: The Professor's Guide to Integrating Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom. Jossey-Bass.
  • Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2016). A Writer's Reference. Bedford/St. Martin's.
  • Lunsford, A. A., & Ruszkiewicz, J. J. (2016). Everything's an Argument. Bedford/St. Martin's.
  • Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2014). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Harris, R. (2010). Practicing What We Teach: A Guide to Teaching Writing in the Disciplines. WAC Clearinghouse.
  • Lindemann, M. (2001). Loving Literature: A Die-hard's Guide to Reading. Heinemann.
  • Nowacek, R. (2011). Arrangement and Engagement: Teaching Arrangement in Student Writing. Utah State University Press.
  • Reynolds, M. (2014). Successful Academic Writing. Routledge.
  • Schaffer, R., & Warren, D. (2014). Writing in the Disciplines. Bedford/St. Martin's.
  • Thompson, I. (2010). The Craft of Scientific Writing. Springer.