1. Comparison Contrast Essay
What are the similarities and differences between the pair of items or concepts? Think carefully about the question.
Write an essay of approximately 300 words comparing and contrasting one pair.

2. Structure
Thesis Statement (we’re not writing an entire Introductory paragraph).
Similarities Paragraph
Differences paragraph
Concluding statement

3. Thesis Statement
Complete sentence with an action verb that tells the reader what this paper is about. It does NOT express a preference. Do NOT open with “This paper is about…)
My example: While apples and oranges share similar qualities, they also differ in specific areas making each unique and valuable.

4. Sample Thesis Statements For Compare Contrast Essay
On first glance, apples and oranges seem to be quite different; however, on closer examination, many similarities appear as well.
After careful analysis, I’ve come to the conclusion that apples and oranges have almost as many similar as dissimilar qualities.
The differences in apples and oranges cannot be overshadowed by the similarities that they share.
Apples and oranges have similar qualities in terms of their basic design, but they are different in their uses and the benefits they offer.

5. Similarities paragraph
This is your paragraph telling the similarities between the two items being discussed.
It should be complete sentences with specific examples to explain how they are alike.

6. Brainstorm similar aspects
Apples to Oranges Similarities
Round
Grow on trees
Leaves
Easy to eat
Nutritional
Seeds
Skin (peel)
Available and cheap

7. Choose strongest main points and add details
Pick the 3 main points of comparison (similarities) you’ll include in your essay.
Add details and support for each
Decide what order you’ll present them.
my example
Nutrition – vitamin C and fiber
Easy to eat – don’t have to cook them or refrigerate
Cheap and available

8. Similarities paragraph
Write paragraph including 3 points of comparison and details about each point.
Topic sentence to let reader know that you’ll be presenting similarities.
Use transitional words. (Another, Likewise, Along with, Furthermore )
Combine simple sentences to create more interesting COMPOUND and COMPLEX sentences.

9. Topic sentence
Apples and Oranges have a plethora of similarities.

10. Nutrition – vitamin C and fiber
Both apples and oranges are nutritious fruits. They contain vitamin C and fiber which are highly beneficial.

11. Easy to eat – don’t have to cook them or refrigerate
Along with nutrition, these fruits are an easy snack. They do not have to be refrigerated, and both can be eaten on the go without utensils or cooking.

12. Cheap and available
Another trait both have is that both apples and oranges are easily available. These fruits can be grown easily, sold in an assortment of locations, and are relatively inexpensive.

13. Apples and Oranges have a plethora of similarities
Apples and Oranges have a plethora of similarities. Both apples and oranges are nutritious fruits. They contain vitamin C and fiber which are highly beneficial. Along with nutrition, these fruits are an easy snack. They do not have to be refrigerated, and both can be eaten on the go without utensils or cooking. Another trait both have is that both apples and oranges are easily available. These fruits can be grown easily, sold in an assortment of locations, and are relatively inexpensive.

14. Write in 1st person or 3rd person
“I see many similarities…” (1st person)
“People may not notice…” (3rd person)
The word “you” should be nowhere in your essay.
This is 2nd person and is not appropriate for expository writing

15. Now follow the same steps to write your Differences paragraph

16. Concluding Statement
The conclusion restates the Thesis Statement in different words and may include a statement of opinion for preference.

17. Editing and IMPROVING your essay …
“Done” “Good”

18. Marking your draft
Get access to a red pen and two different colored highlighters (yellow and pink preferably)
You may certainly share with a close neighbor

19. Highlight the topic sentence of each body paragraph in pink.
Highlight your thesis statement and your concluding statement in yellow.
Do they say pretty much the same thing but in a different way?
Highlight the topic sentence of each body paragraph in pink.
Do these sentence tell what will be examined in each paragraph without giving any specific details?
Circle the first word of each sentence in red.
Have you used this word to begin a sentence more than twice? Try to keep in to less than 3.
Eliminate the word “YOU” entirely.

20. Type Final Copy… Double spaced 12-point font
Format – Paragraph – Line Spacing - Double
12-point font
(Arial or Times New Roman)
Full heading in upper left
First and Last Name (capitalize)
Period
Date
Title on top line

21. Submitted to www.turnitin.com
Before 8:00 AM on
Wednesday, 9/19/12