Comparing and contrasting

Order Description

Overview

Comparing and contrasting is an evaluative tool we use many times each day. People compare and contrast everything from sports teams, to supermarket prices, to college choices. In academic writing comparing and contrasting is a tool of argument that you will refine during your academic career. You’ll use it to critically examine the points of view presented in essays and articles you read in order to determine where you stand relative to the larger conversation on the subject or issue being presented.

Assignment

Your goal in this assignment is to compare and contrast two of the essays we’ve read this semester: “Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White and “Street Scenes” by Ann Hood. Both essays are personal narratives that reflect upon the authors’ childhood experiences, but each does so in different ways and for different reasons.

The objective here is for you to examine how each author reminiscences about childhood. You’ll determine the criteria upon which you will compare and contrast the essays and develop a thesis that you will support with evidence from the texts (quotes, paraphrases and summaries). This evidence will be paired with analysis, where you’ll demonstrate your critical thinking skills in interpreting and assessing the texts. Lastly, you will enter the conversation with your own opinion that is presented logically and is well supported.

Structure & Composition Advice

1. Within the first two paragraphs you’ll want to briefly mention the authors and titles of the essays, signpost your major ideas, define your criteria (3-4 ceiterias) and offer the thesis that will guide the reader through the discussion that follows.

2. The body of your essay should involve a comparison and contrast of each of the criteria you’ve decided to focus on. That might be a discussion of the similarities and differences in motives, in rhetorical strategies, writing style, language, tone, etc. (see brainstorming section for more info).

3. Structurally you will use either a block/text by text structure where you discuss all criteria for one essay then do the same for the other essay, or you’ll use a point by point comparison, where you alternate between essays as you address each criteria.

4. The last section of your paper should address which author you feel does the more effective job overall in his or her storytelling. Consider what it was about this essay that resonated with you as a reader and why. This is where you enter the conversation and provide some critical thinking that will support and reinforce your ideas.

Brainstorming questions to get you started…

Read and annotate the essays carefully and compose a 1-2 page summary on what you feel are the most important aspects of each essay. As you review your summary, consider where they share similarities and in what ways they are different.

Please Note: You do not need to address all of these questions in your response. They are intended to be catalysts to help you determine how and what to compare and contrast.

• Why is the author sharing this story now–what is his/her motive? Are the authors’ motives for writing the same or different?

• What is each author’s perception of childhood?

• What does the story reveal about each author? How has their memory influenced them?

• Is time and place used the same way in each story?

• Does the author’s attitude about this place/experience change with time or not?

• What function does nostalgia have in the story?

• Does the author rely on certain rhetorical strategies more than others and/or use some more effectively than others?

• In what ways are the essay structures similar/different and how does the structure relate to the storytelling?

• What does the lake symbolize? What does Rive Street symbolize?

• How is description being used to evoke the experience of this place?

• How does figurative language and tone impact the storytelling?

• What central values does each author have regarding family? Are they similar or different? How do their values reflect the time period in which each lived?

• Do the authors share the same audience?

In-text Citations

All in-text summaries, paraphrases and direct quotes must be properly cited in MLA format.

Length: 1,500-2,000 words/typed–this is the word count for the paper’s body itself. Your word count should not include the header.

Grading

When I am reviewing this essay, I will focus on your ability to select and define clear criteria and create a thesis upon which to effectively compare and contrast the two essays. You will need to incorporate evidence from each of the essays into your response to illustrate your points e.g. quotes, paraphrases and summaries and support the criteria that guide your thesis. I will also consider the overall caliber of your writing, therefore this essay should be carefully proofread and be relatively error-free in terms of spelling, grammar, awkward phrasing, etc.