WRITINGTHE

COMPARE/CONTRAST ESSAY

ENG 093 QVCC - Fall 2008

Compare/Contrast

Designed to show relationship between two objects

Focuses on how the objects are the same and different

Results in a meaningful analysis of what these differences and similarities are mean

Planning Phase

Apples Apples are red Apples are fruit Apples grow on trees Apples are harvested

in the fall

Oranges Oranges are orange Oranges are fruit Oranges grow on trees Oranges are

harvested in the summer

Note the similarities and differences by looking at both objects side by side

Style 1

Introduction Outline all details of topic 1 Outline all details of topic 2 Analyze topics 1 and 2 together

Conclusion

Style 1 - Example

Introduction What is an orange

What color is an orange When do you harvest oranges Where do oranges grow

What is an apple What color is an apple When do you harvest apples Where do apples grow

Apples and oranges differ in color and their harvest dates

Apples and oranges are similar because they are both fruit and both grown on trees

Conclusion

Style 2

Introduction First issue – discuss topics 1 and 2 Second issue – discuss topics 1 and 2 Third Issue – discuss topics 1 and 2

Conclusion

Style 2 - Example

Introduction Fruit or vegetables

Apples are fruits Oranges are fruits

Color Apples are red Oranges are orange

Growth Apples grow on trees Oranges grow on trees

Harvest times Apples are harvested in the fall Oranges are harvested in the summer

Conclusion

What NOT to do

No bias Compare and contrast only asks you to

point out similarities and differences Imbalance

Make sure to address both objects equally Simply list

Although you do not have to form an opinion or choose a side, you do need to make the relationship between the two objects clear. Do not just list their differences – say why this is significant.