How to Write a Comparative Analysis Throughout your academic career, you'll be asked to write papers in which you compare

and contrast two things: two texts, two theories, two historical figures, two scientific processes, and so on. "Classic" compare-and-contrast papers, in which you weight A and B equally, may be about two similar things that have crucial differences (two pesticides with different effects on the environment) or two similar things that have crucial differences, yet turn out to have surprising commonalities (two politicians with vastly different world views who voice unexpectedly similar perspectives on sexual harassment). In the "lens" (or "keyhole") comparison, in which you weight A less heavily than B, you use A as a lens through which to view B. Just as looking through a pair of glasses changes the way you see an object, using A as a framework for understanding B changes the way you see B. Lens comparisons are useful for illuminating, critiquing, or challenging the stability of a thing that, before the analysis, seemed perfectly understood. Often, lens comparisons take time into account: earlier texts, events, or historical figures may illuminate later ones, and vice versa. Faced with a daunting list of seemingly unrelated similarities and differences, you may feel confused about how to construct a paper that isn't just a mechanical exercise in which you first state all the features that A and B have in common, and then state all the ways in which A and B are different. Predictably, the thesis of such a paper is usually an assertion that A and B are very similar yet not so similar after all. To write a good compare-and-contrast paper, you must take your raw datathe similarities and differences you've observedand make them cohere into a meaningful argument. Here are the five elements required. Frame of Reference. This is the context within which you place the two things you plan to compare and contrast; it is the umbrella under which you have grouped them. The frame of reference may consist of an idea, theme, question, problem, or theory; a group of similar things from which you extract two for special attention; biographical or historical information. The best frames of reference are constructed from specific sources rather than your own thoughts or observations. Thus, in a paper comparing how two writers redefine social norms of masculinity, you would be better off quoting a sociologist on the topic of masculinity than spinning out potentially banal-sounding theories of your own. Most assignments tell you exactly what the frame of reference should be, and most courses supply sources for constructing it. If you encounter an assignment that fails to provide a frame of reference, you must come up with one on your own. A paper without such a context would have no angle on the material, no focus or frame for the writer to propose a meaningful argument. Grounds for Comparison. Let's say you're writing a paper on global food distribution, and you've chosen to compare apples and oranges. Why these particular fruits? Why not pears and bananas? The rationale behind your choice, the grounds for comparison, lets your reader know why your choice is deliberate and meaningful, not random. For instance, in a paper asking how the "discourse of domesticity" has been used in the abortion debate, the grounds for comparison are obvious; the issue has two conflicting sides, pro-choice and pro-life. In a paper comparing the effects of acid rain on two forest sites, your choice of sites is less obvious. A paper focusing on similarly aged forest stands in Maine and the Catskills will be set up differently from one comparing a new forest stand in the White Mountains with an old forest in the same region. You need to indicate the reasoning behind your choice. Thesis. The grounds for comparison anticipates the comparative nature of your thesis. As in any argumentative paper, your thesis statement will convey the gist of your argument, which necessarily follows from your frame of reference. But in a compare-and-contrast, the thesis depends on how the two things you've chosen to compare actually relate to one another. Do they extend, corroborate, complicate, contradict, correct, or debate one another? In the most common compare-and-contrast paperone focusing on differencesyou can indicate the precise relationship between A and B by using the word "whereas" in your thesis: Whereas Camus perceives ideology as secondary to the need to address a specific historical moment of colonialism, Fanon perceives a revolutionary ideology as the impetus to reshape Algeria's history in a direction toward independence. Whether your paper focuses primarily on difference or similarity, you need to make the relationship between A and B clear in your thesis. This relationship is at the heart of any compare-and-contrast paper. Organizational Scheme. Your introduction will include your frame of reference, grounds for comparison, and thesis. There are two basic ways to organize the body of your paper.

In text-by-text, you discuss all of A, then all of B. In point-by-point, you alternate points about A with comparable points about B.

If you think that B extends A, you'll probably use a text-by-text scheme; if you see A and B engaged in debate, a point-by-point scheme will draw attention to the conflict. Be aware, however, that the point-by- point scheme can come off as a ping-pong game. You can avoid this effect by grouping more than one point together, thereby cutting down on the number of times you alternate from A to B. But no matter which organizational scheme you choose, you need not give equal time to similarities and differences. In fact, your paper will be more interesting if you get to the heart of your argument as quickly as possible. Thus, a paper on two evolutionary theorists' different interpretations of specific archaeological findings might have as few as two or three sentences in the introduction on similarities and at most a paragraph or two to set up the contrast between the theorists' positions. The rest of the paper, whether organized text- by-text or point-by-point, will treat the two theorists' differences.

