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6-2 The Comparison/Contrast Essay

In a Comparison/Contrast Essay, you must choose two subjects and examine how they are similar to and/or different from one another. The topics of such an essay can vary from comparing and contrasting two university courses to two characters in different novels. The ultimate purpose of a comparison/contrast essay depends on the assignment, but often times the goal is to show which of the two subjects is superior, more important, more effective, or possibly even more damaging. Before you write, consider the following:

Don't make obvious comparisons - pointing out obvious similarities between two subjects is easy, but it is not very interesting and it does not show that you have thought very deeply on the subject. If two things seem very similar, a more interesting approach would be to focus on their differences and vice versa.

There are different styles of Comparison/Contrast Essays; however, in 130, you will be writing a Point-by-Point essay. This means that you will have to choose three points of comparison to focus on, each point being the topic of a body paragraph. For example, if you were comparing two universities, three possible points to be compared/contrasted could be professors, reputation, and facilities.

Comparison/Contrast Essay Structure

Introduction

Hook
- Begin your introductory paragraph with an engaging sentence to get the reader’s attention and introduce BOTH of your topics.
Background
- Present any general information about your topics that the reader would need in order to understand your subject and your comparison.
Thesis Statement
- The final sentence of the introductory paragraph contains the main idea of your essay. It should focus your comparison and present the three points to be discussed in the body of the essay.

Body

Paragraph One
- Focuses on the similarities and/or differences based on your first point of comparison.The paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence and specific details.
Paragraph Two
- Focuses on your second point of comparison
- The paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence and specific details.
Paragraph Three
- Focuses on your third point of comparison
- The paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence and specific details.

Conclusion

Restate the thesis and summarize the three points of the essay.
End with a strong statement that will leave an impression on the reader, possibly making an overall comparison between the two subjects. Is one superior to the other? Are they different yet equal?

Exercise

Using what you have learned, complete the activity.

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