Writing Comparison and Contrast Essays

EC/CR

Comparison and contrast essays

explain how two subjects are alike or different; sometimes a single comparison and contrast essay examines BOTH similarities and differences. The two subjects being compared or contrasted must have a clear basis for comparison; that is, they must have qualities or elements in common that make the comparison or contrast logical.

It’s a favorite type of essay…

of professors in every curriculum because this type of essay forces the writer to THINK carefully about the topics being compared or contrasted before composing begins. After the analysis has been completed, each writer brings his/her own creativity to the topics in a specific essay format.

Cue words

Certain words and phrases like compare and contrast, similarities and differences, advantages and disadvantages and benefits and liabilities indicate that you should use comparison and contrast to structure your response to the question. When you see these words, you will know what format your teacher or professor is expecting.

Your goal is to write an essay that compares two

subjects side by side and shows the reader how these topics are similar or different. These topics need to be ones that are relevant to your future goals and life planning. (Examples: two colleges, majors, careers, or products you are considering for purchase.) In doing so, you will draw conclusions based on what you have shown to the reader within the body paragraphs of the essay.

Gather and Organize Your Information

Using your thesis statement as a guide, identify the most important points of comparison the relevant traits. Use your chart as you plan your essay as it lists the relevant traits that you are going to compare. Some of the traits are more important than others. YOU MUST HAVE CHOSEN TOPICS THAT REQUIRE RESEARCH.

Works CitedSince you have completed research to find factual information about your topics, you must cite your source(s) in the essay and include a Works Cited page. A good rule of thumb is that if you have any numerical information at all (dates, costs), that information must be parenthetically cited within the text of your paper. If you used two different web pages within a website to find information, you will have two sources on the Works Cited page. Create your Works Cited page first, just as you did with the research paper. It makes it so much easier to parenthetically document once you are typing your paper.

Organization Formats

There are only TWO acceptable organizational formats for this type of writing. You, as the writer, must decide which will be most efficient as you compose your essay. With the trait-by-trait pattern, you address each feature in turn and show how the subjects are similar or different. With subject-by-subject organization, you fully discuss one subject and then the other.

Graphic OrganizerEven though you THINK you typically do not need a graphic organizer before you begin to write, for this particular essay a graphic organizer is ESSENTIAL in order to maintain the pattern of the essay. The graphic organizers for colleges/careers is in the X Drive. You can make your own if you have chosen other topics, but model your chart after mine. Your graphic organizer is worth 100 points on this assignment and it is NOT optional.

Model of Graphic Organizer

Trait Subject 1 Subject 2

Patterns of OrganizationTrait by Trait1 - Introduction – thesis - the last sentence of 1st paragraph2 – Trait 1 – topic sentence

subject 1subject 2

3 – Trait 2 – topic sentencesubject 1subject 2

4 – Trait 3 – topic sentence5 – Trait 4, etc.6- Conclusion

Subject by Subject1 - Introduction – thesis - the last sentence of 1st paragraph2 – Subject 1 – topic sentence

Trait 1Trait 2

3 – Subject 2 – topic sentence Trait 1 Trait 2

4 - Conclusion

The organizational pattern you choose determines the length of your essay. Your essay must be at least four paragraphs in length. The numbers above on the left indicate the paragraph number.

As you write,

keep your thesis statement in mind. Be sure to discuss each relevant trait that you have identified. Choose one pattern of organization and follow it throughout your composition. Remember to have topic sentences for each of your body paragraphs that name the trait or subject of the paragraph.

Introduction

The introduction to your composition should present the subjects being compared and state the purpose of your comparison. To draw your readers in, you might want to begin by showing a striking contrast or an often overlooked similarity between your subjects. The last sentence of your introductory paragraph MUST be your thesis statement.

Similarities and differences are

identified with appropriate transitional words and phrases in your essay. Be sure that these are included in the body paragraphs of your essay.

To compare: also, in the same way, likewise, similarly, in the same manner, just as, too

To contrast: although, and yet, but, but at the same time, despite, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, regardless, still, though, yet

Conclusion

You should end your essay by restating the thesis and drawing conclusions about the subjects that you have compared and contrasted in your essay. Avoid editorializing or asking a rhetorical question as your concluding statement. The last sentence should give a sense of finality to your essay.

MLA Format & Pagination

By now you should know that MLA formatting means that papers have a one inch margin down the side, are typed in 12 pt font, have a 4 line heading and all papers that have more than one page are paginated in the upper right hand corner along with your last name. The Works Cited page is the last page of your paper and it, too, must be paginated.

MLA Heading

Your NameMy NameClassDate – 22 October 2010 - No commas!-----------------------------------------------------------

It is useful to know that sentences never begin with numbers. Spell out the number instead of using Arabic numerals.

Grading of the Comparison/Contrast Essay

Graphic Organizer - 100 points Peer Editing – 100 pointsRatiocination – 100 pointsWorks Cited page/Parenthetical

Documentation – 100 pointsFinal Essay – 300 points

700 points total

When is my rough draft due?

We will peer edit and work on the final copy during the next class period. If you aren’t prepared when you come to class, then you’re already behind.