How to Write A Comparative Essay

Compare:Showing the similarities and differences between two things.

Contrast:Showing the differences between two things.

What is a Comparative Essay?

An essay that is both expository and persuasive.

An essay that deals with two texts (Example: After the War and Speak or Romeo and Juliet and Forbidden City).

A comparative essay deals with both similarities and differences within the two texts.

The comparative essay is a piece of critical writing, which presents students with an opportunity to analyze and evaluate texts based on a given idea, prompt, or topic.

Comparison

Basketball

Players – 5 on floor

Court - larger

Equipment - similar

Volleyball

Players – 6 on floor

Court - smaller

Equipment - similar

Methods of Development

There are 2 main methods of development:

BLOCK METHODNovel 1: Topics A, B, and C

Novel 2: Topics A, B, and C

Novel 1 & 2: Similarities and differences

Sample Outline: How does a character change?

BP1: After The War (RUTH)Character in beginningWhat causes the change?Character at the end

BP2: Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)Character in beginningWhat causes the change?Character at the end

BP3: Compare both charactersShow the similarities and differences between Ruth and Juliet’s character change

SIDE-BY-SIDENovel 1&2: Topic ANovel 1&2: Topic BNovel 1&2: Topic C

Sample Outline: Character Change

BP1: Characters in beginningAfter The War (RUTH) and Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)Show the similarities and differences

BP2: What causes the character to change?After The War (RUTH) and Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)Show the similarities and differences

BP3: Characters at the endAfter The War (RUTH) and Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)Show the similarities and differences

What Should I Include in My Comparative Essay?

Begin with a strong introductory paragraph

As part of your introduction, ensure you have a clear thesisstatement

After you state your thesis, preview the supporting points you will focus on (I.E. Conflict, Symbolism, and Character)

Details/References/Explanations/

Use Quotes that Support your Ideas

Transition Terms are very important

Conclusion

Planning your essayMaking an Outline

Outline: Sample

Introduction

Topic A – Conflict in After the War & Romeo and Juliet

Topic B – Relationships in After the War & Romeo and Juliet

Topic C – Setting in After the War & Romeo and Juliet

Conclusion

*5 Paragraphs

*Maintain the order of the texts in the body paragraphs

IntroductionBegin with a strong lead, which ‘hooks’ the reader

Provide necessary background info: Authors, Texts, Relevant History

State Your Thesis

Preview the supporting details for your thesis (Use Transition Words)

End the intro with a transitioning sentence to the first topic

Body Paragraphs

Be Specific

EXPLAIN, rather than RE-TELLING THE STORY

Use Quotes that support what you are arguing

Keep. It. Simple. = CLARITY

Sample

Character change in R&J

Juliet: obedient daughter

Falls in love and marries Romeo

Rebels: refuses to marry Paris

Transition sentence:

Similarly, there is an important change of character in After the War

Character change in ATW

Ruth: Depressed-dealing with the aftermath of the Holocaust

Journey to Palestine

In the end: has hope and is able to love

Concluding sentence, transition to next paragraph.

Conclusion

Consider re-stating your thesis (perhaps not word for word)

Summarize the essay – bring it all together

Offer any parting reflections or a reflective question

DON’T try to re explain anything!