2. Identifying similarities and differences . . .
Comparison-and-
Contrast Essay
Identifying similarities and differences . . .
From Reading to Writing In The Diary of Anne Frank, Anne remarks on the differences between herself and her sister Margot. She complains that everything Margot does is considered right, while everything she does is wrong.

3. Identifying similarities and differences . . .
Comparison-and-
Contrast Essay
Identifying similarities and differences . . .
The sisters do have similarities, however. Both are intelligent and sensitive. One way to explore such similarities and differences, and to gain a better understanding of your subjects, is by writing a
comparison-and-contrast essay.

4. explains similarities and differences
B a s i c s i n a B o x
Comparison-and-Contrast Essay at a Glance
Body
Introduction
Conclusion
explains similarities and differences
introduces the subjects being compared
tells the reason for the comparison
summarizes the comparison
explains new understanding
Subject A
only
Both subjects
Subject B
only
RUBRIC
STANDARDS FOR WRITING
A successful comparison-and-contrast essay should
introduce the subjects being compared
state a clear purpose for the comparison
include both similarities and differences and support each statement with examples and details
follow a clear organizational pattern
include transitional words and phrases to make similarities and differences clear
summarize the comparison in the conclusion

5. Prewriting Writing Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay1
Prewriting
It is possible to compare just about anything, from people to objects to feelings. Think about why you might make such a comparison. Do you have to make a choice or a decision? Do you want to understand two subjects that are related better?

6. Planning Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay
1. Examine the differences and similarities between your subjects. What are their most important features? Which are similar? Which are different? Using a Venn diagram will help you sort out your ideas.

7. Planning Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay
2. Decide which features to compare and contrast. What do you want to learn about your subjects by comparing them? Compare and contrast the features that illustrate the main idea.

8. Planning Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay
3. Choose your organizational pattern. There are two ways to organize your comparison-and- contrast essay: subject by subject or feature by feature. Decide which pattern is more effective for your essay, and create a chart like the one shown to outline your points.

9. Planning Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay
Subject by Subject
Feature by Feature
Subject A
Feature 1
Feature 1
Subject A
Feature 2
Subject B
Subject B
Feature 2
Feature 1
Subject A
Feature 2
Subject B

10. Drafting Writing Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay2
Drafting
Begin to write your essay, keeping in mind that you can revise it later. Use your organizational chart to help keep track of the ideas.
Use your introduction to establish your purpose.

11. Drafting Writing Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay2
Drafting
Keep to the same organizational plan throughout your essay.
Include transitions to indicate similarities and differences clearly.
Develop a strong conclusion to summarize your comparison.

12. Revising Writing Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay TARGET SKILL3
Revising
TARGET SKILL
SUPPORTING IDEAS WITH EXAMPLES
As you write your comparison-and-contrast essay, you must give examples to support the similarities and differences that you point out. To provide an example from a work of literature, you can quote directly from the text, or you can summarize an event that occurred in the story.

13. Editing and Proofreading
Writing Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay 4
Editing and Proofreading
TARGET SKILL
PAST AND PRESENT PARTICIPLES
Participles are useful for helping describe the subjects in a comparison. Most past participles are formed by adding -ed or -d to the present tense, but some past participles are irregular. Proofread your essay to make sure that you have used the correct past-participle forms.

14. Reflecting Writing Your Comparison-and-Contrast Essay5
Reflecting
FOR YOUR WORKING PORTFOLIO
How did comparing and contrasting your two subjects help you to understand each of them better? What other subjects would you like to compare and contrast?