This document provides guidance on how to write a comparison/contrast essay. It explains that a comparison essay should compare two subjects that have similarities and differences. There are two main organizational structures - subject-to-subject, where each subject is discussed individually before moving to the next, and point-by-point, where each point of comparison is discussed between both subjects together. Transition words are also provided to help clarify comparisons and contrasts. Sample outlines are given for each structure.

1. A question and answer approach

2.  Whenever you want to point out the
differences and/or similarities between two
things
 For example, you may want to compare hip-
hop to jazz or Lily, the main character in The
Secret Life of Bees to Scout, the main
character in To Kill a Mockingbird.

3.  First,you should choose two subjects that
have some basis for comparison. In other
words, there should be some things that they
hold in common and/or some things that
distinguish them from each other.
 Second, there should be at least three points
of comparison/contrast between the two
subjects. This supplies enough information
to make the comparison a viable one.
 Third, make sure there is enough accessible
information about the subjects.

4. There are two options you can use to organize
your essay:
Subject-to-subject
Point-to-point

5. In the subject-to-subject option, you first
address one subject and give all the
points/details about that subject, then you
address the other subject, giving the
corresponding points/details about that
subject.

6. In the point-by-point option, you take a
point/detail of one subject and
compare/contrast it to a corresponding
point/detail of the other subject.

7. SUBJECT-TO-SUBJECT OPTION
Topic sentence: State the main idea
Subject A
Support point 1 and specific details
Support point 2 and specific details
Support point 3 and specific details
Subject B
Support point 1 and specific details
Support point 2 and specific details
Support point 3 and specific details

8. POINT-BY-POINT OPTION
Topic sentence: State the main idea
Support point 1
Subject A
Subject B
Support point 2
Subject A
Subject B
Support point 3
Subject A
Subject B

9. There are certain words you use as
transition words or phrases in a
comparison/contrast essay that will help
to clarify what you are communicating.

10. FOR COMPARISON FOR CONTRAST
and Although
In the same way in contrast
Also But
Just as, so too, is on the other hand
Conversely
Both
Unlike
Like
Despite
Each of Whereas
Neither However
In addition While, yet
similarly

11. BLOCK ARRANGEMENT
I Introduction in which you state your purpose which is to discuss
. differences between airplanes and helicopters
II Airplanes
. A. Shape and design
B. Speed
C. Direction of takeoff and flight
II Helicopters
I A. Shape and design
. B. Speed
C. Direction of takeoff and flight
I Conclusion
V
.

12. Let’s say your topic is a comparison of two movies.
 Answer these questions:

 What do the movies have in common? i.e. theme, characters, setting, genre, plot?

 Use invention strategies to diagram your ideas and responses to each movie.

 Go back and look for connections that show similarities and differences

 Develop your thesis statement

 In paragraphs 1-3 develop details for first statement

 In paragraphs 4-6 develop details for second statement

 Another option is to alternate paragraphs giving details about one and then the
other

 Each paragraph can focus on theme, character, setting, genre, plot, etc.

13. POINT-BY-POINT or ALTERNATING
ARRANGEMENT
I. Introduction in which you state your
purpose which is to discuss
differences between airplanes and
helicopters
II. Differences between airplanes and
helicopters
A. Shape and design
1. Airplanes
2. Helicopters
B. Speed
1. Airplanes
2. Helicopters
C. Direction of takeoff and flight
1. Airplanes
2. Helicopters
III. Conclusion