1. Unit 3
Writing a Comparative Essay
Comparing & Contrasting

2. •it identifies and discusses similarities between these
What Does a Comparative Essay Do?
•it takes a topic and narrows it down to a few (2+ people, 2+ places, 2+ things, 2+ ideas)
•it identifies and discusses similarities between these

3. •it sometimes helps people choose one or form an opinion about them
•it identifies and discusses differences between them
•it sometimes helps people choose one or form an opinion about them

4. You Can Compare or Contrast Many Things
1. animals or people
2. explanations or ideas
3. stories or other writings
4. results of two experiments
5. places to visit

5. Once you've decided what to compare, how do you begin?
You brainstorm! You research! You make a list!

6. Similarities: bright colors, temperature changes
Making Your List
Example: Comparing two seasons
•Spring: warmer, flowers bloom, trees bloom, before summer, beginnings
•Autumn: cooler, leaves change, brilliant colors, before winter, endings
Similarities: bright colors, temperature changes
Differences: plants reviving in spring, plants fading in autumn; warming up in spring,

7. Develop a thesis statement from the comparisons
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is there something important, significant, or interesting in the similarities and differences on my list?
2. What have I discovered about the two subjects?

8. Create an initial thesis statement based on your answers
Example: "Although there is exquisite beauty in both the seasons of spring and autumn, there are also important distinctions which make each season unique."

9. Two Ways to Organize and Write Your information
1. By Block - Deal with each subject completely on its own, covering major points as they relate to that subject.
2. By Point - Deal with each major point one by one, comparing the two subjects under each point.

10. Block Organization Sample Outline
I. Introduction
II. Spring
A. temperature
B. events
C. time period
III. Autumn
IV. Conclusion

11. Point-by-Point Organization Sample Outline
I. Introduction
II.Temperature
A. spring
B. autumn
III. Events
IV. Time Period
V. Conclusion

12. Two reasons the style is important:
Tips for Choosing your Organizational Style
• Block style works better for shorter essays.
• Point style works better for longer essays.
Two reasons the style is important:
1. It helps you stay organized as you write.2. It helps the reader to follow along.

13. Questions to ask:
1. Can the reader relate to the topic?
2. Will the reader understand what you've written?
3. Will the reader agree with your points?
4. Will the reader think you have good support for your conclusion?