Transcript A Brief Overview to Writing A Comparison/Contrast Essay

A Brief Overview to Writing A
Comparison/Contrast Essay
Similarities and Differences
Definition
Writing a
comparison/contrast
paper involves comparing
and contrasting two
subjects.
A comparison shows how
two things are alike.
A contrast shows how
two things are different.
Choosing a Topic
When you choose a topic, be
sure not to choose two totally
unrelated subjects.
You must start with subjects that
have some basic similarities.
two movies
two short stories
book and movie
racteristics Subject 1: Points
M&Ms
of
or
Contrast/
Comparison
Brainstorm
Temperature(--)
Autumn
Subject
2: S
Spring
color
Variety of color—Darker
 Brainstorm
Not a rainbow—has brown
everything you
Have aeach
letter-M (clear)
know about
warmer
Rainbow—Bright
have blue
Skittles have a le
Changes(--)
Leaves change
Flowers bloom
Color(+)
brilliant colors
brilliant colors
Location(--)(+)
proceeds
winter
proceeds
summer
Symbolism(--)(+)
death
subject and then
go back and look
for connections
pe/size
Is symmetrical; hard; flatter;
that show
ellipse; slightly larger (1/2
similarities and
inch diameter)
differences.
tes/texture Sweet-Chocolate; crunchy
outside; creamy/smooth
inside;
birth
Not a perfect sym
object—bumpy;
fatter/rounder; e
smaller (1/3 inch
Sweet-Fruity; gu
chewy; lasts long
aftertaste; a little
Develop a thesis statement
 A thesis statement is the MAIN IDEA of an
essay.
 The thesis statement will evolve from the
brainstorming. Look at your list and ask
yourself some questions.
"Is there something important,
significant, or interesting in the
similarities and differences on my list?
"What have I discovered about my two
topics?"
Thesis statements are:
usually one sentence
often placed in the introductory
paragraph of an essay
a claim that could be argued
contain evidence or opinions that
support the argument.
Thesis statements are not:
 First person (I believe, In my
opinion, etc.)
 Unclear in language (It seems, etc.)
 Attempting two topics at once (even
if they seem related).
Pick one and stick with it.
Thesis: Though skittles and M&Ms are visually
similar, they are actually very different.
A thesis statement should
not be too broad.
Too Broad
Mountain City Elementary is a fantastic
place.
Better
Mountain City Elementary is a fantastic
school because of good teachers,
motivated students, and active parent
involvement.
Organizing the essay
 The introduction of your essay
should mention both subjects in a
strong and clearly defined thesis
statement:
“Although there is exquisite beauty in
the seasons of autumn and spring,
there are also distinctions which allow
each season to stand on its own.”
Organizing the essay
Choose an organizational structure.
There are two primary ways to
organize the body of your paper:
 the divided pattern
 the alternating pattern
The Divided Pattern
Give all supporting details for one subject
and then give all supporting details for the
other subject.
Paragraph 1:Introduction and thesis
Statement
Paragraph 2: Discuss and give supporting
details for subject 1
Paragraph 3: Discuss and give supporting
details for subject 2
Paragraph 4: Concluding statement:
statement
The Alternating Pattern
Alternate the details from one side of the
comparison or contrast to the other
comparison other
P1: Introduction and thesis statement
P2: Discuss and give all details of
similarities
P3: Discuss and give all details of
differences
P4: Conclusion
Write the conclusion
Concluding Statement
 The conclusion of your paper should
restate your thesis and include final
connections about the two subjects.
Make sure to incorporate
TRANSITIONS
To compare
To contrast
Also
as
in the same way
like
likewise
similarly
comparable
equally
in addition
Although
but
even though
however
on the other hand
otherwise
yet
still
conversely
as opposed to
different from
whereas