1. Writing Comparison and
Contrast Essays
EC/CR

2. Comparison and contrast essays
explain how two subjects are alike or
different; sometimes a single comparison
and contrast essay examines BOTH
similarities and differences. The two
subjects being compared or contrasted
must have a clear basis for comparison;
that is, they must have qualities or
elements in common that make the
comparison or contrast logical.

3. It’s a favorite type of essay…
of professors in every curriculum because
this type of essay forces the writer to
THINK carefully about the topics being
compared or contrasted before composing
begins. After the analysis has been
completed, each writer brings his/her own
creativity to the topics in a specific essay
format.

4. Cue words
Certain words and phrases like compare
and contrast, similarities and differences,
advantages and disadvantages and
benefits and liabilities indicate that you
should use comparison and contrast to
structure your response to the question.
When you see these words, you will know
what format your teacher or professor is
expecting.

5. Your goal
is to write an essay that compares two
subjects side by side and shows the
reader how these topics are similar or
different. These topics need to be ones
that are relevant to your future goals and
life planning. (Examples: two colleges,
majors, careers, or products you are
considering for purchase.) In doing so, you
will draw conclusions based on what you
have shown to the reader within the body
paragraphs of the essay.

6. Gather and Organize Your
Information
Using your thesis statement as a guide,
identify the most important points of
comparison the relevant traits. Use your
chart as you plan your essay as it lists the
relevant traits that you are going to
compare. Some of the traits are more
important than others. YOU MUST HAVE
CHOSEN TOPICS THAT REQUIRE
RESEARCH.

7. Works Cited
Since you have completed research to find factual
information about your topics, you must cite your
source(s) in the essay and include a Works Cited page.
A good rule of thumb is that if you have any numerical
information at all (dates, costs), that information must be
parenthetically cited within the text of your paper. If you
used two different web pages within a website to find
information, you will have two sources on the Works
Cited page.
Create your Works Cited page first, just as you did with
the research paper. It makes it so much easier to
parenthetically document once you are typing your
paper.

8. Organization Formats
There are only TWO acceptable
organizational formats for this type of
writing. You, as the writer, must decide
which will be most efficient as you
compose your essay. With the trait-by-trait
pattern, you address each feature in turn
and show how the subjects are similar or
different. With subject-by-subject
organization, you fully discuss one subject
and then the other.

9. Graphic Organizer
Even though you THINK you typically do
not need a graphic organizer before you
begin to write, for this particular essay a
graphic organizer is ESSENTIAL in order
to maintain the pattern of the essay. The
graphic organizers for colleges/careers is
in the X Drive. You can make your own if
you have chosen other topics, but model
your chart after mine. Your graphic
organizer is worth 100 points on this
assignment and it is NOT optional.

10. Model of Graphic Organizer
Trait Subject 1 Subject 2

11. Patterns of Organization
Trait by Trait
1 - Introduction – thesis - the last
sentence of 1st paragraph
2 – Trait 1 – topic sentence
subject 1
subject 2
3 – Trait 2 – topic sentence
subject 1
subject 2
4 – Trait 3 – topic sentence
5 – Trait 4, etc.
6- Conclusion
Subject by Subject
1 - Introduction – thesis - the last
sentence of 1st paragraph
2 – Subject 1 – topic sentence
Trait 1
Trait 2
3 – Subject 2 – topic sentence
Trait 1
Trait 2
4 - Conclusion
The organizational pattern you choose determines the length of your essay.
Your essay must be at least four paragraphs in length. The numbers above on
the left indicate the paragraph number.

12. As you write,
keep your thesis statement in mind. Be
sure to discuss each relevant trait that you
have identified. Choose one pattern of
organization and follow it throughout your
composition. Remember to have topic
sentences for each of your body
paragraphs that name the trait or subject
of the paragraph.

13. Introduction
The introduction to your composition
should present the subjects being
compared and state the purpose of your
comparison. To draw your readers in, you
might want to begin by showing a striking
contrast or an often overlooked similarity
between your subjects. The last sentence
of your introductory paragraph MUST be
your thesis statement.

14. Similarities and differences
are
identified with appropriate transitional words and
phrases in your essay. Be sure that these are
included in the body paragraphs of your essay.
To compare: also, in the same way, likewise,
similarly, in the same manner, just as, too
To contrast: although, and yet, but, but at the
same time, despite, even so, even though, for all
that, however, in contrast, in spite of
nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary,
on the other hand, regardless, still, though, yet

15. Conclusion
You should end your essay by restating the
thesis and drawing conclusions about the
subjects that you have compared and
contrasted in your essay. Avoid
editorializing or asking a rhetorical
question as your concluding statement.
The last sentence should give a sense of
finality to your essay.

16. MLA Format & Pagination
By now you should know that MLA
formatting means that papers have a one
inch margin down the side, are typed in 12
pt font, have a 4 line heading and all
papers that have more than one page are
paginated in the upper right hand corner
along with your last name. The Works
Cited page is the last page of your paper
and it, too, must be paginated.

17. MLA Heading
Your Name
My Name
Class
Date – 22 October 2010 - No commas!
-----------------------------------------------------------
It is useful to know that sentences never
begin with numbers. Spell out the number
instead of using Arabic numerals.

18. Grading of the
Comparison/Contrast Essay
Graphic Organizer - 100 points
Peer Editing – 100 points
Ratiocination – 100 points
Works Cited page/Parenthetical
Documentation – 100 points
Final Essay – 300 points
700 points total

19. When is my rough draft due?
We will peer edit and work on the final
copy during the next class period. If you
aren’t prepared when you come to class,
then you’re already behind.