1. Writing your Compare and Contrast Essay

2. Organize Your Thoughts
What are you comparing and contrasting?
Venn Diagram
Point by Point Method
Block Method
Don’t discount this step in the writing process!

3. Point by Point Method
Use the point-by-point method to deal with both subjects at the same time.
With this method , you make a point about one subject and then follow it with a corresponding point about the second subject
The, you continue pairing up each subject until all of the points have been made.
This method is extremely helpful when comparing and contrasting subjects that are very similar or very different, because it is easier to see the similarities or differences when the points of each subject are discussed together

4. Point by Point Method Feature 1: Homework Feature 2: _____________
Subject 1:Block Schedule- you have an extended time to complete homework
Subject 2: Regular Schedule- everything is due the next day
Feature 2: _____________
Subject 1: _______________________________
Subject 2: _______________________________
Feature 3: _____________

5. Block Method
Use the block method when you want to discuss all of the points about each subject separately.
The block method presents all of the information about the first subject in a block of one or more paragraphs and then presents all of the information about the second subject in a block of paragraphs.

6. Block Method Subject 1: Block Schedule
Feature 1: Homework – extended time to complete your work
Feature 2: Classwork – teachers are able to teach multiple lessons in one class period
Feature 3: Subjects – science and math classes are able to complete hands on labs
Feature 4: Planning – gives teachers more time to prepare quality lessons

7. Block Method Subject 2: _____________
Feature 1: ______________________________
Feature 2: ______________________________
Feature 3: ______________________________
Feature 4: ______________________________

8. Developing a Thesis Never write:
“In this essay I will explain…”
“I will discuss the following….”
Determine what kind of paper you are writing
Expository: explains something to the audience
Analytical: breakdown an issue and analyze it
Argumentative: supports a specific point or issue with certain evidence

9. Expository Thesis Statements
Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:
The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.
The paper that follows should:
explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

10. Tell me what you are going to tell me!
Your Thesis Statement
Must identify the two subjects
Must indicate your approach
Be as specific as possible
Tell me what you are going to tell me!

11. Planning Your Comparison – Contrast Essay
Choose two subjects that have enough differences or similarities to provide sufficient material for a comparison-contrast essay
Think about your
Purpose:
Audience:
Tone:

12. Planning Your Comparison – Contrast Essay
Gather information in order to discover the relevant features of your two subjects
Research?
Evidence?
Support?
Write a thesis statement that clearly identifies your two subjects and indicates the approach you plan to use.
Arrange your information using an outline

13. Your Outline
Effective outlines are the key to organized and well written essays
Parallelism
Coordination
Subordination
Division

14. Parallelism
Each heading and subheading should preserve a parallel structure. If the first heading is a verb, the second heading should be a verb.
EX:
Choose desired colleges
Prepare application

15. Coordination
All of the information contained in Heading 1 should have the same significance as the information contained in Heading 2. The same goes for subheadings (which should be less significant than the headings)
Example:
I. Visit and evaluate college campuses
II. Visit and evaluate college websites
A. Look for important statistics
B. Look for interesting classes

16. Subordination
The information in the headings should be more general, while information in the subheadings should be more specific
Example:
I. Describe an influential person in your life
A. Favorite high school teacher
B. Grandparent

17. Division Each heading should be divided into two or more parts
Example:
Compile Resume
List relevant coursework
List work experience
List Volunteer experience

18. Alphanumeric Outlines
I. Roman numerals
A. Capitalized Letters
1. Arabic Numerals
a. Lowercase Letters
Include your thesis statement in your outline!
Write in complete sentences.
The more information you add now, the less you will have to add later!

19. Write in complete sentences!
Outlines
Topic Sentence
Supporting Detail/Evidence
Thesis Statement:
Optional: Transitional statement:
Write in complete sentences!

20. Full Sentence Outline Full Sentence Outline
I. Man-made pollution is the primary cause of global warming.
A. Greenhouse gas emissions are widely identified by the scientific community to be harmful.
1. The burning of coal and fossil fuels are the primary releasers of hazardous greenhouse gases.