W RITING A C OMPARISON P ARAGRAPH

A COMPARISON PARAGRAPH … demonstrates similarities between two texts or topics. Take apples and oranges, for example. How are they similar?

B OTH APPLES AND ORANGES … are fruits. have seeds. are round. grow on trees. can be eaten. Now, let’s apply this to the writing of an actual paragraph…

H OW TO W RITE A C OMPARISON P ARAGRAPH Step 1: Identify the subjects for comparison. What is your topic or claim? Step 2: Brainstorm a list of similarities. What do the two topics have in common? Step 3: Draft an outline for your paragraph. Which similarities do you want to focus on in your paragraph? Hint: Select the ones that you can provide the most evidence about, which will make your explanation and elaboration much easier. As a general rule, you should include at least three similarities.

Step 4: Write! Remember that this paragraph is still using the ACE writing strategy; it’s just expanded a bit. Answer the question with a topic sentence that explains generally how the two are similar. Cite and explain three examples from your earlier brainstorm. End with a strong concluding sentence for a total of about 8 sentences.

E XAMPLE : A COUSTIC & E LECTRIC G UITARS As broad as their sounds are, there are several distinct similarities between electric and acoustic guitars. For instance, both utilize the use of a body for the neck to attach to and a neck with frets for finger placement. The strings attach to the lower end of the body and go all the way to the head, or the top of the neck. They both use strings that vary in gauge, or size, which are vital to produce sound when they are picked, hammered on, or strummed as a group. Similarly, each is tuned in the same manner to produce the proper tone desired. Although they have varied sounds, acoustic and electric guitars share similar qualities.