Definition
In
comparison and contrast essays, the writer places two subjects side by side and
examines their similarities and/or differences in order to clarity the
qualities of each (to inform) or to make a point (to persuade). Comparison and contrast papers can be used
independently with just similarities or
differences or in combination covering both similarities and differences. These
essays are important since they allow you to show your knowledge of two
subjects while analyzing the relationship between them.
Thesis Development
The thesis
of the essay should name the subjects (A and B) and announce the focus of the contrast
and comparison. The thesis also states a
general opinion but leaves the explanation of the points of comparison to the
body of the essay. For example, if the
essay compares two sports, the writer’s thesis might express opinions regarding
the cost, danger, difficulty, etc. of the one sport compared to the other. A thesis also might deal with surprising
similarities between two seemingly different subjects.
Organization
Essays that
compare and contrast two subjects use either a subject-by-subject or a point-by-point
structure. In a subject-by-subject structure, the writer describes one subject
first and then moves on to the second subject.
In such a structure, the writer would discuss everything about subject A
before moving on to discuss subject B.
This structure results in larger blocks devoted to each subject.
In a point-by-point structure, the writer
organizes his or her writing around specific points of similarity or difference
between the two subjects, so each subject is discussed in relation to a point o
similarity or difference. This structure
results in both subject A and B being discussed within a paragraph.
EXAMPLES
Subject-by-Subject
Pattern
I. Introduction
II. Subject
A
A. Point
#1
B. Point
#2
C. Point
#3
D. Point
#4
III. Subject B
A. Point
#1
B. Point
#2
C. Point
#3
D. Point
#4
IV. Conclusion
* Note: The points for Subject A and Subject B
correspond.
Point-by Point
Pattern
I. Introduction
II. Main
Point #1
A. Subject
A
B. Subject
B
III. Main Point #2
A. Subject
A
B. Subject
B
IV. Main Point #3
A. Subject
A
B. Subject
B
V. Main
Point #4
A. Subject
A
B. Subject
B
VI. Conclusion
Tips on Writing
– Select
the subjects for your comparison/contrast with a purpose and audience in mind. Consider why and how you plan to bring these
two topics together.
– Are
you trying to help your reader understand the topics more thoroughly or are you
trying to persuade your reader of something?
– List
similarities and differences in your subjects before planning your structure
and outline.
– Decide
if your subjects share more similarities or differences. You will want to choose carefully what
aspects you will emphasize so that your reader has a clear impression and
understanding.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid obvious comparisons.
It’s not very interesting to hear what you already know, so try
examining similarities or differences that aren’t obvious.
Avoid incomplete comparisons. A comparison that does not
discuss the same elements for both topics would confuse your reader.
Avoid confusing comparisons.
If the writer shows only the similarities, the reader will wonder if the
two subjects are identical. If the
writer shows only differences, the reader might wonder why they are being
compared.
Essay Guidelines
– Due
dates: Pre-Writing due November 17; Rough
Draft due December 1; Final Draft due December 15.
– Essay
length: 800 – 1000 words (at least 2 ½
pages)
– Rough
drafts can be typed or hand-written, but must be double-spaced.
– Final
draft format:
– Typed
(if this is not possible, please let me know)
– 1
inch margins
– Name
and date on the upper right hand corner
– Number
the pages on the lower right hand corner
– Title
centered above the text of the essay
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