Another explanation and sample of Comparison/Contrast

Comparison / Contrast – after the topic is chosen

1.      Find the basis of comparison—the ways in which the two things

are alike

2.      Consider the differences within the similarities

3.      From looking at the common features as well as the distinguishing

characteristics, you form your thesis statement

4.      ORGANIZATION – for longer papers, use point by point; for shorter papers, use subject to subject

3-4 pages –

SUBJECT to SUBJECT comparison/contrast focuses on the entirety of one subject, THEN on the entirety of  the next subject, but BOTH focus on the same points and those points are in the same order

High School                                                                College

Commonalities: education/ organization/ students / diverse / events / goals / freedom

                                                            Freedom

Limited freedom                                                           school doesn’t care if student

Feel like one is being babied                                                     misses class

Classes missed are carefully monitored              too many classes missed may result in failure

Trouble can result with too many                                   there is nothing that serves as ISS

            missed classes                                                  students are assumed to be adults

parents can be involved and freedom                             parents are not involved in discipline or used

            is then more limited                                                       as a threat

Trouble may also result in ISS

                                                            Students

Many times students don’t want to                                Students CHOOSE to go to college

go to school at all

Student attitudes are often carefree                                Students must become more self-disciplined because they have more responsibility

Since they are forced to go, and                                    College is expensive, and students must work   

the education is free, students often                               hard to remain in school and to graduate

do not work as hard

Students and teachers are often closer                           there is seldom a time when a close relationship

in high school                                                                  develops between students and professors

                                                                Goals

                                                                                                           

Graduate and not come back!                                       Learn and establish basis for a career

Pass the EOCTs and other required tests                      Do well in classes for one’s own benefit

Thesis Statement:  High school and college both provide opportunities for students to prepare for their future, but each institution varies drastically with the amount of freedom students have and the goals each one sets.

2^nd paragraph: Discuss students in high school – see notes above AND give specific examples—at least 2 examples

3^rd par. – Discussing high school students and their freedom

4^th par. – Discuss high school students and their goals

Par. 5 – could serve as a segue or transition to students in college

Par. 6. – college students & their attitudes, etc. – from notes AND EXAMPLES

Par. 7 – college students and freedom

Par. 8 – goals of college students

CONCLUSION