1. How to Write a Comparative Analysis
Mr. Pletsch
(used by Tolson and Lancaster)

2. Comparison-and-Contrast Essay Writing
Comparison illustrates how two or more things are similar
Contrast illustrates how two or more things are different
In most academic writing, the two are combined to analyze

3. Comparison-and-Contrast Essay Writing
Both things must have enough in common in order to justify the analysis
Be sure to move beyond the obvious
If the two things are very similar, writing about the differences may be more enlightening

4. Points for Discussion (Turn and Talk) 3 minutes
Determine the focus of your piece
Determine if you will focus on the similarities, the differences, or both
Be sure you treat each text, or thing, the same; each text deserves the same amount of focus

5. Grounds for Comparison
You must indicate the reasoning behind the comparison and contrast
Ask yourself: What is my paper attempting to accomplish?

6. Thesis
A thesis, is the opening paragraph of your paper. Make sure your opening paragraph matches what you will talk about.
Openers…
Set the scene: (Imagine, Visualize, Picture)
Three. Words. Only.
Share facts or data

7. Thesis Example 1 Set the Scene:
Imagine a world with only one type of biome. Ask yourself, would all plants and animals thrive in that type of environment? Different biomes exist in the world because biomes _________. Biomes such as Taiga and Tundra have qualities that are alike and different, helping plants and animals thrive in these environments.

8. Thesis Example 2 Use only 3 Words
Religion! Religion! Religion! Some people choose to practice religion and feel that it is a necessary part of their lives. Christianity and Islam are major religions people practice today. Christianity and Islam are grounded in ___________.
These religions have features that mirror each other causing controversies.

9. Thesis Example 3
Start With A Fact The Savannah and Desert biome are the warmest and driest biomes on the planet. However, both biomes have low average rainfalls and similar animals live in those biomes. The slight differences of each biome make them distinctively unique.

10. Body of Paper Discuss the key points from your thesis statement.
Separate key points into paragraph bys using transition words, your research, and explain what you mean.

11. Conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize the main points in your essay, as well as emphasize your thesis statement in new words
Leave your audience with “food for thought” or enlightening reason for your work
Be sure your conclusion is not merely your introduction rehashed
Extend on the main points in your essay

12. Conclusion
Restate your position by reminding your reader of your topic and purpose.
Don’t just copy your topic sentence.
Use synonyms, words that mean the same thing, or descriptions and action verbs that fit the topic.
(Words: In fact, To sum up, In Conclusion)

13. Transitional Phrases
To Compare Similarly, likewise, in like fashion, in like manner, analogous to, comparatively, accordingly, in the same way, comparative to, as, also, in conjunction with this

14. Transitional Phrases To Contrast On the contrary, contrarily,
notwithstanding, but, however,
nevertheless, in spite of, in contrast, yet,
on one hand, on the other hand, rather, or,
nor, conversely, at the same time, while
this may be true.

15. B. Grounds for Comparison C. Thesis
Outline
Introduction
A. Frame of Reference
B. Grounds for Comparison
C. Thesis

16. Thesis Example 1 Set the Scene:
Imagine a world with only one type of biome. Ask yourself, would all plants and animals thrive in that type of environment? Different biomes exist in the world because biomes _________. Biomes such as Taiga and Tundra have qualities that are alike and different, helping plants and animals thrive in these environments.

17. Outline
II. Body Paragraphs (Point-by-Point Method) A. Main Idea Statement B. Points about A with Evidence C. Points about B with Evidence D. Link A and B E. Concluding Statement *This continues for as long as necessary

18. Outline
III. Conclusion A. Summary of Main Points B. Restate Thesis C. Enlightening Statement