The document explains the structure and elements of a compare and contrast essay, highlighting the importance of comparing two subjects in terms of similarities and differences. It details the organization methods, including point-by-point and block style, as well as key components such as the thesis statement and the body paragraphs. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of considering lifestyle, finances, and accommodations when choosing between pets.

1. COMPARE AND
CONTRAST ESSAY

2. Watch the following explanatory video:
While you watch the video, take notes about important
information related to compare and contrast essays:
• Definition
• Elements
• Organization

3. ESSAYS
The following chart includes words or phrases that can be
used to explain the concept of essays.
essays
have a
purpose
coherent
written text
contain a
thesis
support and
explain a
thesis
include facts,
arguments
and
examples
show a point
of view
different
types
formed by
paragraphs

4. Compare and Contrast Essay
•Writing a compare and contrast essay involves
comparing and contrasting two subjects; this
means that the writer shows how the subjects
are alike (compare), and how they are different
(contrast).
•It is also likely that with this type of essay the
writer intends to demonstrate how one subject
is superior in some way to the other.
•Another reason to write a compare and
contrast paper is to demonstrate how two
subjects, which appear dissimilar, are actually
similar.

5. Structure

6. Structure
• There are two ways of organizing a compare and
contrast essay:
Point-by-point style Block style
Intro • Introduction of general topic
• Specific topic
• Thesis = areas to be covered in this essay:
Both cats and dogs make excellent pets, but
an appropriate choice depends on the pet
owner’s lifestyle, finances, and household
accommodations.
Intro • Introduction of general topic
• Specific topic
• Thesis = areas to be covered in this essay:
Both cats and dogs make excellent pets, but
an appropriate choice depends on the pet
owner’s lifestyle, finances, and household
accommodations.
Body:
Paragraph
1
Topic Sentence - Aspect 1
Cats make less of an impact on an owner’s
lifestyle.
Topic 1 - Aspect 1: Cats
• Detail: Don’t have to be watched during the
day
• Detail: Easier to get care if owner travels
Topic 2 - Aspect 1: Dogs
• Detail: Pack animals shouldn’t be left alone
• Detail: Harder to get care when away
Transition Sentence
Body:
Paragraph
1
Topic Sentence – Topic 1
Cats are easier and less expensive to care
for.
Aspect 1: Lifestyle
• Detail: Don’t have to be watched during the
day
• Detail: Easier to get care if owner travels
Aspect 2: Cost
• Detail: Food and health care are usually
less expensive
• Detail: Less likely to cause property
damage
Aspect 3: House accommodations
• Detail: Don’t take up much space
• Detail: Less intrusive
Transition Sentence

7. Structure
Point-by-point style Block style
Body:
Paragraph
2
Topic Sentence - Aspect 2
Cats are less expensive to own and care for.
Topic 1 - Aspect 2: Cats
• Detail: Food and health care are usually
less expensive
• Detail: Less likely to cause property
damage Topic 2 - Aspect 2: Dogs
• Detail: Food is more expensive
• Detail: Over-breeding causes some health
problems
Transition Sentence
Body:
Paragraph
2
Topic Sentence – Topic 2
Dogs are active and loyally engaging pets.
Aspect 1 – Lifestyle
• Detail: Pack animals shouldn’t be left alone
• Detail: Harder to get care when away Need
more living
space
Aspect 2 – Cost
• Detail: Food is more expensive
• Detail: Over-breeding causes some health
problems
Aspect 3 – House accommodations
• Detail: Often need yard and fence
• Detail: Require more safety and protective
measures
Transition Sentence
Body:
Paragraph
3
Topic Sentence - Aspect 3
Cats need few special house
accommodation.
Topic 1 - Aspect 3: Cats
• Detail: Don’t take up much space
• Detail: Less intrusive
Topic 2 - Aspect 3: Dogs
• Detail: Often need yard and fence
• Detail: Require more safety and protective
measures
Transition Sentence
Body:
Paragraph
3
Optional: develop a paragraph to evaluate
the comparison made in the essay:
Last summer, I was considering adopting a
pet, so I visited the SPCA to gather more
information about cats and dogs. I am a full
time student and work part time in the
evenings, so my lifestyle and schedule didn’t
seem conducive to owning a dog like I had
originally planned. Now that I’ve had my cat
Cookie for a few months, I see that she’s the
perfect fit and a great companion for me.

8. Structure
Point-by-point style Block style
Conclusion • Summary of main points
• Evaluation and/or possible future
developments
• Significance of topic to author:
When considering adopting a pet, a
prospective owner must consider the
lifestyle, finances, and household
accommodations that the pet would
require. Owners who neglect to compare
these aspects will often not care for their
pet in a safe manner.
Conclusion • Summary of main points
• Evaluation and/or possible future
developments
• Significance of topic to author:
When considering adopting a pet, a
prospective owner must consider the
lifestyle, finances, and household
accommodations that the pet would require.
Owners who neglect to compare these
aspects will often not care for their pet in a
safe manner.

10. Thesis Statement
• The introduction of the essay should start with an
appealing sentence of the subject (hook).
• The thesis statement is a sentence that you include
in the introduction stating the subjects you are
comparing and the aspects that will be discussed.
• Examples:
Both cats and dogs make excellent pets, but an
appropriate choice depends on the pet owner’s
lifestyle, finances, and household accommodations.
In order to make a decision between the Honda
Civic and the BMW, consider the following criteria:
price of the vehicle, average mileage, and price of
insurance.

11. Writing Paragraphs
• Watch the following podcast about how to write good
paragraphs in academic writing. Take notes on the most
important information you should take into account when
writing your essay.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IFDuhdB2Hk

12. Useful Links
• http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Compare-and-Contrast-E
ssay
• http://writing.itu.edu.tr/cc1.pdf Includes examples
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvMSeg1s7uc Video
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5ExEynX6EY Thesis
statement video
• http://www.custom-essays.org/compare_and_contrast_es
say/examples.html
Examples