Writing Overview: Compare Contrast Essay

What is the purpose of a compare/contrast essay?

• talk about the similarities and differences of two subjects
• inform or explain a subject to the reader
• tell a story
• use the five senses to paint a picture for the reader, incorporating imagery and specific details

Tags

CCSS.W.6.2A

The hook...

• engages the reader
• engages the reader and introduces BOTH subjects
• can be a short story about a new age Cinderella
• introduces what you are going to prove for the rest of the essay

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.3A

What comes after the hook in an essay?

• thesis statement
• body paragraphs
• evidence to support the ideas in the hook
• background information

Tags

CCSS.W.6.2A

CCSS.W.6.2B

Define thesis statement.

• a statement of the main claims of the essay
• the judgement that appears at the end of an essay
• the evidence used to back up claims
• a device used to pull readers into your essay

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

Which two things should a conclusion paragraph include?

• a summary of the main points and a final opinion
• a final point of comparison and a salutation
• the most important piece of evidence and a restatement of the thesis
• a new idea and a concluding statement

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1E

CCSS.W.9-10.2F

Also, as, as well as, both, in the same manner, in the same way, like, likewise, most important, same, similar, too

• Listed above are transition words for  comparing two things 
• Listed above are transition words for contrasting two things

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1C

CCSS.W.9-10.2C

Although, but, differ, even though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, unless, unlike, while, yet

• Listed above are transition words for comparing two things
• Listed above are transition words for contrasting two things

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1C

CCSS.W.9-10.2C

How many paragraphs is the entire compare contrast essay going to be?

• 3

• 2

• 5

• 4

What should be the last sentence in the introduction paragraph?

• thesis statement

• topic sentence

• closing sentence

• transition sentence

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.2F

What is the purpose of the thesis statement

(more than one answer is possible)

• hooks the reader to want to read more

• states the action the writer wants the reader to take

• lets the reader know what information he/she will read and in which order it will be written

• gives the writer a focus to maintain throughout the essay

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2

CCSS.W.9-10.4