Compare/ Contrast Essay

ShellenbergerEnglish Language Arts

The mode of compare/ contrast

Compare and contrast essays are used to examine two or more subjects and the similarities and/or differences between them.

The task of this mode is to clarify something

unknown by analyzing it next to something with which the reader is familiar.

More about this mode…

• Click on this link and view the tutorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxWxik5EQVw&feature=colike

Your Thesis Statement

It is important that your thesis statement clearly states whether you will be comparing (giving similarities),OR contrasting (showing differences), OR both.

Prewriting Strategy

When writing a compare/contrast essay it is important that you begin with a prewriting strategy to organize your ideas. Use a Venn Diagramhttp://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/venn/

When you are finished, print.

Know your purpose

• Are you comparing (finding similarities)?

• Are you contrasting (finding differences)?

• Are you doing both?

Know your audience

Who are you directing your essay to? Knowing who you are writing the essay for will help you choose appropriate language for your essay.

Who is your audience?• Teens?• The Government?• Parents?• School Administration?• Farmers?• The general public?

Organization

• There are several ways of organizing information for a compare/contrast essay. After you know your purpose you can choose from one of the outlines that are appropriate way for you to organize your information.

• The two common organization methods for this mode are point-by-point

or subject-by-subject.

point-by-pointTo organize your compare/contrast essay point by point, discuss both your subjects together for each point of comparison.

Introduction• Appearance

a. applesb. oranges

• Tastea. applesb. oranges

• Nutritional valuea. applesb. oranges

• Conclusion

Subject-by-subjectIntroduction

Applesa. appearanceb. tastec. nutritional value

Orangesa. appearanceb. tastec. nutritional value

ConclusionNOTE: Number of body paragraphscan range from 2 to 3 per point, dependingupon the amount of information youare presenting

Alternate Organization Choice 1

1. Introduction2. Similarities3. Differences4. One Major Similarity/One Major Difference5. Conclusion

Alternate Organization Choice 21. Introduction2. Major Similaritya. Evidence3. Major Differencea. Evidence4. Minor Similarities/Differences5. Conclusion

Alternate Organization Choice 3

1. Introduction

2. Difference #1a. Contrasting evidence

3. Difference #2a. Contrasting evidence

4. Difference #3a. Contrasting evidence

5. Conclusion

Alternate Organization Choice 4

1. Introduction

2. Similarity #1a. Comparative evidence

3. Similarity #2a. Comparative evidence

4. Similarity #3a. Comparative evidence

5. Conclusion

Use of languageTIPS:Be sure to use academic language in your writing. Do not speak casually (like you are talking to your pals…)

Avoid words like: Pretty Very Really You A lot

USE these words to make comparisons or contrasts

SimilaritiesBothSimilarlyLikewiseSameAndAlso

DifferencesHoweverBy contrastOtherwiseDifferentlyButWhile

QUIZ

1) Compare and contrast essays are used to examine two or more subjects and the ______________and/or differences between them.

a) equalitiesb) similaritiesc) negativesd) positives

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2) It is important that your thesis statement clearly states whether you will comparing or contrasting or both.

a) sometimesb) alwaysc) neverd) It depends

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3) The purpose of a compare/contrast essay is to…(select the most correct answer here)

a) To discuss similaritiesb) To discuss differencesc) To discuss both similarities & differencesd) All of the above

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4) It is important to use a prewriting strategy before beginning your essay.

a) no, not alwaysb) Some of the time if it’s a complicated topicc) Every time d) I don’t need to because I do it in my head

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5) What are the two forms of organization for compare/contrast essay?

a) Similarities-by-similaritiesb) Point-by-pointc) Subject-by-subjectd) Differences-by-differencese) Both b and cClick tiger to go to end quiz

Resources page

Bowers, K. (2006). Secondary Solutions. www.4secondarysolutions.com

National Council for Teachers of English. Read, Write, Think. www.readwritethink.org/

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