Compare and 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

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

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

A point by point comparison...

• has one paragraph that focuses on the similarities while the following focuses on the differences
• the first paragraph focuses on one subject while the following focuses on another
• each paragraph focuses on one point of comparison (similarities or differences)

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

Which organizational style does the following outline represent?
Paragraph 1 - a comparison of how Grimm's Cinderella and Cinderellas from around the world are saved from a life of slavery
Paragraph 2 - a comparison of how Grimm's Cinderella and Cinderellas from around the world are especially kind to others

• Block Method
• Subject to Subject Method
• Point by Point Method

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

Which of the following is a comparison?

• The prince finds Grimm's Cinderella when he searches the land far and wide for whoever can fit the shoe.  In the African story, the Cinderella goes looking for her prince. 
• In both Grimm's Cinderella and the Egyptian Cinderella, the prince must find the girl who fits the shoe.
• Grimm's Cinderella is enslaved by her step-mother, whereas in the Egyptian Cinderella, Rhodopis is enslaved by a master.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1G

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

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

What should be the last sentence in the introduction paragraph?

• thesis statement

• topic sentence

• closing sentence

• transition sentence