A compare and contrast essay

What is a comparative and contrast essay? This type of essay informs the reader about differences and similarities between two or more things, situations, objects, etc. ‘’It should make a point or serve a purpose to clarify something unknown or not well understood, to lead to a fresh insight or a new way of viewing something, to bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus or to show that one subject is better than the other.’’

What is the purpose of comparing and contrasting? Reaches a higher level of critical thinking by reinforcing memory, thus thinking and analyzing skills. It will help to remember specific content. Strengthens writing skills by providing an easy structure to organize information and develop notions with greater clarity and precision.

Steps to Write the Comparison/Contrast Essay 1.TOPIC The two items should make sense to compare or contrast. For example, you might compare two baseball teams, but not a football team and a baseball team. As you select your topic, keep in mind that you will be emphasizing the ways they differ or resemble. 2. THE INTRODUCTION Should include an opening statement (hook): to grab the reader’s attention. E.g.: …..Who doesn’t love a cat’s pur on a sad day? The general information or sentence should clearly present the two items to be compared or contrasted (the subject) (e.g.: cats and dogs). and the criteria for the comparison or contrast (the main points)is the thesis statement. E.g.: we will talk about the grooming, the type of diet and nurturing they need. Other example of Thesis Statement: Tablets are more expensive, present more technological challenges, and offer a more stimulating environment than textbooks. 3. BODY This section is used to organize the main points and to elaborate on the elements. To begin, write a short description of the points you will focus on. Then, focus on similarities and on differences: each one of them having their own paragraph. 4. CONCLUDING SENTENCE (RESTATED THESIS): When tablets and textbooks are contrasted on the basis of financial, technological and stimulating aspects, it becomes clear that tablets are more costly, more academically challenging and more stimulating than the traditional textbook.

Connecting words to use for the compare and contrast essay The following connecting words to make the relationship between your subjects clear to your reader: Connectors That Show Comparison (Similarities) In addition, correspondingly, compared to, similarly, just as, as well as, likewise, same as, at the same time Connectors That Show Contrast (Differences) However, on the contrary, on the other hand, even though, in contrast, although, unlike, conversely, meanwhile, as opposed to

(Hook: grab the reader’s atttention) Mmm! Are you one of those persons who crave sweets like chocolate during the day? (General information) Delicious sweet indeed, yet not very healthy unless pure. To stay fit, a balanced diet consists in introducing a variety of fruits, rich in vitamins, like bananas and grapes. (Be more specific: thesis statement). In fact, nutrients that contain natural sugars and replenish the body can be found in them. Bananas are soft, yellow fruits that you peel before eating. Grapes are sweet round fruits that can be made into raisins. Let us focus on some of their similarities and differences such as their uses, their vitamins, and their size. (Similarities) To begin, both grapes and bananas are fruits, and are made into other foods like breads and jams. Also, both of them have skin that you can peel. Similarly, the two fruits grow in bunches. Furthermore, they contain fructose and sucrose that revitalize the body and makes them an easy healthy snack, on the go. In addition, bananas as well as grapes are rich in calcium and in potassium. (Differences) On the other hand, bananas have a thick skin, as opposed to grapes that have a thin skin. Bananas are much bigger than grapes. In contrast, grapes taste sweeter than bananas. We can make jelly and jam from grapes, but jelly made from bananas does not seem to be very popular. Conversely, we can make wine with grapes, but not with bananas. (Conclusion- Restated thesis) Although many prefer grapes, because they are sweeter and taste better on a hot summer day, both fruits are a simple way of including nutritious vitamins to your diet. We hope you will consider balancing your diet and that you enjoyed reading this comparison and contrast between bananas and grapes. Adapted from:

THE COMPARE and CONTRAST ESSAY / PRACTICE / (1) Choose your topic: here are some examples. Cats and dogs or another pair of animals // 2 sports: soccer / hockey // Boys and girls // Different styles of music // Private and public schools or another topic (approved by teacher) (2) Write a short text – follow the compare and contrast structure: Introduction with general sentence/info - thesis statement (subject)– Similarities – Differences - Conclusion (3) USE CONNECTORS and COMPARATIVES and SUPERLATIVES (see Exp. Yourself: p. 67, 68, 69). Connectors That Show Comparison (Similarities) In addition, correspondingly, compared to, similarly, just as, as well as, likewise, same as, at the same time Connectors That Show Contrast (Differences) However, on the contrary, on the other hand, even though, in contrast, although, unlike, conversely, meanwhile, as opposed to