1. How to write a Compare/Contrast Essay

2. purpose
A comparison essay notes either similarities, or similarities and differences
A contrast essay notes only differences
These essays do one of the following:
Explains something unknown or not well understood
Lead to a fresh insight or new way of viewing something
Bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus
Show that one subject is better than the other

4. Step 1: Brainstorm ideas
Brainstorm everything you know about each subject and then go back and look for connections that show similarities and differences
Step 1: Brainstorm ideas
Similarities
Differences
Dialogue
Basic Storyline (same beginning, middle, and end)
Characters
Theme
Setting (Time and Place)
Weapons (Swords vs. Guns)
Characterization of main characters (Mercutio is a cross-dressing drug user, Friar Lawrence is a hippie etc.)
Clothing
Musical Element

5. Step 2: Create a thesis statement
This sentence is the most important sentence in your essay—it drives your essay.
It needs to show some sort of comparison.
Example:
Although the Shakespeare’s tragic play, Romeo and Juliet, and the film Romeo + Juliet are based off the same story and use the same dialogue, there are many differences including the setting of the play, the props used, and the characterization of main characters.

6. Step 3:Decide how to organize your essay
Intro
Body 1 Setting
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Details
Film: Romeo + Juliet
Body 2 Props
Body 3 Characterization
Conclusion
Intro
Body 1 Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Setting
Details
Props
Characterization
Body 2 Film Romeo + Juliet
Conclusion
Block Method
Point by Point Method

7. Introduction Start with a hook to grab your reader’s attention
Provide relevant background information
End your introduction paragraph with your thesis sentence

8. Body Paragraphs
Start each body paragraph with a transition word or phrase that leads into a Topic Sentence
Provide specific examples/details
Analyze the differences

9. Conclusion
The conclusion of your paper should include final connections about the two subjects and then a restatement of your thesis
Example: Three of the major differences between Shakespeare’s tragic play, Romeo and Juliet, and the film Romeo + Juliet are that they occur in different places and time periods, the weapons used are more modernized, and the characters are more lively. There is a reason why freshmen study both of these pieces and it is because both works are considered classics of the time in which they were created.

10. Step 1: Brainstorm ideas: The Crucible
Similarities
Differences

11. Step 2: create a thesis statement
What are two or three main differences between the play we read in class and the film we watched in class?