Comparison/Contrast Essay

English 8—T. Manns
Parcells Middle School
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI www.gpschools.org Comparison=Similarity Contrast=Difference

Comparisons are discussions in which one identifies the similarities between two (or more) ideas or things; Contrasts, on the other hand, are discussions in which one indicates differences between two (or more) ideas or things.

A very important part of writing this kind of an essay is the creative use of TRANSITIONS.

There is no ONE way to write a Comparison/Contrast essay as it depends on Topic choice and the direction of the Thesis Statement. For this reason, you will be presented with a “MENU” of options. In addition, you will need to determine how you will organize your paper as there are two approaches: Point-by-Point or the Block Method.

Organization

Point-by-Point Method: Compares items one point at a time. The Topic Sentence in each Body Paragraph focuses on the point being used as the basis of comparison rather than the item.

Block Method: Presents ALL relevant features for the first subject, then ALL relevant features for the second subject.

If you were writing a Comparison/Contrast of college and high school you might focus on three points:

* Cost of attending high school and college * Workload in high school and college * Social aspects of high school and college

Point-by-Point Method Block Method

Introduction and ThesisItems to be compared, reason for comparison, and main points | Introduction and ThesisItems to be compared, reason for comparison, and main points | College is more expensive than high school * College tuition costs * High school NO costs * College living expenses * No living expenses in high school * College textbook costs * High School books are free | College costs, workload, and social opportunities will