Compare and Contrast Essay Writing n Comparison looking

Compare and Contrast Essay Writing

n Comparison – looking at things that are alike n Contrast – looking at things that are different Therefore, in a COMPARE AND CONTRAST essay – we look at similarities and differences in two “like” topics

Helpful hints: n Your topics must be similar in some way. n Be sure you don’t chose two completely unrelated topics.

Brainstorming… Brainstorm everything you know about a subject and then go back and look for connections that show similarities and differences: Points of Comparison and Contrast Location Price Delivery Ingredients Atmosphere Pizza Hut Dominoes

Develop a thesis n After looking at the list, a thesis statement might be: Pizza Hut and Dominoes both offer a great variety of ingredients, but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pizza Hut makes it a better place to give visiting family and friends a taste of local culture.

Organizing your essay n n The introduction of your essay should mention both subjects in a strong and clearly defined thesis statement. There are two primary ways to organize a Compare and Contrast essay: Subject-by-Subject n Point-by-Point n

Subject-by-Subject n This method discusses one subject entirely before moving to the next one n For example, discuss all aspects of Pizza Hut and then discuss all aspects of Dominoes.

Point-by-Point n This method goes through each topic in all paragraphs focusing on a different point in each paragraph n For example, you might discuss the location of Pizza Hut, then the location of Dominoes. Then move on to talk about price.

Organizing your essay n Concluding statement The conclusion of your paper should include a restatement of your thesis and final connections about the two subjects.

Things to remember: 1. Remember to choose subjects that belong to the same general CLASS category. Example: two movies or stories 2. You must have a purpose Example: In-and-Out Burger is better than Burger King.

More things to remember: 3. Stick to 2 subjects at a time! 4. You do not have to give equal weight to similarities and differences. -To prove your point, you may focus on one more than the other.

More tips to remember: 5. Organize your paper: Higher level thinkers and college professors want you to use point-bypoint. Your papers will use point-by point.

6. Use words to help you transition so it doesn’t sound like you are writing a list. Here are some examples: Comparison in the same way by the same token similarly in like manner likewise in similar fashion as well as moreover identically comparitvely Contrasts yet Nevertheless Nonetheless a clear difference conversely however although otherwise on the contrary in contrast despite on the other hand unlike while even though besides