Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay
Make a Point! The comparison or contrast should make a point or serve a purpose. Often such essays do one of the following: Clarify something unknown or not well understood. Lead to a fresh insight or new way of viewing something. Bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus. Show that one subject is better than the other.
Creating a Thesis Statement, part 1 The thesis statement will evolve from your prework. Look at your lists, ask yourself some questions; then, write down answers. Is there something important, significant, or interesting in the similarities and differences on my list? What have I discovered about my two topics?
Thesis Statement, part 2 Present the subjects and indicate whether they will be compared, contrasted, or both. Discuss the same points for both subjects; but it is not necessary to give both subjects the same degree of development.
Don’t merely list similarities and differences Why is it important to see what is the same and what is different between your topics? Think critically about your topics.
Organizational Structures Block method (subject by subject) Point by point Comparisons followed by contrasts (or the reverse)
Organization through Vocabulary Words to indicate Comparison 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 Key Words: Like, Similar to, Just like Be the same as, Both Neither (negative similarity) Coordinators: And Transitional Words: Similarly, Likewise In the same way Subordinators: Just as
Organizational Order Order points from least to most important. If the similarities are more significant, discuss difference first. If the differences are more significant, discuss similarities first.
Introduction Give the overall picture. Define the subject matter. Provide brief, all inclusive background. Write a thesis statement that answers all the “so what?” questions.
Body Paragraphs Follow your plan. Include a paragraph breakdown in your plan. Whether individual points warrant an entire body paragraph or certain points can be combined depends on the length of the paper. The order of the paragraphs depends on what you want to emphasize. Be sure to start and end body paragraphs with topic and concluding sentences.
Conclusion Look back at your introduction and thesis and again answer the “why do we care about this?” question in terms of the big picture. Accentuate the lessons learned in the comparison and contrast of the subjects and points.