1. Compare and Contrast Essay
For Pre-AP World Geography 1

2. Is this paragraph comparing and contrasting two things?
If no, how do you know it is not a compare and contrast paragraph?
If yes, what two things are being compared?
Write the key words in the paragraph that show that the author was comparing and contrasting information.

3. What are the similarities and differences between the foods shown here?3

4. Two main reasons people use comparison and contrast:
To Explain
To Evaluate

5. When you compare items, look for their similarities—
For example:
Apples and oranges are both fruit.
They're both foods.
Both are made into juice.
Both grow on trees.

6. When you contrast items, look at their differences.
For example:
Apples are red. Oranges are orange.
The fruits have different textures.
Oranges need a warmer place to grow, like Florida. Apples can grow in cooler states, like Washington.

7. What aspects do you consider when choosing candy at the store?7

8. What are the similarities and differences between these candies?8

9. VS
Compare and Contrast Superman and Spiderman.

10. Compare and contrast used to organize an individual paragraph as well as to organize entire papers.
For example, you might write a paper that compares a movie and a book about the same topic. In your paper you can compare and contrast the movie version with the book version.

11. Balance Information, paragraphs, evidence, etc.
You need to be sure that you give comparisons equal time in what you write.

12. 3 strategies to organize comparison and contrast papers:
1. Whole-to-Whole, or Block
2. Similarities-to-Differences
3. Point-by-Point (groupings)

13. Similarities-to-Differences Strategy
All similarities in one paragraph
Differences in a separate paragraph

14. Structure of the Essay Topic Sentence
Body paragraphs should be comparative or contrastive in nature. DO NOT write about the first topic and then the second.
Body Paragraph #1—SIMILARITIES
Topic Sentence
Example #1
Example #2
Example #3 (if necessary)

15. Body Paragraph #2—Contrast
Topic Sentence
Example #1
Example #2
Example #3 (if necessary)
*** Make sure you analyze at least one reason for a similarity or difference. In other words, DO NOT simply describe, but EXPLAIN why something is similar or different

16. Introduction
Similarities
Differences
Conclusion

17. Graphic Organizers Item #1 Item #1 How are the items alike?
Differences?
Differences?
Graphic organizers are useful tools for gathering details about the items that you are comparing and contrasting.
Venn Diagrams help you think about where the various characteristics of the items being compared and contrasted fit.
The Compare and Contrast Chart is more like a listing tool, where you can brainstorm a list of ways that the items are alike and different. 17

18. Transition Words Also As well Both in the same manner In the same way
Like
Likewise
Most important
Same
similar
Similarly
The same as
too 18

19. Transition Words Although But Differ Even though However In contrast
Instead
nevertheless
On the contrary
On the other hand
Unless
Unlike
While
yet
On the other hand, using one of the transitions from this list of words will signal readers that the two items you're discussing are different.
Here are some examples:
The setting in the book was summer while the setting in the movie was winter.
The events in the book took place during several afternoons, but the events in the movie took place during the evening. 19

20. Thesis & Supporting Details Organization & Structure
3 main things to pay attention to as you write a comparison and contrast paper:
Thesis & Supporting Details
Organization & Structure
Transitions & Coherence
In addition, be sure to pay attention to the usual requirements for writing, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 20

21. Prompt
Compare and contrast the usefulness of movies and books in presenting information.

22. Compare and contrast the usefulness of movies and books in presenting information.

23. Generic Core-Scoring Guide for Pre-AP Geography Comparative Essay
BASIC CORE
Geographical skills and knowledge required to show competence.
Points
EXPANDED CORE
Geographical skills and knowledge required to show excellence.
1. Has acceptable thesis
(Addresses comparison
of the issues or
themes specified.)
2. Addresses all parts of
the question, though
not necessarily evenly
or thoroughly.
(Addresses most parts (1)
of the question: for
example, deals with
differences but not
similarities)
3. Substantiates thesis
with appropriate
geographical evidence.
(Partially substantiates (1)
thesis with appropriate
geographical evidence.)
4. Makes at least two
relevant, direct
comparisons between
or among societies.
5. Analyzes at least one
reason for a similarity
or difference identified
in a direct comparison.
Expands beyond basic core
of 1-7 points. The basic core
score of 7 must be achieved
before a student can earn
expanded core points
Examples:
> Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis.
> Addresses all parts of the
question (as relevant):
comparisons, chronology,
causation, connections,
themes, interactions,
content.
> Provides ample geographical
evidence to substantiate
thesis.
> Relates comparisons to
larger global context.
>Makes several direct
comparisons consistently
between or among societies.
> Consistently analyzes the
Causes and effects of
Relevant similarities and
Differences.
Subtotal
Subtotal
TOTAL 9
Generic Core-Scoring Guide for Pre-AP Geography
Comparative Essay