This document provides guidance on writing a comparison essay by outlining two common organizational patterns - trait by trait and subject by subject. It also recommends including a thesis statement in the last sentence of the introductory paragraph stating the purpose of the comparison. The body paragraphs should identify similarities and differences between subjects using appropriate transitional phrases. Resources for comparing colleges, careers, and transferring credits between schools are also listed.

1. Comparing Colleges/Programs/Careers

2. Model of Graphic Organizer

3. Patterns of OrganizationTrait by Trait 1 - Introduction – thesis - the last sentence of 1st paragraph2 – Trait 1 – topic sentence subject 1 subject 23 – Trait 2 – topic sentence subject 1 subject 24 – Trait 3 – topic sentence5 – Trait 4, etc.5 - ConclusionSubject by Subject1 - Introduction – thesis - the last sentence of 1st paragraph2 – Subject 1 – topic sentence Trait 1 Trait 23 – Subject 2 – topic sentence Trait 1 Trait 24 – Subject 3 – topic sentence5 – Subject 4, etc.5 - Conclusion

4. IntroductionThe introduction to your composition should present the subjects being compared and state the purpose of your comparison. To draw your readers in, you might want to begin by showing a striking contrast or an often overlooked similarity between your subjects. The last sentence of your introductory paragraph MUST be your thesis statement.

5. Similarities and differences are identified with appropriate transitional words and phrases in your essay. Be sure that these are included in the body paragraphs of your essay.To compare: also, in the same way, likewise, similarly, in the same manner, just as, tooTo contrast: although, and yet, but, but at the same time, despite, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, regardless, still, though, yet

6. Comparing Side by SideCollegeshttp://www.collegeview.com/collegesearch/CompareSchools.jsp?scid=1100933,2800158,1100377Occupational Outlook Handbookhttp://www.bls.gov/search/ooh.htm

7. Transfer Equivalency CreditsTransferring credits to Kansas StateTransferring credits to Wichita StateTransferring credits to KU

8. Wichita Statehttp://www.wichita.edu/thisis/