Tutorial+compare+contrast+essay


 * The Comparison/Contrast Essay**

The most useful essay format of all is probably the comparison/contrast essay, since you can use it anytime you have two things to write about. In a comparison/contrast essay you explain how two things are alike and how they are different.

A comparison is a systematic strategy for analyzing and evaluating the similarities of two or more things. A contrast is simply a comparison that emphasizes differences rather than similarities. An effective comparison/ contrast essay attempts to demonstrate one of three general purposes:
 * Two things thought to be different are actually similar.
 * Two things thought to be similar are really quite different.
 * Two things, although comparable, are not equal--that is, one is better than the other.


 * You will need to develop your comparison/contrast essay according to one of two strategies:**


 * The Divided or Parallel Pattern of Comparison (A +B)
 * The Alternating or Integrated Pattern of Comparison (A/B + A/B)

It is important to not confuse the comparison/contrast essay with either the three paragraph essay format or the five paragraph essay format. In contrast, the number of paragraphs in a comparison/contrast essay is contingent on the strategy used to develop the essay, as well as the amount of information included on the subjects.


 * The Divided or Parallel Pattern of Comparison (A + B) or Block Format:**

The most common strategy for developing a comparison/contrast essay is called the divided pattern. As its name suggests, this strategy divides the comparison into two separate sections, devoting the first half of the essay to a discussion of A and the second half to a discussion of B. The examples in A should be linked to those in B to unify the contrast of the two parts. One way to achieve that linkage is to follow a similar pattern in both sections. For example, if you make three basic points about A, you then should make three basic points about B. You can also arrange your points in the same sequence, devoting the same amount of space to each point, if possible.


 * The divided or parallel pattern format is organized as follows:**


 * Introduction(Opening Paragraph)**

Begin with a sentence that will catch the reader's interest. This might be a question, a reason people find the topic interesting or important, or something the two subjects have in common. Then name the two subjects and say they are very similar, very different or have many important or interesting similarities and differences.

Paragraphs 2 - ?
 * Body**

The next paragraph(s) describe features of the first subject. Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist. Do not mention the second subject.

Make new paragraphs to avoid very long paragraphs.

Paragraphs ? - ?

The next section must begin with a transition showing you are comparing the second subject to the first.

For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other hand.

Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist.

Make new paragraphs to avoid very long paragraphs.


 * Conclusion (Last Paragraph)**

In the final paragraph, give a brief, general summary of the most important similarities and differences. End with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher.


 * The Alternating or Integrated Pattern of Comparison (A/B + A/B) or Point by Point Format**

In the alternating pattern strategy, the details of A and B are not grouped separately but are presented in matched pairs, sometimes in the same paragraph, sometimes in the same sentence. The divided pattern is more common, perhaps because it is an easier pattern to organize and control, particularly in short essays. The alternating pattern requires you to organize your material more precisely, especially in a longer piece of writing. Also, the pattern is often easier and more interesting for the reader, because the point-by-point development reinforces the comparison with every pair of matched details and the balanced sentence structure emphasizes the comparison or contrast.

The alternating or integrated pattern format is organized as follows:


 * Introduction(Opening Paragraph)**

Begin with a sentence that will catch the reader's interest. This might be a reason people find the topic interesting or important, or it might be statement about something the two subjects have in common. Review opening sentences in your English text for additional ideas.

Then name the two subjects and say that they are very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and differences.

Paragraph 2
 * Body**

Transitions beginning each paragraph are made by repeating ideas, phrases or words. Without transitions, the essay will sound choppy and disjointed.

Discuss how both subjects compare on feature one.

For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other hand.

Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist.

Paragraphs 3 - ?

Transitions beginning each paragraph are made by repeating ideas, phrases or words. Without transitions, the essay will sound choppy and disjointed.

Continue the pattern set in paragraph 2 discussing a new feature in each new paragraph.

For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other hand.

Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist.


 * Conclusion(Final Paragraph)**

In this paragraph, give a brief, general summary of the most important similarities and differences.

End with a personal statement, a prediction,or another snappy clincher.

1. Begin by creating a brainstorm. To help you line up all the information you have and what you want to include in you essay, it helps to divide a piece of paper intro three columns. At the top of the first column, put “A”, or the name of the first subject of your paper. At the top of the 1st column, put “B” or the name of the second subject. In the middle column, put “A and B”. In the first column, list all the ways in which “A” is unique. In the last column, list all the ways in which “B” is unique, and in the center column list all the characteristics “A” and “B” share. Now you are all lined up to write a comparison and contrast essay. 2. Decide why each point of comparison or contrast is important. 3. Decide what points of comparison or contrast are the most important or the most revealing and which ones will be included in the essay. 4. Decide which of the two patterns of comparison and contrast best fits your purpose: divided format or alternating format. 5. Remember to make clear to your reader when you are switching from one subject to another or from one point of comparison or contrast to another through the use of clear transitions. Transitions are important in comparison/contrast writing, especially with the point by point organization, to avoid confusion. Without transitions, the points you are comparing/contrasting may blur into one another. Also, a variety of transitions prevent monotony.
 * Planning and Developing Your Compare/Contrast Essay:**

For comparison: like, same, both, the same as, similar, in the same way, most important, similarly, as, too, have in common, as well as.
 * As follows is a list of transitions:**

For contrast: although, however, differ, unlike, even though, yet, but, instead, on the contrary, on the other hand, whereas, while, unless, contrary to, the reverse.

6. **Proofread and edit your rough draft** thoroughly to transform it into a quality final copy. One of the most thorough ways to evaluate the effectiveness of a comparison/contrast essay is to ask the following: Is the essay balanced? The most common error in a comparison/contrast essay is spending too much time on one subject and too little on the other. Make sure the essay equally and thoroughly covers both subjects.