You can organize a classic compare-and-contrast paper either text-by-text or point-by-point. But in a "lens" comparison, in which you spend significantly less time on A (the lens) than on B (the focal text), you almost always organize text-by-text. That's because A and B are not strictly comparable: A is merely a tool for helping you discover whether or not B's nature is actually what expectations have led you to believe it is. Linking of A and B. All argumentative papers require you to link each point in the argument back to the thesis. Without such links, your reader will be unable to see how new sections logically and systematically advance your argument. In a compare-and contrast, you also need to make links between A and B in the body of your essay if you want your paper to hold together. To make these links, use transitional expressions of comparison and contrast (similarly, moreover, likewise, on the contrary, conversely, on the other hand) and contrastive vocabulary (in the example below, Southerner/Northerner). As a girl raised in the faded glory of the Old South, amid mystical tales of magnolias and moonlight, the mother remains part of a dying generation. Surrounded by hard times, racial conflict, and limited opportunities, Julian, on the other hand, feels repelled by the provincial nature of home, and represents a new Southerner, one who sees his native land through a condescending Northerner's eyes. Copyright 1998, Kerry Walk, for the Writing Center at Harvard University http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/CompAnalysis.html Guidelines for Writing a Comparative Analysis By Nicole Palmby, eHow Contributor , last updated September 04, 2011 A comparative analysis presents the similarities and differences between two things. Comparative analysis essays are common assignments in literature classes. Usually they give students the opportunity to look at two authors and find their similarities and differences, then write an essay explaining what they found. A comparative analysis encourages you to look deeper than the obvious between two sides, and then present those two sides to show others what you've learned. Knowing how to write a comparative analysis is a skill that will be beneficial throughout your school days, and can help you look at two sides of any situation with a critical eye. 1. Explain the Comparison o A comparative analysis compares and contrasts two or more things. When you write a comparative analysis, it's important to explain what's being compared and contrasted in your essay. Give an explanation of each side of the comparison at the beginning of your essay. For example, if you're doing a comparative analysis on the work of Van Gogh and the work of Monet, explain the general characteristics of both artists prior to comparing them to each other. This will give your reader a foundation for the comparison. Be Fair o Regardless of your opinions of each of the sides of your comparison, make sure you give equal time to each side. This will allow your reader to make up his own mind when reading your essay. For example, if Van Gogh is your favorite artist and you don't care for Monet, you still have to give an equal comparison of both artists instead of favoring Van Gogh in the essay. Don't let your bias or preferences show in your comparative analysis. o Sponsored Links Video to MP4s Converter Download Online Videos To Your Desktop & Convert Them Into MP4s! Free.VideoDownloadConverter.com Be Specific o When you compare and contrast the sides in your essay, make sure you give specific examples from each side to support your analysis. This will give your reader something concrete to think about as he reads. For example, if you say that Van Gogh's art is more colorful than Monet, explain that Van Gogh's pieces are more colorful because they use bolder colors, while Monet is known more for using pastels, which make his work look more subdued. Be Thorough o The more reasons and examples you can give in your comparative analysis, the better foundation your reader will have for drawing his own conclusions about the analysis. Your essay should include at least three points of comparison and three points of contrast, but including more will make your essay stronger. Give as many points as you can for both comparison and contrast to include in your analysis. This will also lend your essay credibility because it will show you took the time to analyze the sides before writing, instead of simply giving a few obvious examples. Read more: Guidelines for Writing a Comparative Analysis | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_12032926_guidelines-writing-comparativeanalysis.html#ixzz21XXIqZao How to Write a Literary Comparison The Nature of Comparison Comparison is a basic procedure of explanation and analysis. A comparison presents two or more objects and describes and analyzes their similarities and differences. Comparison usually makes us see the items under discussion more clearly and in a new light. When writing a literary comparison, you will answer the question So What?

