1. Comparison and Contrast Writing

2. What is comparison & contrast?
Comparison shows how two or more things are similar
Contrast shows how two or more things are different

3. Establishing a basis for comparison
The two things to be compared must have enough in common to justify the comparison.
In making comparisons, you should move beyond the obvious
When two things are very similar, it is the contrasts that may be worth writing about.
Establishing a basis for comparison

4. Searching points for discussion
Determine your emphasis on similarities, differences, or both.
Determine the major focus of your paper.
Make sure you treat the same or similar elements for each subject you will discuss:

5. Do not discuss entirely different elements for each subject.
Novel A
Novel B
Major Characters
Plot
Minor Characters
Author’s Life
Themes
symbolism
Do not discuss entirely different elements for each subject.

6. Formulating a Thesis Statement
Identify not only the subjects to be compared and contrasted in your essay, but the point you will make about them.
Also indicate whether you will focus on similarities or differences, or balance the two.
“Both cats and dogs make excellent pets, but an appropriate choice depends on the pet owner’s lifestyle, finances, and household accommodations.”
Formulating a Thesis Statement

7. Point by Point Comparison
Good for longer, more complex papers
Make a point about one subject, and then follow it with a comparable point about the other subject.
Alternating pattern
Be careful not to fall into a monotonous, back and forth movement between points. To avoid this problem, vary sentence structure as you move from point to point.
Point by Point Comparison

8. See transitions especially useful for comparison and contrasts as listed in Chapter 8 of Models for Writers.
Longer essays may have transitional paragraphs that connect one part of the essay to another.
Using Transitions

9. Student Example: Comparison and Contrast Essay