What does the phrase 'compare and contrast' require you to do when analyzing two texts?

What does the phrase 'compare and contrast' require you to do when analyzing two texts?

• A. Identify the similarities only and list them.
• B. Summarize one text and ignore the other.
• C. Identify similarities and differences in themes, ideas, characters, or perspectives, and use evidence from both texts to explain.
• D. Identify differences only and list them.

Answer: (C)

When you compare and contrast two texts, you look at both what they say and how they say it, then show how they are alike and how they are different. The best answer identifies similarities and differences in elements like themes, ideas, characters, or perspectives, and you support each point with evidence from both texts, such as quotes or specific details. This approach helps you explain how the texts relate to each other, not just summarize one or list only similarities or only differences. Options that focus on just similarities, or just differences, or that summarize one text and ignore the other, don’t fully capture what comparing and contrasting requires.

When you compare and contrast two texts, you look at both what they say and how they say it, then show how they are alike and how they are different. The best answer identifies similarities and differences in elements like themes, ideas, characters, or perspectives, and you support each point with evidence from both texts, such as quotes or specific details. This approach helps you explain how the texts relate to each other, not just summarize one or list only similarities or only differences. Options that focus on just similarities, or just differences, or that summarize one text and ignore the other, don’t fully capture what comparing and contrasting requires.