Strategies: Compare & Contrast

How To Write a Compare & Contrast Essay The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to analyze the differences and/or the similarities of two distinct subjects. Once you pick two subjects that can be compared and contrasted in a meaningful way, then you can begin to formulate your thesis and work out the organization of your paper. If you want to write a thoughtful and convincing comparison and contrast essay, just follow these steps.

Formulating Your Argument Pick two subjects that can be compared and contrasted in a meaningful way. The first step to writing a successful compare and contrast essay is to pick two subjects that are different enough to be contrasted, but similar enough to be compared. This means that the subjects aren't so different that you can't find a thing they have in common (such as apples and oranges) or that they shouldn't be so similar (like two very similar soft drinks) that you don't have much to say about their differences and similarities.

Do your research to make a list of all of the ways the two subjects are similar and different. Once you've picked your two subjects, you'll need to do your research to figure out exactly how much they have in common and how different they really are. Once you've made your list, think about the most meaningful differences and similarities.

Write your thesis statement. Your thesis statement will be the one sentence that tells your readers where the author stands on the issue or topic. Ideally, your thesis should be supported by three points of comparison, so that you have three distinct differences or similarities to discuss. Here are some examples of strong thesis statements and strategies for the comparison and contrast essay:

Thesis Examples Show readers why one subject is more desirable than the other. Example: "Cats are better pets than dogs, and prospective pet owners should opt for a feline over a canine. This is because they require less maintenance, are more independent, and are more adaptable." Help readers make a meaningful comparison between two subjects. Example: "New York City and San Francisco are both great cities for young professionals seeking long term employment so they should select the best location to suit their needs. These include overall job opportunities, social environment, and living conditions." Show readers how two subjects are similar and different. Example: "While both The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird explore the themes of loss of innocence and the deep bond between siblings, To Kill a Mockingbird is more concerned with racism while The Catcher in the Rye focuses on the prejudices of class."

Organizing Your Essay Organize your body paragraphs based on point-by-point comparison. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss first difference and similarity between tragedy and comedy: Position. Greek Tragedy Shakespearean Comedy Body Paragraph 2: Discuss second difference and similarity between tragedy and comedy: Reversal Body Paragraph 3: Discuss third difference and similarity between tragedy and comedy: Endings

Organizing Your Essay Organize your body paragraphs based on subject-to-subject comparison. Body Paragraph 1/Subject 1: Greek Tragedy Position Mistaken Identities Love Body Paragraph 2/Subject 2: Shakespearean Comedy Body Paragraph 3/Subject 3: Similarities/differences

Points to Remember in Formal Writing Check margin settings. Do not use contractions (can’t, won’t, isn’t). Do not use 1st or 2nd person (I, me, you, we, us, our, yours). Introduce, use, and properly cite borrowed material properly (Google the owl @ Purdue). Format the Works Cited page properly! Avoid clichés, slang, and inflammatory phrases.

5-Paragraph Essay Format Introduction Hook Statement Background Information Thesis Statement 3 Organizers Support Paragraph # 1, # 2, and # 3 Main Point Example Analysis Transition Conclusion Restate Thesis Summarize EACH organizer Opinion Closing statement

Work Cited "How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay." WikiHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. <http://www. wikihow.com/Write-a-Compare-and-Contrast-Essay>.