Tips on writing Compare and Contrast essays

By: Sharon WesterholmLa Vernia HS

Thesis statement

• A thesis statement is a sentence in the introduction that tells the reader what the topic or argument of the essay is.– The introduction for any piece of writing is VERY

important.

Template #1

The differences [similarities] between ______ and ____ are____, and they _______.

Examples: The differences between jr. high and high school are pronounced, and they deserve careful consideration.

The similarities between R-rated movies and PG-rated movies are evident, and they merit rigorous scrutiny.

Template #2

______________ some __________ similarities, the differences between ________ and ______ are ___________.

Examples: Despite some minor similarities, the differences between Athens and Sparta are clear.

Although they bear some minor similarities, the differences between Athens and Sparta are remarkable.

Template #3

While some differences between _____ and ____ are _________, the similarities are _________.

Examples: While some differences between Japan and the United States are evident, the similarities are salient.

While some differences between jr. high and high school are evident, the similarities are striking.

Understanding the prompt

• UNDERSTAND what the prompt is asking you to do….

CompareContrast Compare AND Contrast

1. Identify similarities & differences

• Find at least three points for c/c

• Write detailed characteristics for each point

For example…Points Summer Winter Fall

Weather Hot, sunny, tornadoes

Very cold, windy, snow flurries

Cool, frost, sleet

Colors Green, blue, yellow White, gray Gray, orange, red purple, brown

Activities Swimming, sailing, beach, baseball, water skiing

Snow skiing, ice skating, bowling, basketball

Hiking, biking, volleyball, football

2. State your purpose in the thesis statement

• Identify the two-three subject (depending on the prompt) you will c/c

• State whether you will focus on similarities, differences or both (depending on prompt)

• The thesis must indicate which points you will c/c

3. Choose a pattern to organize your essay

• Subject by subject (whole to whole): write first about one of your subjects, covering it completely, & then write about the second subject….

• Each subject is addressed in separate paragraph. The points of c/c will be the same for each subject

For example…

• IntroI. Summer

A. temperatureB. ActivitiesC. colors

II. WinterA. temperatureB. ActivitiesC. colors and so on…

OR…Point by point

• Each point is addressed in a separate paragraph. You discuss your subjects together for each c/c point

• Maintain consistency by discussing the same subject first for each point.

For example…• IntroI. Temperature

A. SummerB. WinterC. Fall

II. ActivitiesA. SummerB. WinterC. Fall

III. Colors…

4. Use appropriate transitions

• Transitions are important in c/c writing especially with the point by point approach

• Without transitions, the points you are c/c may blur into one another.

• Use a variety to avoid monotony.

Check for effectiveness

• Is the essay balanced? The most common error in a c/c essay is spending too much time on one subject and too little time on the other.

• Make sure the essay equally and thoroughly covers your subjects.

TAPE• T= THESIS• A=ASSERT• P=PROOF• E=EXPLAIN