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.RI.5.5

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.W.5.2C

In a compare/contrast essay which is more interesting?

• to focus on the similarities
• to focus on the differences

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1G

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.7.2A

CCSS.W.7.3A

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

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 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.6.1E

CCSS.W.6.2F

CCSS.W.6.3E

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.L.5.6

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RL.5.3

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.6.2A

CCSS.W.6.2C

What should be the last sentence in the introduction paragraph?

• thesis statement

• topic sentence

• closing sentence

• transition sentence

Tags

CCSS.W.8.2F