Comparison/Contrast Essay

Comparison/Contrast Essay

Paper instructions:
Compare and contrast who you are now and who you were in 8th grade (or thereabouts).  You may use either the alternating or block style to organize your paper.

The Structure of Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and contrast has two methods of organizing material.  The thesis must contain only two objects of comparison and three parts to develop.  After the introduction, the writer could use either an alternating or block style to organize the body paragraphs.  Alternating style is one in which the body paragraphs alternate each part of the three part thesis within the paragraphs.  Block style would be developed by addressing the three parts of the thesis first in one of the objects of comparison then and the other.

For example,

Alternating Style

I.                    Intro: Compare Obj1 and Obj2 in the areas of P1, P2 and P3.

II.                  P1

a.      Obj1

b.      Obj2

III.                  P2

a.      Obj1

b.      Obj2

IV.                P3

a.      Obj1

b.      Obj2

V.                  Conclusion

Block Style:

I.                    Intro: Compare Obj1 and Obj2 in the areas of P1, P2 and P3.

II.                  Obj1

a.      P1

b.      P2

c.      P3

III.                  Obj2

a.      P1

b.      P2

c.      P3

IV.                Conclusion

Summary

Comparison and contrast simply point out the similarities and differences between TWO objects.  They allow the reader to judge the comparative value of objects: they will often explain an unfamiliar object by comparing it with more familiar ones, they are capable of creating an impression of a subject hence it is writing with a purpose; and last, they have the advantage of a structured form.

Transition Words:

Comparing: similarly, likewise, in like manner

Contrasting: nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, in contrast, conversely, notwithstanding, whereas, yet