In other words you will not only explain the similarities and differences between the two (or more) works (or plots or characters or other elements of fiction you have chosen to discuss) but also explain the significance of your comparison. A comparison intends to inform readers of something they haven't thought of before. Therefore, for a comparison to be illuminating, the things compared must either:

Appear different but have significant similarities o Star Wars and Return of the Jedi o Roy Neary (the Richard Dreyfuss character) in Close Encounters and Elliott in E.T. Appear similar but have significant differences o Classic Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation o Babylon 5 and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

You must have a purpose for your comparison. In other words, the reader of the comparison should not have to ask SO WHAT? at the end of your essay. Grounds for Comparison A comparison is controlled by the ground of the comparison; i.e. the basis for comparing the items. The basis, or ground, must be significant; it must fulfill a purpose. In a comparison of two literary works, some common grounds of comparison are plot character background character actions character motivations setting theme You will develop your discussion of each ground of your comparison by describing and interpreting the attributes of that ground. For example attributes of the ground of setting might be location, year, time of year, time of day, and/or weather. Organization of comparison There are two primary patterns of organization used in comparison essays Block method Alternating method (required) Block Metod also called Summary approach; also called One Side at a Time Focus is on items being compared.

The writer presents one work, describe all of its relevant grounds and attributes, and then does the same with the second item, using the same grounds for comparison. Points of comparison are discussed in terms of the works being compared Advantage--guarantees that each object will have a unified discussion. Disadvantage--points of comparison, because so widely separated in the essay, may be less clear to the reader. Works best when: --two objects compared are relatively simple --points of comparison are general and few in number --amount of information presented is not great Generally a poor organizational choice Alternating Method Also called element by element or point by point. Focus is on the grounds and attributes of comparison\

Works being compared are discussed in terms of the grounds and attributes of comparison Advantage--easy to grasp specific points of comparison Disadvantage--might be harder to pull together details and form a distinct impression of what each object is like. You are required to use the Alternating Method of comparison in your essay. Thesis Statement Remember that comparison and contrast is an organizational and analytical structure that supports your ideas but you still need a thesis. Thesis statement 1) Names the items to be compared 2) Indicates the purpose of the comparison 3) Names the grounds for comparison

Sample Thesis Statements Unacceptable Acceptable I am going to compare the similarities and differences between the films Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T., the Extraterrestrial. A close examination of the way that Roy Neary, the protagonist of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Elliott, the protagonist of E.T., the Extraterrestrial, react to their encounters with aliens demonstrates that director Steven Spielberg uses both films to tell similar stories about the difficulties of growing up.

VI.

Sample Thesis and Outline with Explanations Thesis: In the general outlines of its plot, in the characterization of the protagonist, and in the development of the alien creatures, George R.R. Martin's award-winning short story "Sandkings" can be read as an ironic tribute to Theodore Sturgeon's classic short story "Microcosmic God." Analysis: I have color coded the required elements as they appear in the above thesis dark blue for the works being compared dark orange for the grounds for comparison dark teal for the purpose of the comparison Note also some basic protocols for writing about literature: I punctuated each story correctly by enclosing the title in quotation marks (If I had been writing about a novel, I would have italicized the title). I provided the full name of the author of each story when I first mentioned that story. Outline C. Motivation/Purpose 1. Kidder 2. Kress Here's the outline I would use to develop the essay that supports the IV. Aliens above thesis: . Origins 1. Neoterics I. Introduction 2. Sandkings A. Create Interest A. Mindset B. Thesis Statement 1. Neoterics II. Plot 2. Sandkings . "Microcosmic God" B. Abilities A. "Sandkings" 1. Neoterics III. Protagonist 2. Sandkings . Background V. Outcomes 1. Kidder . Treatment of Aliens 2. Kress 1. Kidder A. Lifestyle 2. Kress 1. Kidder A. Treatment of Protagonist 2. Kress 1. Neoterics B. Personality 2. Sandkings 1. Kidder 2. Kress Conclusion: paragraph in which I demonstrate the nature of the tribute and the reason I describe the tribute as ironic. Analysis: I sed the alternating method for comparison. I followed parallel structure by always writing about the older story first. My conclusion would:

tie together both sides of the comparison and contrast restate the major impression left by the discussion convince the reader that I have fulfilled my purpose lets the reader know I have finished my essay

