1. Comparison/Contrast From Patterns for College Writing

2. The Simplest Definition  In the narrowest sense, comparison shows how two or more things are similar and contrast shows how they are different.  In most writing situations, the two are used together.

3. A Basis for Comparison  Before you can compare and contrast two things, you must be sure a basis of comparison exists—that is, the two things have enough in common to justify the comparison.  Examples: Cats and Dogs; Bees and People; Oranges and Men.

4. Formulating a Thesis Statement  After selecting the points you want to discuss, you are ready to formulate your thesis statement. This thesis statement should tell readers what to expect in your essay, identifying not only the subjects to be compared and contrasted but also the point you will make about the them.

5. Structuring a Compare/Contrast Essay  Like every other type of essay it needs an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.  For our purposes, we are going to ignore the subject-by-subject as it is boring and pointless, and go to the point-by-point method, which gives you a point and purpose.

6. Point-by-Point Comparison  In a point-by-point comparison, you first make a point about one subject and then follow it with a comparable point about the other.

7. Sample Thesis  Although Melville’s Moby Dick and London’s The Sea-Wolf are both about the sea, the minor characters, major characters, and themes of Moby-Dick establish its greater depth and complexity.

8. Outline  Minor Characters -Sea Wolf -Moby Dick  Major Characters -Sea Wolf -Moby Dick  Themes -Sea Wolf -Moby Dick

9. Transitions  Transitions are especially important in comparison/contrast essays because you must supply readers with clear signals that indicate whether you are discussing similarities or differences.

10. Turn your contrast/comparison into an argument…  While Ten Things I Hate about You is an entertaining movie, the over the top antics and forced delineation of social groups, makes it an unrealistic depiction of true teenage life experiences.