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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
Table of Contents
Brief Chapter Outline...........................................................................2
Chapter Outline and Lecture Notes.......................................................4
Vocabulary Review..............................................................................8
Class Activities and Sample Assignments..............................................9
Connect Resources.............................................................................10
Discussion Questions for Online/Hybrid Classes...................................12
Graphic Organizers............................................................................13
Venn Diagram....................................................................................13
Point-by-Point Patterm.......................................................................14
Block Pattern.....................................................................................15
Teaching Tools...................................................................................16
Grading Rubric for Compare and Contrast Essays.................................16
Compare and Contrast Peer Review Worksheet....................................17
Writing Topics....................................................................................18
Copyright © 2016 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution
without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
Brief Chapter Outline
I. Learning Outcomes
In this chapter you will learn techniques for achieving these learning outcomes:
Identify real-world applications for comparing and contrasting.
Understand the qualities of comparison and contrast writing.
Interpret images and readings about computers and technology.
Analyze the rhetorical star for comparing and contrasting.
Apply the qualities of comparison and contrast writing.
II. Real-World Applications for Comparing and Contrasting
Learning Outcome 8-1: Identify real-world applications for comparing and
contrasting.
a. Writing to compare and contrast in college
b. Writing to compare and contrast in your daily life
c. Writing to compare and contrast in your career
III. Steps for Writing about Comparisons and Contrasts.
Learning Outcome 8-2: Understand the qualities of comparison and contrast
writing.
a. Begin by identifying the elements you are comparing.
b. Use a block or point-by-point approach.
c. Describe your subjects fairly and accurately.
d. Consider using an analogy.
e. Use transitions to help your writing flow smoothly.
f. Conclude logically.
IV. Comparing and Contrasting in the Context of Computers and Technology
Learning Outcome 8-3: Interpret images and readings about computers and
technology.
a. Writing assignment options
b. Interpreting an advertisement
c. Writing about an image
d. Media connection for comparing and contrasting
V. Analyzing the Rhetorical Star for Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
Copyright © 2016 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution
without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
Learning Outcome 8-4: Analyze the rhetorical star for comparing and
contrasting.
a. Subject
b. Audience
c. Purpose
d. Strategy
e. Design
VI. Applying the Qualities of Comparison and Contrast Writing
Learning Outcome 8–5: Apply the qualities of compare and contrast writing.
a. Discovering
b. Planning
c. Composing
d. Getting feedback
e. Revising
f. Editing
g. Proofreading
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Comparison and Contrast Writing in the Chapter
Career-Based Comparing and Contrasting:
“The Evolving Work Place” by Peter Cardon (page 176) block pattern
“Characteristics of the Social Age” by Peter Cardon (pages 177-178) point-by-point pattern
Reading and Reflection Comparing and Contrasting:
“Love, Internet Style” by David Brooks (pages 179-180)
“Gender Gap in Cyberspace” by Deborah Tannen (pages 180-182)
“Computers, Computers” by Marty Whiddon (pages 182-184)
“My Flamboyant Grandson” by George Saunders (pages 184-187)
Student Writing:
“Kindle vs. iPad” by James Ingram, Amanda Laudato, and Daniel Volpe (pages 187-188)
Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
Chapter Outline and Lecture Notes
I. Learning Outcomes
In this chapter you will learn techniques for achieving these learning outcomes:
Identify real-world applications for comparing and contrasting.
Understand the qualities of comparison and contrast writing.
Interpret images and readings about computers and technology.
Analyze the rhetorical star for comparing and contrasting.
Apply the qualities of comparison and contrast writing.
II. Real-World Applications for Explaining Processes (pages 171-173)
Learning Outcome 8-1: Identify real-world applications for comparing and
contrasting.
a. Writing to compare and contrast in college
i. You may be required to find the similarities and differences between
two or more subjects in college courses.
ii. You may need to compare and contrast two literary characters.
iii. You may need to compare and contrast two methods for completing
a task.
b. Writing to compare and contrast in your daily life
i. You make comparisons daily when selecting which meal to eat or
groceries to buy.
ii. You may compare and contrast two items before making a big
purchase.
c. Writing to compare and contrast in your career
i. You may need to compare and contrast two job offers.
ii. You may need to compare and contrast two pieces of equipment.
III. Qualities of Comparison and Contrast Writing (pages 173-175)
Learning Outcome 8-2: Understand the qualities of comparison and contrast
writing.
a. Begin by identifying the elements you are comparing.
i. Mention the items you are comparing in the first paragraph.
ii. Determine if you want to emphasize similarities, differences, or
both.
iii. Make your focus clear in the introduction and thesis.
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
b. Use a block or point-by-point approach.
i. When using the block pattern, explain all of your points for one item
and then transition into the second item.
ii. When using the point-by-point approach, focus on each point and
explain how each item relates to that specific point.
c. Describe your subjects fairly and accurately.
i. Use vivid descriptions to help your reader imagine the subjects.
ii. Choose the most important details.
iii. Balance your coverage of the two subjects.
iv. Use ethical comparisons.
d. Consider using an analogy.
i. Using an analogy will enhance your comparison.
ii. Avoid clichés.
e. Use transitions to help your writing flow smoothly.
i. Transitional words will make your points clearer for the reader.
ii. Transitional expressions will prevent your essay from sounding
monotonous and repetitive.
f. Conclude logically.
i. Restate your thesis.
ii. Summarize your main points.
iii. If possible, come to a logical conclusion that wasn’t obvious in the
thesis.
