Comparison/Contrast WritingComparison/contrast writing fits into the

category of expository writing—writing to explain or

inform.

COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAYS

Writing a comparison/contrast paper involves comparing and contrasting two subjects.

A comparison shows how two things are alike.

A contrast shows how two things are different.

CHOOSING A TOPIC

When you choose a topic, be sure not to choose two totally unrelated subjects.

You must start with subjects that have some basic similarities.

• Balance the information about the items that you're comparing and contrasting.

• You need to be sure that you give them equal time in what you write. Don’t focus on one more than the other!

SOME TIPS…

Structuring a Comparison and Contrast Essay

. There are three strategies to organize comparison and contrast papers:

1. Whole-to-Whole, or Block

2. Similarities-to-Differences

3. Point-by-Point

INTRODUCTION

BOOK (Topic 1)

MOVIE (Topic 2)

CONCLUSION

Whole-to-Whole or Block Strategy

• In this structure, you say everything about one item then everything about the other. • For instance, say everything about the characters, setting, and plot for the book THEN everything about the characters, setting, and plot for the movie.

Whole-to-Whole or Block Strategy

INTRODUCTION

SIMILARITIESDIFFERENCESCONCLUSION

Similarities-to-Differences Strategy

In this structure, you explain all the similarities about the items being compared and then you explain all the differences.

For instance, you might explain that the characters and plot were similar in both the book and movie in the one section.

In the next section, you could explain that the settings were different. The book took place during the summer while the movie took place during the winter.

IntroductionPoint # 1 (ex: characters)

Point #2 (ex: plot)CONCLUSION

Point by Point

Point-by-Point Strategy In this structure, you explain one point of comparison before moving to the next point.

For instance, you would write about the characters in the book and movie in one section; then you would write about the setting in the book and movie in the next section.

Point-by-Point comparison and contrast uses a separate section or paragraph for each point.

Point #1 for your paper could be information about the characters in the book and the movie. You'd begin a new section or paragraph for Point #2.

For consistency, begin with the same item in each section of your point-by-point paper. For instance, for each point that you discuss, explain the information about the book first and then about the movie.

When you want to Compare:

Same AlsoBoth TooAlike LikewiseSimilar SimilarlyParallel In the same way

When you want to contrast:-Differently -Either…or-Consequently -Divergent-Oppositely -But-Contrasting -However-Other -Still-On the other hand-Even though-Neither…nor -Although-Distinct

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

The outline you were given is in point-by-point format.

Complete the outline, THEN begin writing your essay!

It will be due on Wednesday! You will turn in both the outline and the essay.

GETTING STARTED…

Your introduction must be 4-5 sentences Begin with a basic intro to the

paragraph that shows it is a comparison/contrast essay

Give some background about OMAM Give some background about WEGG Add thesis statement!

ESSAY TIPS

NO FIRST PERSON (I, me, my, I think, etc.)

DO NOT “STATE THE OBVIOUS” (ex: This paragraph is about…” “That is how they are the same….” etc.)

Body paragraphs must be 3.8! Intro and conclusion

paragraphs are 4-5 sentences.