1. Writing the Comparison and Contrast Essay
Compare = Similarities
Contrast = Differences

2. 1. What is the purpose of comparison and contrast?
Outlines the similarities of the two subjects
Contrast
Draws out the differences between two subjects
Demonstrates how two subjects, which appear dissimilar, are actually similar.
Instead of judgmental, may be informational.

3. For example, similar aspects of soccer and football are:
2. Terminology
These are all synonyms for similar “things” you notice about each topic:
attributes
characteristics
elements
traits
aspects
points
For example, similar aspects of soccer and football are:
Uniforms
Equipment
Rules
However, we would, of course, take note of the differences in these aspects

4. 3. Caution! Avoid stating the obvious
I would really like to have some hair left after our compare and contrast unit!
One is a boy and the other is a girl.
They both have hair.
They both are wearing shoes.

5. 4. Caution! Avoid stating the obvious
One is a boy and the other is a girl.
They both have hair.
They both are wearing shoes.
Explain in your own words why this type of compare and contrast is weak.

6. 5. How do I prepare to write a compare and contrast essay and avoid the obvious?
Create a T-Chart (or Venn Diagram)
First, list the attributes/aspects/elements of each topic
2. Next, identify aspects that are similar to both subjects. Select two to three of these similar aspects that will allow for some discussion.
3. Lastly, find the differences in these similarities.

7. Writing the Thesis Statement

8. 6. Write a thesis statement for a comparison and contrast essay
Decide to what extent the similarities between subjects will be stressed and to what extent their differences will be stressed.
In other words, will you focus on similarities, differences, or an even discussion of both?
Create a thesis statement that reflects that decision.
Some teachers may ask for a specific thesis pattern and others may allow you to have some freedom in developing your thesis. Also, your ideas may not be completely balanced between comparison and contrast; you may have more similarities than differences or vice versa.

9. 7. Examples: Weak Thesis Statements
They are both somewhat alike and somewhat different.
I can see some similarities and some differences too.
Both of them involve (only a single similarity, no differences).

10. Examples: Strong Thesis Statements
Ralph and Jack have very different leadership styles and motivations which lead to the eventual chaos and anarchy on the island.
In order to make a decision between the Honda Civic and the BMW, consider the following criteria: price of the vehicle, average mileage, and price of insurance.
This pattern is more concise and directs the reader to the major similarity and the major difference. Your thesis does not need to be a list of the similarities and/or differences, but it should provide a point of departure for the reader.

11. 8. What are the differences between the weak and strong thesis statements?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. 9. Location of the thesis statement
Your thesis statement will be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph and will be restated in your concluding paragraph.

13. Organizing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
Two basic ways to write a compare and contrast essay:
Subject-by Subject
Point-by-Point

14. Subject-by-Subject
Each body paragraph focuses on a different subject. Body paragraph 1- Discuss all of the aspects about the 1st subject. For example, a BMW’s design and price Body paragraph 2- Discuss all of the aspects about the 2nd subject. For example, a Honda’s design and price

15. Point-by-Point
Each body paragraph focuses on a different aspect. Body paragraph 1- Discuss the 1st aspect for both subjects. For example, discuss the design for both the BMW and the design of the Honda. Body paragraph 2- Discuss the 2nd aspect for both subjects. For example, discuss the price for both the BMW and the price of the Honda.

16. Should I use block or point-by-point organizing structures?
Subject-by-subject:
Focuses on each subject separately.
If the comparison is short (a paragraph or two), then the subject-by-subject method is fine.
Point-by-Point:
Focuses on each attribute separately.
Preferable for longer comparisons; there is a risk that a subject-by-subject essay will sound like two separate essays weakly connected with a transitional paragraph or sentence.

17. Outline – Subject-by-Subject Method
I. Introduction
a) Hook
b) Background Information
c) Thesis
II. BMW
a) Price
b) Mileage
c) Insurance
III. Honda Civic
a) Price
b) Mileage
c) Insurance
IV. Conclusion
a) Emphasize Major Ties
b) So What? Evaluate
c) Clincher
This method is also referred to as Subject by Subject or Whole to Whole. With this pattern (AB,AAA,BBB,AB A = Person or Place, Thing, Idea #1 and B = Person or Place, Thing, Idea # 2 ) you first discuss all of the details for one subject, in this case the BMW, and then all of the details for the second subject, the Honda Civic. The conclusion will reach some sort of final evaluation about the items you have chosen for your paper. If you were writing about cars, you might conclude your paper by making a selection based on the criteria. For example: Based on the excellent mileage, the low cost of insurance, and the price of the vehicle, the Honda Civic will definitely be my choice when I buy a new car.

18. Paragraph Organization --Subject-by-Subject--
Price
Mileage
Insurance
BMW →→
Honda
Civic
2nd Paragraph
For the Block Method, your second paragraph would include all of the details from the top of the chart for the BMW, following by all of the details from the bottom of the chart for the Honda. Your conclusion would provide some type of final analysis or evaluation based on the evidence presented in the body paragraphs.
3rd Paragraph

19. Outline -- Point-by-Point
I. Introduction
a) Hook
b) Background Information
c) Thesis
II. Price
a) BMW
b) Honda
III. Mileage
IV. Insurance
a) BMW
b) Honda
IV. Conclusion
a) Emphasize Major Ties
b) So What? Evaluate
c) Clincher
In this pattern AB, AB, AB, AB you provide details about both your subjects in each paragraph. You should follow the same order in each paragraph as well. For example if you begin by discussing the BMW each subsequent paragraph should begin with the details for the BMW. Another pattern, also known as Modified Block (AB, SSS, DDD, AB) introduces the two persons or things in the first paragraph, then focuses on their similarities in the second paragraph, then focus on their differences in the third paragraph, and finally returns to summarize the comparison and contrast. Choose a pattern that fits your topic and the length of the paper and stick with it.

20. Paragraph Organization --Point by Point --
2nd Paragraph
3rd Paragraph
4th Paragraph
Price
Mileage
Insurance
BMW ↓
Honda
Civic
For the Point by Point Method, your second paragraph will include all of the details about the price of the car for both the BMW and the Honda Civic, your third paragraph will include the all the details about the mileage for both the BMW and the Honda Civic, the 4th paragraph will include the details about the insurance for both the BMW and the Honda Civic, and your conclusion will make some final analysis or evaluation about the cars based on the evidence provided in the body paragraphs.

21. What are the rules of thumb with comparison and contrast essays?
Be sure to discuss the same elements for each subject; do not discuss one element for one subject and not do so for the other!
Decide either upon subject-by-subject or point-by-point arrangement; do not mix.
Have a clear purpose to achieve in the comparison/contrast.

22. The glue that holds your essay together.
Using Transitions
The glue that holds your essay together.

23. Why do I need to use indicators?
Good comparison or contrast essays feature the use of transition words to convey to the reader at any given moment whether a comparison or contrast is being made and the nature of it.

24. Example Indicators To Contrast To Compare -although also as -but
in the same way
like
likewise
similarly
comparable
equally
in addition
To Contrast
-although
-but
-even though
-however
-on the other hand
-otherwise
-yet
-still
-conversely
-as opposed to
-different from
-whereas
These transitions words will help to guide your reader through your comparisons and contrasts.