Organizing Compare Contrast Essays
 Comparing
Two Subjects in an Essay
I.
Block Format
Introduction
Begin with a sentence that will catch the reader's
interest. This might be a question, a reason people find the
topic interesting or important, or something the two
subjects have in common.
Then name the two subjects and say they are very similar,
very different or have many important (or interesting)
similarities and differences.
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Paragraphs 2 - ?
The next paragraph(s) describe features of the first
subject. Be sure to include examples proving the
similarities and/or differences exist. Do not mention the
second subject.
Make new paragraphs to avoid very long paragraphs.
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Paragraphs ? - ?
The next section must begin with a transition
showing you are comparing the second subject to the
first.
For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as
like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other
hand.
Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or
differences exist.
Make new paragraphs to avoid very long paragraphs.
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Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give a brief, general summary of
the most important similarities and differences. End with a
personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy
clincher.
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II.
Feature by Feature (or Point by Point) Format
Introduction
Begin with a sentence that will catch the reader's
interest. This might be a reason people find the topic
interesting or important, or it might be statement about
something the two subjects have in common. Review opening
sentences in your English text for additional ideas.
Then name the two subjects and say that they are very
similar, very different or have many important (or
interesting) similarities and differences.
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Paragraph 2
Transitions beginning each paragraph are made by
repeating ideas, phrases or words. Without transitions, the
essay will sound choppy and disjointed.
Discuss how both subjects compare on feature one.
For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as
like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other
hand.
Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or
differences exist.
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Paragraphs 3 - ?
Transitions beginning each paragraph are made by
repeating ideas, phrases or words. Without transitions, the
essay will sound choppy and disjointed.
Continue the pattern set in paragraph 2 discussing a new
feature in each new paragraph.
For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as
like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other
hand.
Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or
differences exist.
|
Conclusion
In this paragraph, give a brief, general summary of the
most important similarities and differences.
End with a personal statement, a prediction,or another
snappy clincher.
http://712educators.miningco.com_
|
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