1. The Compare/Contrast Essay
Assignment due Monday, May 15

2. What is a Compare/Contrast essay?
Compare means that your subjects show similarities (alike)
Contrast means that your subjects show differences (unalike)
Comparison means showing both similarities and differences of your subjects

3. How to Begin Determine your two subjects
Must be of the same category (people, places, objects, ideas)
Create a brainstorming chart
Subject A (Mom)
Subject B (Dad)
Loving
Generous
Cooks
Worrier
patience
Strict
Breadwinner
Caring
disciplinarian

4. Second Chart Similarities Differences
Find information from brainstorming chart for any ideas that MATCH
List information from brainstorming chart that does NOT MATCH

5. Ask 3 Questions…
Which of the two columns is the strongest in the qualities of ideas?
What type of essay would be best based on these ideas?
Compare
Contrast
Comparison
How should I organize my essay?

6. Outlining—first option
Block or Subject by Subject
Thesis
Mom
Personality
Values
Parenting Skills
Transitional paragraph (not in outline)
Dad

7. Outlining—second option
Point by Point
Thesis
I. Personality
A. Mom
B. Dad
II. Values
III. Parenting Skills

8. Thesis: Compare essay
My mom and dad share (have similar) traits in personality, values, and parenting skills.

9. Thesis: Contrast essay
The differences in personality, values, and parenting skills between my parents makes me wonder how they found themselves compatible.

10. Thesis: Comparison essay
Even though my parents have the same personality, it is their differences in values and parenting skills that create the conflicts between them.