IV. Comparing and Contrasting in the Context of Computers and Technology (pages
175-190)
Learning Outcome 8-3: Interpret images and readings about computers and
technology.
a. Writing assignment options
i. Choose a topic and write a comparison and contrast.
ii. Consider your rhetorical star and the qualities of effective
comparison and contrast.
b. Interpreting an advertisement
i. Write about two pieces of technology.
ii. Consider making a recommendation regarding which is better.
c. Writing about an image
i. Write a compare and contrast essay about a picture in the chapter.
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
ii. You may choose to write about the image itself or of something that
it reminds you of.
d. Media connection for comparing and contrasting
i. Refer to the suggested media for additional compare and contrast
topics.
ii. Exploring various forms of media may help you better understand
methods for comparing and contrasting.
iii. Always cite your sources.
V. Analyzing the Rhetorical Star for Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
(page 191)
Learning Outcome 8-4: Analyze the rhetorical star for comparing and
contrasting.
a. Subject
i. Only compare two items at a time while mastering this writing
strategy.
ii. You may choose two items that seem similar but are different.
iii. You may choose two items that seem very different but are similar.
iv. Make sure your comparison has a worthwhile point.
b. Audience
i. Determine who your readers will be.
ii. Decide what details will be the most critical for your readers.
c. Purpose
i. Make sure to have a clear reason for making the comparison.
ii. Keep focused on your purpose.
d. Strategy
i. Determine if you are simply exploring similarities and differences.
ii. Decide if combined strategies are necessary.
e. Design
i. Determine the number of points necessary to make your
comparison and contrast clear to the reader.
ii. Decide if graphic elements are needed to clarify any points.
VI. Applying the Qualities of Comparison and Contrast Writing (pages 192-194)
Learning Outcome 8–5: Apply the qualities of comparison and contrast
writing.
a. Discovering
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
i. Make sure you have a valid point for your readers to consider.
ii. Consider brainstorming or freewriting to gather ideas.
b. Planning
i. Make a list of similarities and differences.
ii. Narrow the list to determine the most interesting and beneficial
points for the audience.
iii. Use a Venn diagram to organize your thoughts.
iv. Create your thesis, ensuring that it makes a significant point.
v. Decide whether the block or point-by-point method would be more
appropriate.
vi. Create an outline.
c. Composing
i. Write a first draft using the steps from the chapter.
ii. Don’t focus on grammar and punctuation during this step.
iii. Work on fully developing the details related to each subject you are
comparing and contrasting.
d. Getting feedback
i. Ask someone to read your rough draft and answer the peer review
questions.
ii. Get a second opinion, if possible.
iii. Ask your reviewer if your overall approach was effective.
e. Revising
i. Using the feedback provided, revise your essay.
ii. Make sure you’ve given fair coverage to each subject.
iii. Ensure that the points flow smoothly.
iv. Add, delete, or rearrange ideas as needed.
v. Decide if the organizational method you selected is the best choice.
f. Editing
i. Read your essay again.
ii. Check for errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
iii. Carefully review your word choice.
g. Proofreading
i. Read our essay one last time.
ii. Look for typing errors.
iii. Check for errors that may interfere with the reader’s understanding
of the essay.
Copyright © 2016 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution
without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
Copyright © 2016 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution
without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
Vocabulary Review
Block pattern: explaining your points of comparison for one item then transitioning into
the second item (LO 8.2)
Comparing: finding similarities between two or more subjects (LO 8.1)
Contrasting: finding differences between two or more subjects (LO 8.1)
Point-by-point pattern: focusing on each point and telling about both items as they
relate to that point (LO 8.2)
Venn diagram: a graphic organizer used to identify similarities and differences between
two subjects (LO 8.5)
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Chapter Eight
Comparing and Contrasting: Computers and Technology
Class Activities and Sample Assignments
1. Place students in groups according to their programs of study. Next, ask each group
to compare how their chosen field is now versus ten years ago. How is the
profession different? How has it remained the same? You may suggest that the
groups consider technology, training, or work environment. Have each group share
its results with the entire class. (LO 8.1)
2. Ask the class to list the five most important pieces of technology ever invented. In
small groups, compare and contrast responses. Ask students to write a paragraph
comparing and contrasting their response to the responses of a peer. Are their
answers more alike or different? (LO 8.2)
3. Bring several brands of the same item or similar items to class. For example, you
may bring in several types of chocolate. Ask the class to comparison shop. Tell
students they may want to consider the price, taste, texture, nutritional value, or
packaging of each brand. Students can then organize their data in a Venn diagram.
At the end of class, students should write a paragraph explaining their findings. Are
all of the brands equal? Is one superior to the others? Discuss findings as a class.
(LO 8.2)
4. Ask students to bring in pictures of themselves from 5-10 years ago. Using the point-
by-point pattern, have them compare and contrast their hair, clothing style, and
overall appearance as in the photo to how they look currently. Have there been any
significant or minor changes? (LO 8.3)
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