Compare and Contrast Writing

Comparison essays focus on the:

• similarities

• differences

Contrast essays focus on the:

• similarities

• differences

True or false: For your essay, you should focus on only comparing OR contrasting, not both.

• True

• False

Which compare/contrast essay format has five paragraphs?

• Point-by-point method

• Block method

Which compare/contrast essay format has four paragraphs?

• Point-by-point method

• Block method

Which compare/contrast format is most common?

• Point-by-point method

• Block method

Which compare/contrast method is used mostly for "then and now" essays?

• Point-by-point method

• Block method

Which compare/contrast method will be used for the essay test tomorrow?

• Point-by-point method

• Block method

Where in the introduction should you give the reason for the comparison or contrast, for example to determine which is the more or less desirable of the two?

• Hook

• Narrow

• Thesis statement

Where in the introduction should you clearly present the two items to be compared or contrasted (the topics) and the criteria for the comparison or contrast (the main ideas)?

• Hook

• Narrow

• Thesis statement