Writing a Comparison & Contrast Essay
I. TerminologyA. When you compare two things or events, you examine the similarities. 1. Comparison = Similarities 2. This does not mean that the things or events do not have differences. Sometimes those differences are inconsequential and not worth examining, particularly if the audience could lose sight of your main point. B. When you contrast two things or events, you examine the differences. 1. Contrast = Differences 2. Again, a contrast does not mean that there are not similarities, but when those similarities are not relevant or lead you off-topic (or are not part of the assignment), then focus on the differences. C. Comparison and contrast 1. There are plenty of times when you will have to both compare and contrast (in college and work assignments). 2. Because comparison and contrast is one of the most important modes, I have included notes on how to compare and contrast, as well as just compare (the latter of which fits your last essay assignment.) 3. I have used easy examples, so that you have a clear understanding of the structure before you move to your essay.II. Bases of ComparisonA. You must determine how you want to compare the two items you are dealingwith. Let’s say you want to compare and contrast two breeds of dogs: theGerman Shepherd and Terrier. There are several ways to compare and contrastthese two breeds.1. To compare them (show how they are similar), you might discuss howthey are both good family dogs, energetic, friendly, and intelligent.2. To contrast them (tell how they are different), you might focus on howthe German Shepherd has a strong protective instinct while the Terrierhas a strong hunting instinct. You might also consider how the GermanShepherd has a strong desire to please its owner while the Terrier isgenerally stubborn, and if left off a lead, will go wherever it wants.B. Once you develop some similarities and differences, think of your overallpoint. Though I have generated several similarities and differences betweenthe two breeds, I will only discuss those points that relate to my centralargument.1. If I want to argue that one breed is better for children than another,then I will choose those bases of comparisons that will support thatargument: energetic, smart, energetic, temperament. 2. If I want to argue that one breed is better for obedience training thananother, then I will choose those bases of comparisons that willsupport that argument: smart, energetic, and eager to please.III. Developing a Thesis StatementA. Characteristics of a Good Thesis for a Comparison & Contrast Essay: 1. Identifies the subjects being compared and/or contrasted.
2. Suggests whether the focus is on similarities, differences, or both. 3. States the main point of the comparison or contrast. E.g. Although both football and baseball require mental toughness and physical prowess, it is football’s entertainment value that makes it the more popular sport. E.g. Although both HP and Apple offer great quality products at affordable costs, it is Apple’s resistance to computer viruses that makes it the better investment. E.g. Both German Shepherds and Terriers are smart and energetic breeds; however, it is the German Shepherd’s eagerness to please its owner that makes it the better breed for obedience training.B. Because you are only comparing (looking at similarities) for your last essay,you do not need to focus on the differences, so for your thesis statement, focusonly on the similarities.
E.g. Because football and baseball require mental and physical prowess, they are both popular sports in America.IV. Choose Your Method of Organization(For this essay you must choose the point-by-point method.) A. The Block Method (Do NOT organize your essay this way.) 1. Subject #1: German Shepherd -Smart -Energetic -Eager to Please
2. Subject #2: Terriers -Smart -Energetic -Eager to PleaseB. Point-by-Point (Organize your essay this way.)Basis of Comparison #1: Intelligence -Terriers -German Shepherd
Basis of Comparison #2: Energy Levels -Terriers -German Shepherd Basis of Comparison #3: Eager to Please -Terriers -German ShepherdNotice how my points are organized so that I am emphasizing the main point of my essay: German Shepherds are better for obediencetraining. (Always put your most important idea last.) Also, notice how I have a consistent organization to my subjects. Under my bases of comparison, I always focus on Terriers Eirst and then German Shepherds.
