This document provides instruction on writing a compare and contrast essay. It defines comparison and contrast as showing how things are similar or different. Effective essays have subjects that are somewhat alike, stay focused on relevant details, and have a clear thesis about what is being compared or contrasted. Strong essays select important points to discuss using a consistent structure, provide solid transitions, and can use a Venn diagram for visual comparisons. Sample topics and essays are provided comparing Labradoodles to badgers, Coca-Cola to Starbucks, Obama to Limbaugh, and Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker. Students are then assigned to write their own 3-5 page compare and contrast essay on a self-selected topic.

1. English 1060
Week 11
“The Compare & Contrast Essay”

2. What is comparison and contrast?
• Comparison shows how two or more things are similar
• Contrast shows how two or more things are different
• In most writing situations, the two related processes are
used together
Longman p 298 -299

3. Prewriting and Strategies for Writing

4. Prewriting and Strategies for Writing
• Be sure your subjects are at least somewhat
alike – “apples to oranges” rather than “apples
to Volkswagens”
• Stay focused – develop only those details that
relate to the topic at hand
• Form a strong thesis – identify if you are
comparing similarities, differences or both

5. Prewriting and Strategies for Writing
• Select strong points to be discussed – use
items that prove your point
• Select the appropriate pattern
– “One side at a time” – this is where you present all
your facts about one item then all about the other
and finish with a conclusion
– “Point/Counter-point” – you compare your topics
one characteristic at a time and finish with a
conclusion
• Supply the reader with solid transitions

6. Compare and Contrast – Sample Topics
and Use of the Venn Diagram

7. Compare and Contrast
Labradoodle Badger

8. Compare and Contrast
Labradoodle Badger
Domestic Animal Wild
Gentle/Playful Temperament Vicious
Definitely
Possibility
as a Pet No Way

9. Using the Venn Diagram for Graphic Comparisons
Labradoodle Badger
Animal
Domestic
Good Pet
Gentle
Wild
Vicious
Poor choice for a pet

10. Compare and Contrast

11. Compare and Contrast
Similarities
• Both are popular
beverages
• Both can be with or
without caffeine
• Both have multiple
varieties
• Both are American-
based companies
Differences
• Coca Cola is a
carbonated beverage
• Starbucks has product-
specific retail outlets
• Coca Cola is not
commonly served hot;
Starbucks comes both
hot & cold

12. Using the Venn Diagram for Graphic Comparisons
Coca Cola Starbucks
Served cold
Carbonated
Served hot or cold
Retail Outlets
Popular
beverage
W/ or W/out
Caffeine
USA based
company
Many
Varieties

13. Compare and Contrast

14. Compare and Contrast
Barrack Obama Rush Limbaugh
President of the
United States Public Figure Radio Personality
Large following Popularity Large following
Democratic Political Party Republican
Moderate Liberal Political Views Harsh Conservative
Yes
Passionate for
his country Yes

15. Using the Venn Diagram for Graphic Comparisons
Barrack Obama Rush Limbaugh
Passionate
Popular
Political
US President
Liberal
Democrat
Radio Personality
Republican
Conservative

16. Compare and Contrast
Darth Vader Luke Skywalker

17. Compare and Contrast
Darth Vader Luke Skywalker
Topic
Topic
Topic
Topic
Topic

18. Using the Venn Diagram for Graphic
Comparisons
Darth Vader Luke Skywalker

19. Your Assignment
• Compose a 3-5 page compare/contrast essay on a topic
of your choice
– It is suggested (but not required) that your essay relates to
your program of study
• The essay should be double spaced in 12 pt. Arial or
Calibri font with standard margins
• There should be no “Title Page” for this assignment.
• If you use any outside sources of information, you must
document these sources using MLA style and provide a
list of sources at the end of the paper.