Compare/Contrast Essays

Norm Johnson

Spring 2009

Purpose

1. Compare: showing the similarities

2. Contrast: showing the differences

Note: In common conversation, “compare” is sometimes used to also talk about the differences between two things.

Practice Comparing & Contrasting

1. Compare: Chinese & Mexican Food

a) Chinese food and Mexican food are similar in one

important way, they both use rice as an ingredient.

2. Contrast: Soccer & Basketballa) While soccer requires players to be skillful at

controlling the ball with their feet, in basketball

players must not kick the ball at all.

Transition Expressions1. Showing similarities:

a) (Something) is as (adjective) as (something). (one sentence)

b) Sentence A. Similarly, Sentence B.

2. Showing differences:a) Direct Contrast (while, whereas, however, but)

b) Unexpected Result (although, though, nevertheless)

c) Concession (nevertheless, despite, in spite of, although, though and even though)

d) * Look at the examples on the handout.

Topic Sentence Patterns

1. There are several differences/similarities

between _A_ and _B_.

a) There are several differences between high school

and college.

2. _A_ and _B_ are different/similar in many ways.

1. American homes and Japanese homes are different

in several ways.

a) A comparison between _A_ and _B_ reveals

some surprising similarities/differences.

Practice: Writing a Paragraph

1. We read about how nutrition information is

communicated in several different

countries.

2. Write a paragraph describing how two

countries communication strategies are

similar or different.

Two Methods of Organizing

1. Block Method

2. Point by Point Method

The Block Method

1. Describe the similarities in one paragraph.

2. Describe the differences in a different paragraph.

Example of the Block Method

Japanese homes and American homes are similar in the following ways. Each typically has a kitchen, dining area, living room and bedrooms. Many electronic gadgets such as computers, TVs and stereos can be found in both.

Example 2 of the Block Method

They also differ in important ways. Japanese homes have a special entryway designed for taking off your shoes before entering the house. The type of flooring and methods of heating rooms also generally are different. Finally, the bathrooms are quite different between American and Japanese homes.

The Point by Point Method

1. Identify several key points or dimensions about which to consider the two subjects.

2. Describe the similarities and differences about each point together in separate paragraphs.

Example: The Point by Point Method

Japanese homes and American homes both typically have an entryway, but in Japanese homes the entryway is more prominent. It is usually the same level as outside the front door, and then you step up into the house after you have taken off your shoes. Both Japanese and American homes have a bathroom. They both usually have bath tubs. But the shape and function of the bath tub in Japan is different from America. …

Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay

1. Topic: Compare/Contrast the similarities and differences in eating “here and there”.

2. Make a list of 5 similarities and 5 differences.

3. Compare your list with others from your culture (if possible).

4. Will you use the Block or Point by Point method? Choose one or the other.

Essay Basics Review1. An essay should have 3 parts:

1.Introduction, Body & Conclusion

2.The introduction should include 3 things:1.A hook to catch the reader’s interest2.Background information3.Thesis Statement

3.The body should do what?1.Support the thesis with facts, examples & reasons

4. What are some techniques to use in the conclusion?1. Restate the thesis, Ask a Question, Make a Prediction…