Comparison and Contrast HOW TO WRITE A SUCCESSFUL ESSAY

What are Comparison and Contrast Essays? Comparing things is something we do every day when we have to make decisions. For example, you might think of similarities or differences when we are buying a new MP3 player or choosing a college to attend. You may need to evaluate two sides of an issue you have studied in a class or two proposals for research or projects in Science. In these cases, you will need to write an essay or report to discuss your ideas about the topic. This is a comparison and contrast essay.

Comparison/Contrast Essay Organization Like other types of essays, a comparison and contrast essay must have a clear introduction and conclusion. The body of the essay can be organized many ways. We will learn the point by point organization.

For both types of organization, the introduction is the same. Presents the topic or subject that is being compared and contrasted in the topic sentence. Gives some general information about the topic. Ends with a thesis statement that tells the reader specifically what will be compared and contrasted.

THE INTRODUCTION First decide if you think the topics are more like or unlike. This will help determine how you will state your position! Look at the list of character traits for both Tom and Huck. On the compare/contrast graphic organizer list how they are alike and how they are different. Now, decide if they are more alike or unlike. Select three traits that you want to discuss in your paper.

THESIS STATEMENT An acceptable thesis is crucial in the process of writing a critical paper. It usually is placed as the last sentence of the introductory paragraph.

THESIS STATEMENT The position statement. A thesis normally consists of one or two clearly stated sentences that include the following: The position statement. The arguments (reasons) for the position. The major weaknesses of or other views on the position.

THESIS STATEMENT TEMPLATE Although (name of characters) have many (strongest similarity or difference), (your position statement (your first example), (your second example), and (your third example).

THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES Although consuming fresh foods and canned foods have many similarities, such as the availability of the product, there are more differences because of what they cost to buy, what health benefits they provide, and the flavor of the item.

THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES Although camping out and sleeping at a motel have many similarities, such as the fun provided at both sites, there are more differences because of what it will cost, safety of the stay, and the availability of the location

THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES Although “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” and “The Iron Giant” have many similarities, such as the two boys are around the same age, there are more differences because of what they know about the aliens, what happens to them when they talk about the aliens, and their reaction to the aliens.

INTTRODUCTION EXAMPLES Eating is an activity that we as humans do at least two times a day. We live in a world where the variety of food is immense, and we are responsible for what we eat. We decide what we are about to eat and how it will affect our bodies. Although consuming fresh foods and canned foods have many similarities, such as the availability of the product, there are more differences because of what they cost to buy, what health benefits they provide, and the flavor of the item.

INTRODUCTION EXAMPLES Traveling is one of the favorite hobbies almost all people have. There are several ways for traveling around the world, and they all include making the right choice about where to sleep at night. Although camping out and sleeping at a motel have many similarities, such as the fun provided at both sites, there are more differences because of what it will cost, safety of the stay, and the availability of the location

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH Have you ever thought about whether an alien invasion is for the greater good or not? You may only think about this if there has ever been an invasion in your area. Although “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” and “The Iron Giant” have many similarities, such as the two boys are around the same age, there are more differences because of what they know about the aliens, what happens to them when they talk about the aliens, and their reaction to the aliens.

Point by Point Organization The body paragraphs alternate between similarities and differences. In a short essay, one body paragraph will explain the similarities between the two subjects and one paragraph will explain the differences. In a longer essay, one paragraph will explain similarities between one main idea in the two subjects and one paragraph will deal with differences in the same main idea, and so on.

FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY INTRODUCTION 2. SIMILARITY #1 2. DIFFERENCE #1 Transition 2. SIMILARITY #1 2. DIFFERENCE #1 3. SIMILARITY #2 3. DIFFERENCE #2 4. SIMILARITY #3 4. DIFFERENCE #3 5.CONCLUSION

PARGRAPH EXAMPLES Although consuming fresh foods and canned foods have many similarities, such as the availability of the product, there are more differences because of what they cost to buy, what health benefits they provide, and the flavor of the item. Generally speaking, the most notable difference between these two kinds of foods is their flavor. Fresh foods have great flavor and taste because they keep all their natural conditions. Canned foods however, lack a lot of its flavor characteristics because there are some other chemical products added to the natural foods. Admittedly, it is logical that the fresh foods will have a greater taste and flavor when consumed just because of the time in which they have been prepared.

PARGRAPH EXAMPLES Although camping out and sleeping at a motel have many similarities, such as the fun provided at both sites, there are more differences because of what it will cost, safety of the stay, and the availability of the location. No doubt, motels are one of the most comfortable ways of traveling, but only if you have enough money. This way of traveling is mostly used by families and people who are wealthy enough to pay for good motels. By staying at a motel people will spend more money than they would spend in camping out; however, a motel will provide a high level of security to the traveler. Generally speaking, to stay at most motels, you need reservations, and once you have them you can rely on a place to sleep every night. Obviously, in this way of traveling no backup plan is needed.

PARGRAPH EXAMPLES Although “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” and “The Iron Giant” have many similarities, such as the two boys are around the same age, there are more differences because of what they know about the aliens, what happens to them when they talk about the aliens, and their reaction to the aliens. First, in “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,” Tommy only believes in aliens. The reason why is because Tommy reads about aliens in his comic books. He says that there are people disguised as aliens; people that they have known all their life. On the other hand, in “The Iron Giant.” Hogarth knows about the alien because he found the Iron Giant.

PARGRAPH EXAMPLES Undoubtedly Tom and Huck are two of the most adventurous boys in their town, and are always looking for their next great adventure. For instance, Tom took a cast-away trip to Jackson Island where he and the other boys decided to become pirates. (p. 92. “It’s just the life for me,” said Tom, “you don’t have to get up mornings, and you don’t have to go to school, and wash, and all that blame foolishness”). Likewise, Huck ………………………………………….. (p. ………………..

The Conclusion In the final paragraph, talk about the most important ideas in your paper. Give a brief summary of the most important similarities and differences. Give your opinion or feeling about the topic. End with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher.

The Conclusion Give a brief summary of the most important similarities and differences. In conclusion, “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,” and the movie, “The Iron Giant,” have many more differences. One difference is what the two boys know about the aliens. More differences include what happens to the two boys when they talk about the aliens, and their reaction to the aliens. Although there are differences between the two stories, the differences are exactly what set these two stories apart.

The Conclusion Give your opinion or feeling about the topic. End with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher. In final analysis, there are three differences between buying fresh foods and buying canned foods. As we can see it comes down to a personal choice, based on the time each person has, the money and the importance he/she gives to his/her nutrition and health. Therefore it is important to consider all possibilities and choose the best type of foods for ones convenience and lifestyle.