Comparison / Contrast Essay

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Comparison / ContrastEssay
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To compare means to point out similarities.
To contrast means to point out differences
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A Comparison/contrast essay shows how
things are alike or different to help the reader
choose between alternatives.
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Two things must be alike enough to result
in a meaningful comparison. Choose subjects that
are similar enough to be compared or contrasted.
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You need to find points of comparison that
are parallel to show how the subjects are similar
or different.
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Will I compare or contrast?
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Whether you decide to write about
similarities or differences, you will have to
decide how to organize your essay.You can
choose between two patterns of organization
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Subject by SubjectSay everything (your
details) about your first subject and then you
say everything about your second subject.The
same points should be discussed for both
subjects in the same order.
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Subject by subject OutlineI
-Introduction lead-in and thesisII- BodyTopic
sentence Subject 1 point 1 point 2 point
3Topic sentence Subject 2 point 1 point
2 point 3III. Conclusion
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Point by PointYou support and explain
your thesis statement by discussing each point of
comparison or contrast, switching back and forth
between subjects
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Point by Point OutlineI-
Introduction Lead-in and ThesisII- Body Topic
sentencepoint 1subject 1subject 2Topic
sentencepoint 2subject 1subject 2Topic
sentencepoint 3subject 1subject 2III -
Conclusion
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Transitions

• One similarity
• Another similarity
• Similarly
• Like
• Both
• As well as
• Also
• Too
• In addition

• One difference
• Another difference
• In contrast
• Unlike
• Although
• But, yet
• Instead of
• On the other hand
• Whereas

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Dont forget comparative of adjectives and
adverbsmore thanless thanas asthe
same as
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The thesis statement in the essay
includes the two subjects you are comparing or
contrasting and the main point you want to make
about them.
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Theses1. There are some interesting
parallels between the Roman and the Chinese
empires even though these empires ended
differently.2. People of the Jewish and Hindu
faiths celebrate some festivals in a similar
way.3.Although neat people have a very nice
environment, messy people are more relaxed.
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4. Soccer is more exciting, popular, and
active than baseball.
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Does my thesis statement explain what I am
comparing or contrasting? Does it make a point
about my topic?
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The first half of our lives is ruined by
our parents, and the second half is ruined by our
children.My grandfather once told me that
there are two kinds of people those who work and
those who take the credit. He told me to try to
be in the first group there was less competition
there.
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People are more violently opposed to fur
than leather because it is safer to harass rich
women than motorcycle gangs. Happy families
are all alike every unhappy family is unhappy in
its own way.
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TopicsCompare or contrast2 career
optionsa movie and its sequel2 classes in the
EAP 2 teachers in the EAPBurger King/ Mc
Donaldrenting a movie/ going to a movie Living
together/ getting marriedchildren now/children
fifty years ago
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More TopicsThe person I am now versus the
person Id like to be in ten years. Vacations
(living) with family and vacations (living) with
friends. A holiday in your native country and
the same holiday in the US
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More topicstwo jobs you have
hadchildren in your country/children in the
USexpectations about marriage/the reality of
marriage Studying with a friend/studying alone.
Leaving a child in day care/leaving a child with
a family member
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The end!