Comparison and Contrast Essay

Professor Naykishia HeadENGL 1010

Definitions

Compare: means to consider or describe as

similar, equal, or analogous; liken. It also means to examine in order to note the similarities or differences of.

Definitions Con’t

Contrast: means to set in opposition in order to

show or emphasize differences. It also means to show differences when compared

Definition

Compare and Contrast writing:

Pertains to a written exercise about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, or things

Comparison and Contrast Essay

• The students have to compare two or more things, problems, events or ideas

Definition Con’t

• This essay advances and develops your critical thinking as well as your argumentation

Thesis Statement

*This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places.

Thesis Statement Con’t

*Pepper's and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.

Thesis Statement Con’t

*Pepper's and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper's makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

Essay Organization Patterns

Two classic organizational patterns of a comparison or contrast essay  

Essay Organization Patterns

Block arrangement of ideas

Sample Diagram

• Block Arrangement (four paragraphs)

I. Introduction in which you state your purpose which is to discuss the differences between Maggie and Dee in “Everyday Use”

Sample Diagram

• II. MaggieA. 

B.   C.  

• III. DeeA.  B.    C. 

Sample Diagram

IV. Conclusion

Organization Patterns

point-by-point or alternating arrangement of ideas.

Sample Diagram

I. Introduction in which you state your purpose

II. First difference between Maggie and DeeA. B. 

Sample Diagram Con’t

III. Second difference between Maggie and DeeA. B.

IV. Third difference between Maggie and DeeA.  B. 

V. Conclusion

How to Write an Effective Comparison or

Contrast Essay

• Know what organizational style you are using. 

How to Write Con’t

 

• State your organization. 

How to Write Con’t

• Keep your audience in mind. 

How to Write Con’t

• Say what you want to say. 

How to Write Con’t

• Finally, to further clarify how it would be possible to say what you want to say in your writing, consider which of the following options would YOU prefer, and why? 

How to Write Con’t

• To support your point in each essay, what characteristics would you choose to contrast, and what support would you use? 

• Can you think of any other topics that might be fun to contrast? 

Questions/Concerns

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