Comparison / Contrast Essay

1. Comparison / ContrastEssay

2. To compare means to point out similarities. To contrast means to point out differences

3. A Comparison/contrast essay shows how things are alike or different to help the reader choose between alternatives.

4. Two things must be alike enough to result in a meaningful comparison. Choose subjects that are similar enough to be compared or contrasted.

5. You need to find points of comparison that are parallel to show how the subjects are similar or different.

6. Will I compare or contrast?

7. Whether you decide to write about similarities or differences, you will have to decide how to organize your essay.You can choose between twopatterns of organization:

8. Subject by SubjectSay everything (your details) about your first subject and then you say everything about your second subject.The same points should be discussed for both subjects in the same order.

9. Subject by subjectOutlineI -Introduction: lead-in and thesisII- Body:Topic sentenceSubject 1point 1 point 2 point 3Topic sentenceSubject 2point 1 point 2 point 3III. Conclusion

10. Point by PointYou support and explain your thesis statement by discussing each point of comparison or contrast, switching back and forth between subjects

11. Point by Point OutlineI-Introduction: Lead-in and ThesisII- Body: Topic sentencepoint 1subject 1subject 2Topic sentencepoint 2subject 1subject 2Topic sentencepoint 3subject 1subject 2III - Conclusion

12. One similarity Another similarity Similarly Like Both As well as Also Too In addition One difference Another difference In contrast Unlike Although But, yet Instead of On the other hand Whereas Transitions

13. Don’t forget comparative of adjectives and adverbs:more … thanless … thanas … asthe same …as

14. The thesisstatement in the essay includes the two subjects you are comparing or contrasting and the main point you want to make about them.

15. Theses1. “There are some interesting parallels between the Roman and the Chinese empires even though these empires ended differently.”2. “People of the Jewish and Hindu faiths celebrate some festivals in a similar way.”3.”Although neat people have a very nice environment, messy people are more relaxed.”

16. 4. Soccer is more exciting, popular, and active than baseball.

17. Does my thesis statement explain what I am comparing or contrasting? Does it make a point about my topic?

18. “The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents, and the second half is ruined by our children.”“My grandfather once told me that there are two kinds of people: those who work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was less competition there.”

19. “People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it is safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs.” “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

20. TopicsCompare or contrast2 career optionsa movie and its sequel2 classes in the EAP 2 teachers in the EAPBurger King/ Mc Donaldrenting a movie/ going to a movie Living together/ getting marriedchildren now/children fifty years ago

21. More TopicsThe person I am now versus the person I’d like to be in ten years. Vacations (living) with family and vacations (living) with friends. A holiday in your native country and the same holiday in theUS

22. More topics:two jobs you have hadchildren in your country/children in the USexpectations about marriage/the reality of marriage Studying with a friend/studying alone. Leaving a child in day care/leaving a child with a family member

23. The end!