Compare/Contrast Essay

Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay 
Here is some general information about writing this type of essay:
• A comparison essay notes either similarities.
• A contrast essay notes only differences.
• The comparison or contrast should make a point or serve a purpose. Often such essays do one of the following: Clarify something unknown or not well understood. Lead to a fresh insight or new way of viewing something. Bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus. Show that one subject is better than the other. 
• The essay can present the subjects and indicate whether they will be compared, contrasted, or both.
• The same points should be discussed for both subjects; it is not necessary, however to give both subjects the same degree of development.
• Some common organizational structures include: (see note below) Block method (subject by subject) Point by point Comparisons followed by contrasts (or the reverse)
• Use detailed topic sentences and the following connecting words to make the relationship between your subjects clear to your reader:

Connectors That Show Comparison (Similarities)
In addition
Correspondingly
Compared to
Similarly
Just as
As well as
Likewise
Same as
At the same time

Connectors That Show Contrast (Differences)
However
On the contrary
On the other hand
Even though
In contrast
Although
Unlike
Conversely
Meanwhile

Reference: SBCC

Writing Practice:

Consider choosing between a pet dog or a pet cat. Think about the similarities of cats and dogs. Think about the differences. Write a short comparison/contrast paragraph. Use the vocabulary given above when writing your paragraph.

Timed writing:

Other topics for Comparison/Contrast essays:

1. Books vs. Movies

2. Living in the City/Living in the Province (Inaka)

3. Strawberries vs Apples

4. Email vs SMS

5. High School vs College

Timed Writing: 

Class printouts will be from Get Your Message Across, p. 74-79.