Compare and Contrast Essays

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

In a compare/contrast essay which is more interesting?

• to focus on the similarities

• to focus on the differences

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

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)

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

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

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

What is another word for compare and contrast

• Pros and cons

• Black and White

• similarities and differences

• Yes and no

In a Compare and Contrast essay, which should come first?

• More significant things

• Less significant things

• Your mom