Prompt: Analyze the similarities and differences between apples & oranges.

Prompt: Analyze the similarities and differences between apples & oranges.

STEPS to writing a Comparative Essay

1. Brainstorming (Venn Diagram)

2. Plan your body paragraphs (Pre-write)

3. Write your thesis!

4. Write a complete draft of your essay.

Topic: Name _______________________

Period ________________

Thesis Statement: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Points of Comparison:

I.

II.

III.

Apples

Oranges

Bananas

Apples

• • •

BOTH

• • •

Oranges

• • •

Compare & Contrast

Pre-writing/Organization

• What will be the topics of your body paragraphs?

• What “direct comparisons” will you make?

• What specific evidence do you have to support your comparisons?

Direct Comparisons

• You are required to make “direct comparisons” throughout the body paragraphs

• A “D.C.” compares (or contrasts) both topics/ regions side-by-side.

• Use comparing words, like: “BOTH”, “SIMILARLY”

• Use contrasting words, like: “ALTHOUGH”, “BUT”

• Examples:– “Both apples and oranges can be used to produce

juice that offers important vitamins.” (D.C.-similarity)

– “While apples have a thin, edible skin, oranges are protected by a thick, rough skin that is more bitter to the taste.” (D.C.-difference)

Analysis of Reasons (for Sim./Diff. in Direct Comparisons)

• For each “direct comparison”, you should also analyze the reasons for the similarity or difference stated

• Analysis = HOW? Or, WHY?

• Use analysis words/phrases, like: “BECAUSE”, “DUE TO”, “AS A RESULT OF”, etc.

Analysis of Reasons (for Sim./Diff. in Direct Comparisons)

• Examples:– “While apples have a thin, edible skin, oranges are

protected by a thick, rough skin that is more bitter to the taste. The differences in the peels of the two fruits could be a result of the different environments they are grown in (with apples being grown cooler climates and oranges being cultivated in warm, subtropical climates).” (D.C.-difference w/ analysis)

Pre-writing/Organization(w/ Direct Comparisons)

Para. #1: Appearance& Physical Attributes

Para. #2: Chemical Composition & Taste

Para. #3: Uses of

D.C. #1: Both are round

D.C. #2: Apples have a thin, smooth skin, while oranges havea textured peel

REASON: diff. climates

ETC.

Writing a Thesis

• The “thesis statement” is the major claim/argument you are making (i.e.-your focus)

• Write it AFTER planning your body paragraphs

• The thesis must be supported with the evidence you have

• Answer the question/prompt!!!

• Limit to 1-2 sentences (like “Tweet”?)

Prompt: Analyze the similarities and differences between apples & oranges.

Thesis Statement- NO!

There were many similarities and many differences between apples and oranges.

Thesis Statement- Almost . . .

“Although apples and oranges look and taste different, they are actually more similar than they are different.”

Thesis Statement- GOOD!

“While their outward appearance, texture, and flavors are different, apples and oranges both offer nutrients that help to supplement a healthy diet.”

1. Introduction Paragraph

2. Main paragraph #1

3. Main paragraph #2

4. Main paragraph #3

5. Conclusion paragraph

Outline Your Comparative Essay

Composing the Essay• Introduction Paragraph

– Identify what is happening in this essay, naming the literature compared and authors or directors.

– THESIS STATEMENT incuding a preview of your main points “Road Map”

– If not done in the thesis statement, preview the main points in a follow-up sentence (preview of body para.)

• Body Paragraphs (2-4 total)– State your Direct Comparison /Topic Sentence– Supply examples, illustrations, evidence, and/or quotes

from the text.– Analysis of REASONS for similarities or differences

• Conclusion Paragraph– Re-state THESIS– Summarize major evidence that proves thesis

18Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

How to write an introductory paragraph

• “One today is worth two tomorrows.” Ben Franklin

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When you write an introductory paragraph, keep in mind that . . .• Writing an introductory paragraph is like

greeting someone. The paragraph should be short and to the point like saying, “Hello!”

• Also, you don’t want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

20Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

Remember that the introductory paragraph . . .

• Is the most important paragraph of the essay

• Must be at least 50 words long or three sentences minimum

• Needs to do three things– Briefly introduce the topic– Cleary state your position– Provide three reasons

21Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

• Even though there are several ways to begin an essay, I recommended that you choose one particular method and perfect it. Why?

22Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

Because if you keep using the same

method, you will . . .

• Become an expert in this particular method.

• Moreover, if you already know how you will begin your essay, you will be more prepared, relaxed, and confident.

23Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

Let us consider different types of introductory paragraphs . . .

• General statement introduction

• Question introduction

• Quotation introduction

24Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

Examples of general statement introduction

• Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent.

• Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms.

• In the United States of America the public burning of our flag has become a common sight.

• (These are three different example of how you can begin your paragraph. If you will notice in the first sentence you simply introduce the topic. You do not state your position yet.)

25Created by José J. González, Jr.Spring 2002

Examples of question introduction

• Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television?

• Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms?

• Should we allow citizens to burn the United States flag in public?

• (You can also begin your essay by asking a question. A question usually takes you to the heart of the problem quickly.)

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Quotation Introduction

• A recent article in Time magazine states, “that the viewing of extremely violent television shows is the number one cause of violence in our inner cities.”

• The Monitor recently conducted a study and concluded that “students in public schools where uniforms are mandatory have less problems and perform better academically.”

• A recent article in The Austin Statesman states that “most Americans are very much against flag burning in public and are in favor of passing a law banning this activity.”