How to Get Started 1. Reread the assignment and the suggested topics. 2. Choose the works you want to compare 3. Skim the works and review the relevant postings in the discussion forums on the Blackboard 4. Choose your grounds for comparison 5. Answer the question So What? by determining a purpose for making this comparison. 6. Gather information and evidence from each work to describe and support each grounds for comparison. 7. Outline your essay. Be sure to use the alternating pattern of organization 8. Compose your thesis. 9. Post your thesis and outline to the discussion forum and receive feedback. 10. Post a draft of your essay to the discussion forum What is a Literary Analysis? A literary criticism or analysis is used to demonstrate a sense of new understanding about the already existed text. The goal of literary analysis writing is to offer logical and rational evidences in your research. For example if you are writing any text about literature then you use different quotes to add taste to your writing but it is also essential to add literary analysis of previous writings that are reliable. This gives strength to your main argument. Simple Steps to Write a Short Literary Analysis Here we go with some easy steps on how to write a literary analysis. This can, surely, benefit you for your next academic deal. So, go ahead! Unveil the Literary Tools For Analysis Keep the fact in mind that the questions that will generate in your mind will be directly proportional to the success and quality of your literary analysis. First of all try to unveil the important tools present in the literature you are going to analyze. These tools generally include the plot of the story, language of the author, tone used by the narrator, imaginations and the symbolic representations put forward for events and characters, any references or allusions used by the author and the setting of the story. With the help of these tools, you will be able to examine the story in the real sense. Relate the Basic Literary Tools with Appropriate Examples Now, relate the tools of the literature with proper examples as mentioned in the text. Enclose these points on a separate paper. Structure an Outline For Your Literary Analysis Structure an outline keeping in mind the tools you have already focused. Start your analysis with introductory paragraph. Writing a literary analysis introduction just involves to discuss the central idea of the essay or story within two to three lines. Write a Working Statement For Your Thesis Create a working statement for your analysis. Your statement must be based on the evidences you have studied and on what you are looking forward from these evidences. Write the Body of the Literary Analysis Keeping in mind the outline of your paper, create the body paragraphs of your analysis. Here you will discuss the analysis of all the questions in details. These questions involve those that have been generated in the beginning.

Concluding Remarks This section which draws out the conclusion of the literary analysis is the most important part of any paper. Whether you are going with a research paper, thesis or analysis you have to present strong concluding remarks. This is, actually, a part that readers remember the most. So, restate the thesis statement in the conclusion of your literary analysis. Sum up all the evidences. However, never introduce any new idea in this part. Close your analysis with a thoughtful statement. What is a Comparative Analysis? Definition, Concept & Usage In academics, writing an analysis is mandatory especially at higher education level. In comparative analysis technique, you are asked to compare and contrast two different theories, two school of thoughts, two scientific techniques or any two historical personalities. With the help of a comparative analysis, you may find some amazing commonalities beside contrasts or differences. For example Barack Obama and John Mccain have serious differences as far as political views are concerned but they may have similarities in views to bring social reforms and for the betterment of common people. Finding Basis for Comparison Before going through in detail study of comparative analysis technique, here is an important thing to discuss. Lets take an example. You are writing a comparative analysis on autocratic rule vs. democratic rule. The first thing you have to be clear about is the rationale behind this choice. Try to convince the readers that the choice you have made is meaningful and productive. Guide Steps for Writing a Comparative Analysis Essay or Paper Keeping in mind the above mentioned example, here is a brief guideline on how you can better develop a comparative analysis. 1. First of all, the comparative analysis process is bit tricky that requires careful handling as you need to sort out the commonalities from the text. For example if you are talking about autocratic and democratic rule, as already mentioned, then you have a thorough study and absolute understanding about the two. Later on, with the help of your research you might be able to restructure the commonalities and then you will be able to write a comparative analysis. Your comparative analysis essay always starts with an introduction. Your introduction sets up the foundation of those arguments that are considered common in both approaches. Always get a start with a general idea and then move towards more specific ideas. In the end, organize your paper in proper paragraphs. A good comparative analysis is always structured in proper paragraphs. Sample Comparative Analysis Here is a brief account on how you can write a sample comparative analysis. Begin your comparative analysis with an opening paragraph having a comparison between the two situations. The best way is that you go with the description of the various points in separate paragraphs. Do not intermingle various aspects but try to describe each in a separate section. This will help you in paying equal attention to each and every argument present in the text. For example you are writing an analysis about Autocratic VS democratic Rule. In the first paragraph you can compare definitions of the two approaches. In the second paragraph you can compare the structure of the two systems of rule. Later on, in next paragraphs you can discuss the functions of the two along with power distributions in each system. So, in this way you can easily structure the comparative analysis essay.

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