This document provides guidance on writing a comparison and contrast essay. It discusses using analogies to compare dissimilar things and making lists to outline similarities and differences between topics. Examples of potential comparison/contrast essay topics are given, such as comparing the same product from different stores or comparing friendships with different genders. Guiding questions are also provided to help select topics and focus the essay, such as considering the audience and determining whether similarities or differences are more important.

1. Comparison and Contrast Essay“Well, what I am saying is that it’s like comparing apples to Pears.”“Oh, are you talking about The Asian Apple or pear apples? They are expensive!”“What? No! Ok, fine. It’s like comparing Apples to oranges then.”“I've never seen that kind of fruit.”“Never mind.”

2. “I could not believe it, he came out of nowhere and cut me off!”“I know what you mean! That totally happened to me the other day at the supermarket. I came out of the store with my bags of food, the pear apples were on sale this week, and this driver came out of nowhere and scared me to death! I dropped my bag and my pear apples went everywhere!”“I see what you are saying, but what happened to me was different because it was not pear apples that hit the dust, it was me! My car is totaled!” We do this all the time. In order to identify with each other, we compare and contras events, ideas and thoughts – looking for similarities in experience and allowing for identification.

3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)In this very famous film clip from the Film – how women and men view sex and dating is compared and contrasted. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-bsf2x-aeE

4. Different types of comparisons and contrast techniques to useAnalogy – where we compare similarities between things that are dissimilar: the cars sped by like a pack of horses.Lists: - make a list comparing and contrasting the subjects to know what should be discussed:

5. Other Brainstorming- charts

6. How are you going to make the comparison/contraction?

7. Recognizing when you are being asked to write a compare/contrast essayLook for key words such as: like, contrast, compare, similarities, and differences.Example topics:Compare and contrast the same product you purchase from Wal-Mart as compared to Target. Although the product has the same name, make and model number, is it indeed the same thing? If so, how and why? If now, how and why?Are the friendships you have with guys the same as the ones you have with females? Demonstrate similarities and differences and offer a conclusion as to why they are the same or not.

8. Selecting TopicsConsider making comparisons and contrasting to:PeopleEventsTheories or ideasThings (such as art, music, and dance. Or clothing)Questions to ask - guiding your efforts!What topics reflect the assignment and the course? Audience considerations: what would you audience enjoy reading?Points: why make the comparison? Why is it relevant? So what?What are the key points, even the obvious ones, that need to be discussed?What is more important to this project – similarities or differences and why?