Creating an effective comparison/contrast essay

What is comparison/contrast? What are some situations where you might compare items? When you compare and contrast items, you must first break each subject into its component parts. You can then identify the specific ways each subject is similar to or different from the other

For Example… Compare and contrast the following characters from the Lost television show… Jack and Sawyer Compare and contrast their personalities. How are they alike? How are they different? Create a venn diagram on a sheet of paper to help with dividing their differences from their similarities.

Preparing the Comparison: Give yourself a purpose and decide what you will compare and/or contrast. Remember, you do not have to do both unless you believe it helps your essay. This will provided for you next week.

Preparing the Comparison: 2. Choose features that will help you accomplish your purpose. Once you know your purpose, you need to decide on the features you will compare.

Preparing the Comparison: 3. Chart your points of comparison. Charting is a ways to see relationships among features. When you understand the relationships, you will have an easier time deciding how to organize the ideas in your essay. A handout will be given to you for this step.

Writing a Comparison: Choose an organizational pattern. The two patterns for organizing a comparison/contrast essay are subject-by-subject and feature-by-feature. Subject-by-subject: Discuss all the features about one subject and then discuss all the features about the other subject. Feature-by-feature: Move back and forth between the two subject, comparing each feature.

For example Subject by Subject Feature by Feature Subject ‘A’ Point (1) Point (2) Point (3) Subject ‘B’ Designed for a shorter essay Feature by Feature Point (1) Subject ‘A’ + ‘B’ Point (2) Subject ‘A’ + ‘B Point (3) Designed for a longer essay

Writing a Comparison: 2. Begin writing. It is a good idea to begin with your thesis statement. That is the main idea of your paper (plus your opinion). It is the sentence that drives your entire paper. (then add the rest of your introduction) For example: “Jack and Locke are good leaders for the people stuck on the island, but they are different because of their viewpoints, their actions, and their past history of leadership”

Which is the thesis and which is the supporting points that will be the supporting paragraphs in the body of the essay? “Jack and Locke are good leaders for the people stuck on the island, but they are different because of their viewpoints, their actions, and their past history of leadership” “Jack and Locke are good leaders for the people stuck on the island, but they are different because of their viewpoints, their actions, and their past history of leadership.”

Writing a Comparison: 3. Give specific examples. You want to help the reader understand what you are comparing. Include direct quotes and paraphrases from the novel.

Writing a Comparison: 4. Include contrasting details. Pointing out the differences can help you delve into your subject matter, and can help you effectively make your point.

Writing a Comparison: 5. Use transitional words and phrases. *Refer to your transition handout for more transition words.

Reviewing Your Writing: Read and evaluate your comparison. Have you clearly shown the similarities and differences? Is you purpose clear? Are your examples specific? Share your paper with the classmate. Have classmates summarize your main points. Revise your comparison. Does anything need to be added or deleted? Do you need to change some words?

With a partner... Pick a topic to compare and contrast For example (spring and winter, cars and trucks, books and movies, ) Using a venn diagram format, identify their differences and similarities. Come up with at least five for each. Next, choose a format to compare and/or contrast. Finally, write an outline for your essay on the chart paper provided. Follow the format on the next slide.

Choose One Introduction + Thesis Statement Point (1) Subject ‘A’ + ‘B’ Subject ‘B’ Conclusion Introduction + Thesis Statement Point (1) Subject ‘A’ + ‘B’ Point (2) Subject ‘A’ + ‘B Point (3) Point (4) Point (5) Conclusion

Compare and Contrast Essay Write a 1000 – 1200 word essay on one of the following question using your literature circle novels: Compare and/or contrast two characters in your novel and identify which character is more important to the novel. Select two themes or issues and discuss which one is more significant to your novel. Minimum Five Paragraphs

Essay Due Dates and Deadlines Monday – complete handout (submit by the end of class) Tuesday + Wednesday – Work on Rough Copy (Submit to Teacher at end of class on Wednesday) Thursday – peer edit someone else’s essay (comments to be made only – do not attempt to fix their essay!) Friday – Revise rough copy/ essay re-write (Must be checked by teacher before the end of class) Monday (Nov 23rd) – Final Typed Copy Due (along with brainstorm page, rough copy, peer edit, revised written rough copy, and rubric)