How to Write a Compare/Contrast Paper

Overview A Comparison or Contrast essay is an essay in which you either compare something or contrast something. A comparison essay is an essay in which you emphasize the similarities, and a contrast essay is an essay in which you emphasize the differences. We use comparison and contrast thinking when deciding which university to attend, which car to buy, or whether to drive a car or take a bus or an airplane to a vacation site.

Structure Introduction Topic One Comparison Topic Two Comparison Topic Three Comparison Topic One Contrast Topic Two Contrast Topic Three Contrast More topics as needed (Compare and Contrast Together) Conclusion

Brainstorming The first thing you want to do is brainstorm everything you know about each subject and then go back and look for connections that show similarities and differences, which might look something like this: Coca-Cola CorporationPepsi Cola Corporation

A thesis statement When you have your list of brainstormed ideas, organize them into a single consice statement: As many characteristics as Pepsi-Cola and Coca-Cola share, they are actually very different.

Your Introduction The introduction sets the tone for the paper, and often determines what exactly falls within the paper itself. For example… Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola are the two most established soft drink makers in the United States. It has been said that, “the name of Coke will be as well known as water around the world” (Burke 7). However, as many characteristics as these two companies share, they are actually very different.

Structuring your paper before writing You will find it most useful to sit down and organize your paper before you actually write it. For example…

Writing your paper After you have completed the outline, write your paper following that outline…

Have someone else read and comment on it! I will be glad to read rough drafts and give appropriate feedback. I need two days to return your papers.

MLA references You must include at least two short quotations or other references in you paper, and reference them correctly. For example: IN TEXT – It has been said that, “the name of Coke will be as well known as water around the world” (Burke 70). IN WORKS CITED – Burke, Alex. “The Legacy of Coca-Cola." Time 20 Nov. 2000: