Notes for writing a comparison paragraph

1. WRITING A COMPARISON
PARAGRAPH

2. A COMPARISON PARAGRAPH…
 demonstrates similarities between two texts or
topics.
 Take apples and oranges, for example. How are
they similar?

3. BOTH APPLES AND ORANGES…
 are fruits.
 have seeds.
 are round.
 grow on trees.
 can be eaten.
Now, let’s apply this to the writing of an actual
paragraph…

4. HOW TO WRITE A COMPARISON PARAGRAPH
 Step 1: Identify the subjects for comparison.
 What is your topic or claim?
 Step 2: Brainstorm a list of similarities.
 What do the two topics have in common?
 Step 3: Draft an outline for your paragraph.
 Which similarities do you want to focus on in your
paragraph?
 Hint: Select the ones that you can provide the most
evidence about, which will make your explanation and
elaboration much easier.
 As a general rule, you should include at least three
similarities.

5.  Step 4: Write!
 Remember that this paragraph is still using the ACE
writing strategy; it’s just expanded a bit.
 Answer the question with a topic sentence that explains
generally how the two are similar.
 Cite and explain three examples from your earlier
brainstorm.
 End with a strong concluding sentence for a total of
about 8 sentences.

6. EXAMPLE: ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC GUITARS
As broad as their sounds are, there are several
distinct similarities between electric and acoustic
guitars. For instance, both utilize the use of a body for
the neck to attach to and a neck with frets for finger
placement. The strings attach to the lower end of the
body and go all the way to the head, or the top of the
neck. They both use strings that vary in gauge, or
size, which are vital to produce sound when they are
picked, hammered on, or strummed as a group.
Similarly, each is tuned in the same manner to
produce the proper tone desired. Although they have
varied sounds, acoustic and electric guitars share
similar qualities.