Comparison / Contrast Essay

To compare means to point out similarities To compare means to point out similarities. To contrast means to point out differences

A Comparison/contrast essay shows how things are alike or different to help the reader choose between alternatives.

Two things must be alike enough to result in a meaningful comparison Two things must be alike enough to result in a meaningful comparison. Choose subjects that are similar enough to be compared or contrasted.

You need to find points of comparison that are parallel to show how the subjects are similar or different.

Will I compare or contrast?

Whether you decide to write about similarities or differences, you will have to decide how to organize your essay. You can choose between two patterns of organization:

Subject by Subject Say everything (your details) about your first subject and then you say everything about your second subject. The same points should be discussed for both subjects in the same order.

Subject by subject Outline I -Introduction: lead-in and thesis II- Body: Topic sentence Subject 1 point 1 point 2 point 3 Topic sentence Subject 2 point 1 point 2 point 3 III. Conclusion

Point by Point You support and explain your thesis statement by discussing each point of comparison or contrast, switching back and forth between subjects

Point by Point Outline I- Introduction: Lead-in and Thesis II- Body: Topic sentence point 1 subject 1 subject 2 Topic sentence point 2 subject 1 subject 2 Topic sentence point 3 subject 1 subject 2 III - Conclusion

Transitions One similarity Another similarity Similarly Like Both As well as Also Too In addition One difference Another difference In contrast Unlike Although But, yet Instead of On the other hand Whereas

Don’t forget comparative of adjectives and adverbs: more … than less … than as … as the same …as

The thesis statement in the essay includes the two subjects you are comparing or contrasting and the main point you want to make about them.

Theses 1. “There are some interesting parallels between the Roman and the Chinese empires even though these empires ended differently.” 2. “People of the Jewish and Hindu faiths celebrate some festivals in a similar way.” 3.”Although neat people have a very nice environment, messy people are more relaxed.”

4. Soccer is more exciting, popular, and active than baseball.

Does my thesis statement explain what I am comparing or contrasting Does my thesis statement explain what I am comparing or contrasting? Does it make a point about my topic?

“The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents, and the second half is ruined by our children.” “My grandfather once told me that there are two kinds of people: those who work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was less competition there.”

“People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it is safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs.” “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Topics Compare or contrast 2 career options a movie and its sequel 2 classes in the EAP 2 teachers in the EAP Burger King/ Mc Donald renting a movie/ going to a movie Living together/ getting married children now/children fifty years ago

More Topics The person I am now versus the person I’d like to be in ten years. Vacations (living) with family and vacations (living) with friends. A holiday in your native country and the same holiday in the US

More topics: two jobs you have had children in your country/children in the US expectations about marriage/the reality of marriage Studying with a friend/studying alone. Leaving a child in day care/leaving a child with a family member

The end!