How to Write a Comparative Analysis Mr. Pletsch (used by Tolson and Lancaster)

Comparison-and-Contrast Essay Writing Comparison illustrates how two or more things are similar Contrast illustrates how two or more things are different In most academic writing, the two are combined to analyze Possible Topics for Informational Essay are: 1. Biomes (SCIENCE) 2. Religions (SS)

Comparison-and-Contrast Essay Writing Both things must have enough in common in order to justify the analysis. Be sure to move beyond the obvious. If the two things are very similar, writing about the differences may be more enlightening.

Points for Discussion (Turn and Talk) 1 minutes Determine the focus of your piece. Determine if you will focus on the similarities, the differences, or both. Be sure you treat each text, or thing, the same; each text deserves the same amount of focus. Now write down which 2 biomes or which 2 religions you are going to compare/contrast…..

Grounds for Comparison You must indicate the reasoning behind the comparison and contrast Ask yourself: What is my paper attempting to accomplish?

Thesis A thesis is the opening paragraph of your paper. Make sure your opening paragraph matches what you will talk about. Openers… Set the scene: (Imagine, Visualize, Picture) Three. Words. Only. Start with a fact

Thesis Example 1 Set the Scene: Imagine a world with only one type of biome. Ask yourself, would all plants and animals thrive in that type of environment? Different biomes exist in the world because biomes _________. Biomes such as Taiga and Tundra are cold most of the time. Both of them have qualities that are alike and different, helping plants and animals thrive in these environments.

Thesis Example 2 Use 1 Word three times only Religion! Religion! Religion! Some people choose to practice religion and feel that it is a necessary part of their lives. Christianity and Islam are major religions people practice today. Christianity and Islam are grounded in ___________. These religions have features that mirror each other causing controversies.

Thesis Example 3 Start With A Fact The Savannah and Desert biomes are the warmest and driest biomes on the planet. However, both biomes have low average rainfalls and similar animals live in these biomes. They are both hot places to live. Each one of these have a shortage of water. The slight differences of each biome make them distinctively unique.

Body of Paper Discuss the key points from your thesis statement. Separate key points into paragraph by using transition words, your research, and explain what you mean.

Conclusion Your conclusion should summarize the main points in your essay, as well as emphasize your thesis statement in new words. Leave your audience with a “food for thought” or an enlightening reason for your work. Be sure your conclusion is not merely your introduction rehashed. Extend on the main points in your essay.

Conclusion Restate your position by reminding your reader of your topic and purpose. Don’t just copy your topic sentence. Use synonyms, words that mean the same thing, or descriptions and action verbs that fit the topic. (Words: In fact, To sum up, In Conclusion)

Transitional Phrases To Compare Similarly, likewise, in like fashion, in like manner, analogous to, comparatively, accordingly, in the same way, comparative to, as, also, in conjunction with this

Transitional Phrases To Contrast On the contrary, contrarily, notwithstanding, but, however, nevertheless, in spite of, in contrast, yet, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, or, nor, conversely, at the same time, while this may be true.

B. Grounds for Comparison C. Thesis Outline Introduction A. Frame of Reference B. Grounds for Comparison C. Thesis

Outline II. Body Paragraphs (Point-by-Point Method) A. Main Idea Statement B. Points about A with Evidence C. Points about B with Evidence D. Link A and B E. Concluding Statement *This continues for as long as necessary

Outline III. Conclusion A. Summary of Main Points B. Restate Thesis C. Enlightening Statement