Comparison Contrast Essay What are the similarities and differences between the pair of items or concepts? Think carefully about the question. Write an essay of approximately 300 words comparing and contrasting one pair.

Structure Thesis Statement (we’re not writing an entire Introductory paragraph). Similarities Paragraph Differences paragraph Concluding statement

Thesis Statement Complete sentence with an action verb that tells the reader what this paper is about. It does NOT express a preference. Do NOT open with “This paper is about…) My example: While apples and oranges share similar qualities, they also differ in specific areas making each unique and valuable.

Sample Thesis Statements For Compare Contrast Essay On first glance, apples and oranges seem to be quite different; however, on closer examination, many similarities appear as well. After careful analysis, I’ve come to the conclusion that apples and oranges have almost as many similar as dissimilar qualities. The differences in apples and oranges cannot be overshadowed by the similarities that they share. Apples and oranges have similar qualities in terms of their basic design, but they are different in their uses and the benefits they offer.

Similarities paragraph This is your paragraph telling the similarities between the two items being discussed. It should be complete sentences with specific examples to explain how they are alike.

Brainstorm similar aspects Apples to Oranges Similarities Round Grow on trees Leaves Easy to eat Nutritional Seeds Skin (peel) Available and cheap

Choose strongest main points and add details Pick the 3 main points of comparison (similarities) you’ll include in your essay. Add details and support for each Decide what order you’ll present them. my example Nutrition – vitamin C and fiber Easy to eat – don’t have to cook them or refrigerate Cheap and available

Similarities paragraph Write paragraph including 3 points of comparison and details about each point. Topic sentence to let reader know that you’ll be presenting similarities. Use transitional words. (Another, Likewise, Along with, Furthermore ) Combine simple sentences to create more interesting COMPOUND and COMPLEX sentences.

Topic sentence Apples and Oranges have a plethora of similarities.

Nutrition – vitamin C and fiber Both apples and oranges are nutritious fruits. They contain vitamin C and fiber which are highly beneficial.

Easy to eat – don’t have to cook them or refrigerate Along with nutrition, these fruits are an easy snack. They do not have to be refrigerated, and both can be eaten on the go without utensils or cooking.

Cheap and available Another trait both have is that both apples and oranges are easily available. These fruits can be grown easily, sold in an assortment of locations, and are relatively inexpensive.

Apples and Oranges have a plethora of similarities Apples and Oranges have a plethora of similarities. Both apples and oranges are nutritious fruits. They contain vitamin C and fiber which are highly beneficial. Along with nutrition, these fruits are an easy snack. They do not have to be refrigerated, and both can be eaten on the go without utensils or cooking. Another trait both have is that both apples and oranges are easily available. These fruits can be grown easily, sold in an assortment of locations, and are relatively inexpensive.

Write in 1st person or 3rd person “I see many similarities…” (1st person) “People may not notice…” (3rd person) The word “you” should be nowhere in your essay. This is 2nd person and is not appropriate for expository writing

Now follow the same steps to write your Differences paragraph

Concluding Statement The conclusion restates the Thesis Statement in different words and may include a statement of opinion for preference.

Editing and IMPROVING your essay … “Done” “Good”

Marking your draft Get access to a red pen and two different colored highlighters (yellow and pink preferably) You may certainly share with a close neighbor

Highlight the topic sentence of each body paragraph in pink. Highlight your thesis statement and your concluding statement in yellow. Do they say pretty much the same thing but in a different way? Highlight the topic sentence of each body paragraph in pink. Do these sentence tell what will be examined in each paragraph without giving any specific details? Circle the first word of each sentence in red. Have you used this word to begin a sentence more than twice? Try to keep in to less than 3. Eliminate the word “YOU” entirely.

Type Final Copy… Double spaced 12-point font Format – Paragraph – Line Spacing - Double 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman) Full heading in upper left First and Last Name (capitalize) Period Date Title on top line

Submitted to www.turnitin.com Before 8:00 AM on Wednesday, 9/19/12