Compare and Contrast Essay Techniques

This video tutorial explains how to write compare and contrast essays. It defines the terms 'compare' and 'contrast', and discusses the importance of planning before writing. The tutorial introduces Venn diagrams and T-charts as tools for organizing ideas. It emphasizes the significance of a thesis statement and compares two essay writing patterns: block and point-by-point, recommending the latter. The video also provides guidance on outlining and preparing assignments.

What does the term 'compare' specifically refer to in a compare and contrast essay?

• Identifying differences between two things

• Summarizing an essay

• Identifying similarities between two things

• Writing about a single topic

Which diagram is used to visually organize similarities and differences between two topics?

• Pie chart

• Line graph

• Bar chart

• Venn diagram

In a Venn diagram, where do you write the characteristics that are common to both topics?

• In the intersection of the circles

• Outside the circles

• In the right circle

• In the left circle

What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

• To introduce the author

• To summarize the conclusion

• To state the main idea of the essay

• To list the references

Which essay structure is considered stronger for compare and contrast essays?

• Block method

• Point-by-point method

• Chronological method

• Descriptive method

In the point-by-point method, what does each body paragraph focus on?

• A single topic

• A single similarity or difference

• The introduction

• The conclusion

What should you do before starting to write a compare and contrast essay?

• List references

• Choose a title

• Create an outline

• Write the conclusion

When using the point-by-point method, how many similarities or differences should you focus on in your essay?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What is the first step in organizing your ideas for a compare and contrast essay?

• Creating a Venn diagram or T-chart

• Writing the introduction

• Listing references

• Drafting the conclusion

In a compare and contrast essay, what should each body paragraph contain?

• A summary of the essay

• One similarity or one difference

• A detailed description of one topic

• A list of references