Writing a Comparison- Contrast Essay Discussing similarities (comparisons) and differences (contrasts).

Two Ways to Construct the Comparison/Contrast Essay Block Method Block Method Discuss the characters (or texts, etc.) one at a time Discuss the characters (or texts, etc.) one at a time Write about relevant elements of one character in order that is most effective Write about relevant elements of one character in order that is most effective Then, discuss the same elements with the other character Then, discuss the same elements with the other character Follow the same order Follow the same order Character(s) 1: George and Lennie Character(s) 1: George and Lennie Friendship Dreams Hindrances Character(s) 2: Candy and his dog Character(s) 2: Candy and his dog Friendship Dreams Hindrances

Two Ways to Construct the Comparison/Contrast Essay Point-by-Point Method Point-by-Point Method Essay organized by ideas Essay organized by ideas Discuss each idea, or element in turn Discuss each idea, or element in turn Before writing comparison- contrast essay: Before writing comparison- contrast essay: consider personal reactions to characters, setting, themes, topics, plot events that can be discussed in depth consider personal reactions to characters, setting, themes, topics, plot events that can be discussed in depth Elaborate on every general statement you make! Elaborate on every general statement you make! Support with examples, details, facts or quotation from the selection. Support with examples, details, facts or quotation from the selection. Work on thesis statement after writing the first draft Work on thesis statement after writing the first draft Element 1: The unity that exist between and among characters: Element 1: The unity that exist between and among characters: George and Lennie Candy and his dog Element 2: Dreams Element 2: Dreams George and Lennie Candy and his dog Element 3:The difficult aspects of friendships Element 3:The difficult aspects of friendships George and Lennie Candy and his dog

The Introduction Tell the reader what characters will be compared Tell the reader what characters will be compared Include the title and author of the work Include the title and author of the work Necessary background information Necessary background information Kicker! Kicker! End with thesis statement End with thesis statement Do not create thesis statement until after 1 st draft Do not create thesis statement until after 1 st draft States how the characters are similar and different States how the characters are similar and different

The Body of the Essay Paragraphs supporting thesis statements Paragraphs supporting thesis statements Use “Model Paragraph” format: Use “Model Paragraph” format: Kicker Kicker Topic sentence Topic sentence Supporting details Supporting details Discussion of supporting details Discussion of supporting details Concluding statement/transition Concluding statement/transition Use information from class work, homework, charts Use information from class work, homework, charts

The Conclusion of the Essay Sum up major points Sum up major points Restate thesis, but in unique way Restate thesis, but in unique way End with a new (but related) thought: End with a new (but related) thought: By comparing and contrasting the friendship of George and Lennie to the friendship of Candy and his dog, it is apparent that friendships can exist in many different forms. Although friendships can be challenging, they are natural and necessary. By comparing and contrasting the friendship of George and Lennie to the friendship of Candy and his dog, it is apparent that friendships can exist in many different forms. Although friendships can be challenging, they are natural and necessary.