types of essays

1. The Comparison and
Contrast Paper
Msc. Sacramento Méndez Rivera

2. Compare
The purpose of comparing is to examine or analyze similar aspects or characteristics
between two or more elements.
i.e: To compare is to highlight the similarities.

3. The Comparison paragraph (composition):
It is an academic paper focusing on discusing the similarities between two specific
elements from a particular topic which belong to the same cathegory.
TOPIC CATHEGORY ELEMENTS
Pets The most prefered pets Cats / Dogs
Destination The most common turistic
destination
Beach / Mountain
Diet The most common diets Vegetarian / Carnivorous
Transportation The most popular means of
tran…
Cars / Motorcicles
Education Types of Universities Public / Private
Video Games The most popular consoles Xbox / Play Station

4. Contrast
The purpose of contrasting is to examine or analyze different aspects or characteristics
between two or more elements.
i.e: To contrast is to highlight the differences.

5. The Contrasting paragraph (composition):
It is an academic paper focusing on discusing the differences between two specific
elements from a particular topic which belong to the same cathegory.
TOPIC CATHEGORY ELEMENTS
Pets The most prefered pets Cats / Dogs
Destination The most common turistic
destination
Beach / Mountain
Diet The most common diets Vegetarian / Carnivorous
Transportation The most popular means of
tran…
Cars / Motorcicles
Education Types of Universities Public / Private
Video Games The most popular consoles Xbox / Play Station

6. Coparison and Contrast Essay
It focuses on both; the similarities and the differences.
The purpose of this type of essay is to examine or analyze similar and different
aspects or characteristics between two elements the belong to a same cathegory.

7. Block Format
Outline
I. Introductory Paragraph
A. Catching Phrase
B. Thesis Statement
II. Similarities
A. First Similarity
B. Second Similarity
III. Differences
A. First Difference
B. Second Difference
IV. Concluding Paragraph
A. Restatement of the main points.
B. Memorable Phrase

8. Conclusion
Introduction
Similarities
Transition
Differences
Option 1

9. Conclusion
Introduction
Similarities
Option 2
Differences

10. Alternating Format
Outline
I. Introductory Paragraph
A. Catching Phrase
B. Thesis Statement
II. First Aspect or Quality
A. Similarity
B. Difference
III. Second Aspect or Quality
A. Similarity
B. Difference
IV. Concluding Paragraph
A. Restatement of the main points.
B. Memorable Phrase

11. Conclusion
Introduction
Aspect 1
Similarity
Difference
Transition
Aspect 2
Similarity
Difference
Option 1

12. Conclusion
Introduction
Aspect 1
Similarity
Difference
Option 2
Aspect 2
Similarity
Difference

13. It has an inverted piramidal structure going from the general to the specific.
General
Specific
)
Catching Phase
Thesis Statement
Giving information
being more and
more specific

14. Similarities (First Main Idea/Point)
First Similarity (First Sub Idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Second Similarity (Second Sub Idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Differences (Second Main Idea/Point)
First Difference (First Sub idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Second Difference (Second Sub idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Block
Format

15. First Aspect (First Main Idea/Point)
Similarity (First Sub idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Difference (Second Sub Idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Second Aspect (Second Main Idea/Point)
Similarity (First Sub idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Difference (Second Sub idea)
Example (Supporting Idea)
Quotation
Metacomentary
Concluding sentence
Alternating
Format

16. It has a piramidal structure going from the specific to the general.
,
General
Specific
)
Restate the main points
Memorable Phrase
Giving a resolution
comming to a
conclusion

17. The purpose
The porpuse of the Comparison and Contrast essay is just to inform about the differences
and similarities of two elements that belong to a particular category.
i.e. It is a type of informative essay.
Therefore:
 No possition must be taken.
 The vocabulary must be neutral.
 No intention to convise the audience must be expressed.
 Avoid overgeneralizations.
 Write only about facts.
 Support the facts with quotations.