Hand Out #8 - Comparison And Contrast Essay Notes + Topic

Although comparison and contrast essays can be written in many different ways, there are two organizational patterns that are both traditional and simple to learn. Different books and writers give them different names; we will call them Item-By-Item and Point By Point. Both formats help you to express your point of view on the similarities (comparison) and differences (contrast) between the two subjects of your thesis.

* Remember that your thesis should express a point of view: that the two are either more similar or more different.


Item By Item : Discuss Separately

Introduction
A. General Statement
B. More Specific Statement
C. THESIS STATEMENT
Example: Comparing X and Y:
Although X and Y have some similarities, the differences between them are more important.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss X

Decide on two or three important ideas you want to say about X. Write them in a good paragraph with a clear topic sentence and 2 developed examples.

Note: Do not mention Y in this paragraph!
Body Paragraph 2:
Discuss Y

Decide on two or three important ideas you want to say about Y. Write them in a good paragraph with a clear topic sentence and  2 developed examples.

Note: Do not mention X in this paragraph!
Body Paragraph 3: Compare and Contrast

Discuss similarities and differences between X and Y.
Do not repeat the ideas from the last two paragraphs.
In this paragraph, extend your discussion to results of what you have already said.




Conclusion Paragraph
A. Summary
B. Restatement
C. Result
Use at least two of these in your conclusion.

Point By Point: Discuss Together


I. Introduction
A. General Statement
B. More Specific Statement
C. THESIS STATEMENT
Example: Comparing X and Y:
Although X and Y have some similarities, the differences between them are more important.
Body Paragraph 1:
Idea 1

A. Topic Sentence

B. Discuss X
   1. example
   2. example
  
C. Discuss Y
    1. example
    2. example 

 D. Conclusion
  
Body Paragraph 2:
Idea 2

A. Topic Sentence

B. Discuss X
   1. example
   2. example
  
C. Discuss Y
    1. example
    2. example 

 D. Conclusion
Body Paragraph 3:
Idea 3

A. Topic Sentence

B. Discuss X
   1. example
   2. example
  
C. Discuss Y
    1. example
    2. example 

 D. Conclusion



Conclusion Paragraph
A. Summary
B. Restatement
C. Result
Use at least two of these in your conclusion.

ESSAY TOPIC: COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

Choose one of the following as your topic and write a good essay of five paragraphs of comparison and contrast. Remember to have:

a. a clear and specific thesis at the end of your introductory paragraph; the thesis must express a judgment about whether the two objects are either more similar or more different;

b. three body paragraphs, each with its own clear topic sentence, body sentences and conclusion sentence;

c. developed examples in each paragraph;

d. transitions between body and conclusion paragraphs;

e. a separate conclusion paragraph.

You may use either the "item-by item" or "point-by point" methods described in Longman Academic Writing chapter 7 and here on the comparison and contrast handout.

Possible Topics
You must choose one of these as your topic.

Two parents
Two siblings
Two friends
Two jobs
Two bosses
Two specific cars that you have owned/driven
Two homes of yours (houses and apartments, not cities or countries)
Two hobbies that you have
Two sports that you play