Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay

Make a Point! Clarify something unknown or poorly understood. Lead to a new way of viewing something. The comparison or contrast should make a point or serve a purpose.

Bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus.

is better than the other. Show that one subject is better than the other.

Analyze (break apart): Your THESIS STATEMENT will evolve from your prework. Analyze (break apart): Read your prework and ask: What is important, significant, or interesting in the similarities and differences on my list? Write down your answers

Push Together Ideas Synthesize Ask: What have I discovered about my two topics? Write down your answer

Writing the Thesis Statement Give the names of the subjects Indicate whether they will be compared, contrasted, or both.

Don’t merely list similarities and differences Why is it important to see what is the same and what is different between your topics?

Discuss the same points for both subjects; but it is not necessary to give both subjects the same degree of development.

Words to indicate Contrast Key Words: unlike, different from, despite Coordinators: but, yet Transitional Words: however, nevertheless, In contrast, on the other hand Subordinators: although, even though, while, whereas

Words to indicate Comparison Key Words: like, similar to, just like, be the same as, both neither (negative similarity) Transitional Words: similarly, likewise, in the same way Coordinators: and Subordinators: just as