Comparison-and-Contrast Essay

1
Comparison-and-Contrast Essay

• Composition

2
Definition

• A comparison-and-contrast essay is a short piece
  of expository writing that describes the
  similarities and differences between two or more
  subjects.

3
Effective Essays

• An effective comparison-and-contrast essay
• Identifies a purpose for comparison and contrast.
• Identifies similarities and differences between
  two or more things, people, places, or ideas.
• Gives factual details about the subjects being
  compared.
• Uses an organizational plan suited to its topic
  and purpose.

4
Points of Comparison and Contrast

• Chart the elements to be considered in a
  comparison-and-contrast essay.
• Identify the points to be covered in the essay.
• Example UW-Parkside vs. Carthage College.
• Costs
• Location
• Size

5
Organizational Structure

• There are two basic ways to organize a
  comparison-and-contrast essay
• Divided pattern
• Alternating pattern

6
Divided

• To use this structure, compare and contrast the
  subjects as wholes
• First discuss all of the features of subject A.
• Then, discuss all of the features of subject B.
• Be sure to address the SAME features in the same
  order and devote equal time to each subject.
• Make comparisons to subject A when discussing
  features of subject B.

7
Divided Outline

• Introduction
• UW-Parkside
• Costs
• Location
• Size
• Carthage College
• Costs
• Location
• Size
• Conclusion

8
Alternating Pattern

• Allows you to move back and forth between
  subjects as you discuss each point of comparison
  and contrast.
• First, develop one point by showing how it
  applies to both subjects.
• Then, move to the next point, showing how it
  applies to both.
• Continue back and forth until you have addressed
  each point of comparison.

9
Divided Outline

• Introduction
• Costs
• UW-Parkside
• Carthage College
• Location
• UW-Parkside
• Carthage College
• Size
• UW-Parkside
• Carthage College
• Conclusion

10
College Compare-Contrast Essay

• Purpose to compare and contrast two colleges and
  three criteria (cost, location, size, etc.).
• Assignment Locate two colleges in which you are
  interested. Research the pros and cons of each
  (brainstorm worksheet).
• Length 3 pages 4 5 paragraphs (depends on
  which pattern you chose).

11
Essay Contd

• Format Choose either divided or alternating
  organizational structure.
• Introduction Introduce the importance of the
  topic and the two chosen colleges.
• Body paragraphs compare and contrast the two
  colleges based on 3 different criteria.
• Conclusion discuss what ultimately will lead you
  to choose one college over the other.

12
Citing Internet Sources

• You must include a Works Cited page listing the
  two websites and any literature that you
  consulted for the essay.
• Refer to the library on-line MLA style guide.

13
Criterion to Consider

• Costs
• Tuition (per semester X 8 semesters)
• Housing (compare options dorms, apartment)
• Gas (commuting)
• Food plan
• Books, fees, etc.
• Location
• Geographical benefits/drawbacks
• Surrounding town(s) and nearby amenities
• Crime rate/safety
• Sizes
• Faculty to student ratio
• Average class size
• Size of student body

14
Criterion Contd

• Academics
• Majors/minors of interest to you
• Retention rate
• Reputation and Rank of school
• Graduation rate
• Selectivity
• Study Abroad Programs
• Extracurricular Opportunities
• Leadership opportunities
• Clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities of
  interest to you
• Sports that interest to you (as a player, not a
  fan)