A lecture on how to write a comparison essay.

1. Comparison Writing
STEPS FOR WRITERS CHAP 4

2. Definition
 Comparison Writing--writing that points out similarities between
two people or things

3. Important Features
Television and radio use
similar strategies to
appeal to their audiences.
 The purpose of a comparison essay
is to understand two subjects more
clearly.
 The subjects must have enough in
common to justify the comparison.
Bases for comparison—the same
elements are discussed for each
subject
 The topic sentence will
communicate the two subjects to
be compared and the point you
will make about them.
Television
Audiences
Radio
Audience
Men Men
Women Women
Children Children

4. Traditional Essay (5 paragraphs)
1. Introduction Paragraph
a. Thesis Statement—a sentence that communicates the overall
purpose of an essay
2. Body Paragraphs (at least 3)
a. Topic sentence—a sentence that begins a paragraph and connects
the paragraph to the thesis statement
b. Supporting details
c. Transitions between paragraphs
3. Concluding Paragraph

5. Organization
Subject-by-Subject—discuss all bases of comparison for Subject A first
and all part of Subject B second
Novel A
• Minor Characters
• Major Characters
• Themes
Novel B
• Minor Characters
• Major Characters
• Themes

6. Organization
Point-by-Point—discuss the base of comparison about both Subject A
and B then move to the second base and third base.
Minor Character
• Novel A
• Novel B
Major Characters
• Novel A
• Novel B
Themes
• Novel A
• Novel B

7. Transitions
 In comparison
 In the same way
 Just as…so
 Like
 Likewise
 similarly