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 Cont’d • 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 Cont’d • 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)