Writing your Compare and Contrast Essay

Organize Your Thoughts What are you comparing and contrasting? Venn Diagram Point by Point Method Block Method Don’t discount this step in the writing process!

Point by Point Method Use the point-by-point method to deal with both subjects at the same time. With this method , you make a point about one subject and then follow it with a corresponding point about the second subject The, you continue pairing up each subject until all of the points have been made. This method is extremely helpful when comparing and contrasting subjects that are very similar or very different, because it is easier to see the similarities or differences when the points of each subject are discussed together

Point by Point Method Feature 1: Homework Feature 2: _____________ Subject 1:Block Schedule- you have an extended time to complete homework Subject 2: Regular Schedule- everything is due the next day Feature 2: _____________ Subject 1: _______________________________ Subject 2: _______________________________

Block Method Use the block method when you want to discuss all of the points about each subject separately. The block method presents all of the information about the first subject in a block of one or more paragraphs and then presents all of the information about the second subject in a block of paragraphs.

Block Method Subject 1: Block Schedule Feature 1: Homework – extended time to complete your work Feature 2: Classwork – teachers are able to teach multiple lessons in one class period Feature 3: Subjects – science and math classes are able to complete hands on labs Feature 4: Planning – gives teachers more time to prepare quality lessons

Block Method Subject 2: _____________ Feature 1: ______________________________ Feature 2: ______________________________ Feature 3: ______________________________ Feature 4: ______________________________

Developing a Thesis Never write: “In this essay I will explain…” “I will discuss the following….” Determine what kind of paper you are writing Expository: explains something to the audience Analytical: breakdown an issue and analyze it Argumentative: supports a specific point or issue with certain evidence

Expository Thesis Statements Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement: The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers. The paper that follows should: explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Tell me what you are going to tell me! Your Thesis Statement Must identify the two subjects Must indicate your approach Be as specific as possible Tell me what you are going to tell me!

Planning Your Comparison – Contrast Essay Choose two subjects that have enough differences or similarities to provide sufficient material for a comparison-contrast essay Think about your Purpose: Audience: Tone:

Planning Your Comparison – Contrast Essay Gather information in order to discover the relevant features of your two subjects Research? Evidence? Support? Write a thesis statement that clearly identifies your two subjects and indicates the approach you plan to use. Arrange your information using an outline

Your Outline Effective outlines are the key to organized and well written essays Parallelism Coordination Subordination Division

Parallelism Each heading and subheading should preserve a parallel structure. If the first heading is a verb, the second heading should be a verb. EX: Choose desired colleges Prepare application

Coordination All of the information contained in Heading 1 should have the same significance as the information contained in Heading 2. The same goes for subheadings (which should be less significant than the headings) Example: I. Visit and evaluate college campuses II. Visit and evaluate college websites A. Look for important statistics B. Look for interesting classes

Subordination The information in the headings should be more general, while information in the subheadings should be more specific Example: I. Describe an influential person in your life A. Favorite high school teacher B. Grandparent

Division Each heading should be divided into two or more parts Example: Compile Resume List relevant coursework List work experience List Volunteer experience

Alphanumeric Outlines I. Roman numerals A. Capitalized Letters 1. Arabic Numerals a. Lowercase Letters Include your thesis statement in your outline! Write in complete sentences. The more information you add now, the less you will have to add later!

Write in complete sentences! Outlines Topic Sentence Supporting Detail/Evidence Thesis Statement: Optional: Transitional statement: Write in complete sentences!

Full Sentence Outline Full Sentence Outline I. Man-made pollution is the primary cause of global warming. A. Greenhouse gas emissions are widely identified by the scientific community to be harmful. 1. The burning of coal and fossil fuels are the primary releasers of hazardous greenhouse gases.