McGraw-Hill

8Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology

8-28-2

McGraw-Hill

Learning Outcomes

• Identify real world applications for comparing and contrasting.

• Understand the steps for comparing and contrasting.

• Interpret images and readings about computers and technology.

8-38-3

McGraw-Hill

Learning Outcomes (contd.)

• Analyze the rhetorical situation for comparing and contrasting.

• Apply the steps for writing a comparison and contrast essay.

8-48-4

McGraw-Hill

Real World Applications (LO 8.1)

School• You may be required to find the

similarities and differences between two school subjects.

• You may compare and contrast two literary characters.

.

8-58-5

McGraw-Hill

Real World Applications (contd.)

Daily Life• You make comparisons daily when

selecting what meal to eat or which groceries to buy.

• You may compare and contrast two

cars before making a purchase.

8-68-6

McGraw-Hill

Real World Applications (contd.)

Career• You may need to compare and

contrast two job offers before choosing one.

• You may need to compare and contrast two pieces of equipment for your office.

8-78-7

McGraw-Hill

Steps for Writing Compare & Contrast Essays (LO 8.2)

• Begin by identifying the elements you are going to compare.

• Use a block or point-by-point approach.

• Describe your subjects fairly and accurately.

• Consider using an analogy.

• Use transitions to help your writing flow smoothly.

• Conclude logically.

8-88-8

McGraw-Hill

Computers &Technology (LO 8.3)

Writing about an image• Write a compare and contrast

essay about a picture in the chapter.

• You may choose to write about the image itself or about something that it reminds you of.

8-98-9

McGraw-Hill

Computers &Technology (contd.)

Media connection for solving a problem• Refer to the suggested media for

additional compare and contrast topics.

• Exploring various forms of media may help you better understand methods for comparing and contrasting.

• Always cite your sources.

8-108-10

McGraw-Hill

The Rhetorical Star (LO 8.4)

Subject• Compare only two items at a time while

mastering this writing strategy.• You may choose two different items

that seem similar.• You may choose two similar items

that seem different.• Make sure your comparison has a

worthwhile point.

8-118-11

McGraw-Hill

The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Purpose• Make sure to have a clear reason

for making the comparison.• Keep focused on your purpose.

8-128-12

McGraw-Hill

The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Audience• Determine who your readers will be.• Decide what details will be the most

critical for your readers.

8-138-13

McGraw-Hill

The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Strategy• Determine if you are simply exploring

similarities and differences.• Decide if combined strategies are

necessary.

8-148-14

McGraw-Hill

The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Design• Determine the number of points

necessary to make your comparison and contrast clear to the reader.

• Decide if graphic elements are needed to clarify any points.

8-158-15

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (LO 8.5)

Discovering• Make sure you have a valid point

for your readers to consider.• Consider brainstorming or

freewriting to gather ideas.

8-168-16

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Planning• Make a list of similarities and

differences.• Narrow the list to determine the

points most interesting and beneficial to the audience.

• Use a Venn Diagram to organize your thoughts.

8-178-17

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Planning (contd.)• Write a thesis that makes a

significant point.• Decide whether the block or point-

by-point method would be more appropriate.

• Create an outline.

8-188-18

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Composing• Write a first draft, using the steps

from the chapter as a guide.• Don’t focus on grammar and

punctuation during this step.• Work on fully developing the details

related to each subject you are comparing and contrasting.

8-198-19

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Getting Feedback• Ask someone to read your rough

draft and answer the peer review questions.

• Get a second opinion as well, if possible.

• Ask your reviewer if your overall approach was effective.

8-208-20

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Revising• Using the feedback provided, revise your

essay.• Make sure you’ve given fair coverage to

each subject.• Ensure that the points flow smoothly.• Add, delete, or rearrange ideas as

needed.• Decide if the organizational method you

selected is the best choice.

8-218-21

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Editing• Read your essay again.• Check for errors in grammar,

punctuation, and mechanics.• Carefully review your word choice.

8-228-22

McGraw-Hill

Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Proofreading• Read your essay at least one

more time.• Look for typing errors.• Check for errors that may interfere

with the reader’s understanding of the essay.