The elements of

a Comparativ

e Essay10th Grade English – 2015

What is a comparative essay?

• A comparison and contrast essay focuses on the similarities and differences between two or more ideas or items. The goals of a compare and contrast essay are varied. Some comparison and contrast essays are designed to foster critical thinking skills. Other times, the author may write a comparison and contrast to help the audience make a decision about a topic, such as which political candidate to vote for. Understanding the parts of a comparison and contrast essay will help you write an effective, well-organized essay.

Elements of a CE

• Introduction and Thesis

• Comparison Section

• Contrast Section

• Conclusion

Introduction and Thesis

• The introduction of the comparison and contrast paper should cover the main point that you will be discussing. Explain to the audience what you will be comparing and contrasting.

• The introduction should also have a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement should overview the key similarities and the key differences between the two items in a general way. It may also explain the significance of the differences and similarities.

• For example, "Majoring in psychology and sociology both lead to careers that study people and how they think and interact. However, majoring in psychology allows students to help people directly through therapy and counseling services."

Introduction Structure

• Background information on the topics/texts to be compared and contrasted.

• A clear Thesis Statement that ANSWERS the question expressing your view/point/position.

• Arguments that support your TS, and make sure that these arguments are GENERAL and not specific, that they are MAIN IDEAS and not details. That is what your body paragraphs are for.

Body Tips

• You can compare and then contrast or vice versa.

• You must be specific.

• You must use the P-E-E Essay Structure for each paragraph, because there should only be one point to each.

• Do NOT be superficial. If you use the right structure you will be giving enough detail to support all ideas presented.

• Present everything as if the reader of your essay has not read the book nor the question.

• Do NOT compare and contrast in the same paragraph.

Comparison Section (Body)

• The first section of the essay should compare the two or more items being discussed. Provide details about the key similarities and use descriptive detail and examples to illustrate your points.• For example, when comparing a psychology major

with a sociology major, you might give specific details about how the degree plans are similar, using actual examples of courses included in the majors from your university's student handbook. You might also explain how the sequence of required courses are similar by including a side-by-side comparison of the courses students in each major take during specific years of their degree programs.

Contrast Section (Body)

• After you have explained the similarities, you should explain the main differences between the items. Like the comparison section, you should use actual examples and provide enough detail so the audience can follow the logic of your contrast section. • For the psychology and sociology majors example, you

might explain the differences between the goals of each of the programs. For instance, many psychology programs are geared toward helping students work toward a master's degree in counseling, whereas many sociology degrees are intended to help students get into graduate school to eventually earn a PhD, where they will conduct research in sociology.

Body Structure

• Comparative Section:• Paragraph 1

• Point of Comparison• Evidence of the

similarity• Explanation of how the

evidence relates to the point.

• Paragraph 2• Point of Comparison

• Evidence of the similarity

• Explanation of how the evidence relates to the point.

• Contrast Section:• Paragraph 3

• Point of Contrast• Evidence of the

difference• Explanation of how the

evidence relates to the point.

• Paragraph 4• Point of Contrast

• Evidence of the difference

• Explanation of how the evidence relates to the point.

Conclusion

• After you have thoroughly compared and contrasted the options, briefly summarize the key similarities and differences.

• After the brief recap, explain the significance of the similarities and differences.

• If the assignment asks you to come to a conclusion about which option is preferable, make a strong statement about which option is best, given the criteria, and support your decision with evidence presented in the paper.

• Do NOT present new information. This is not the place for it.

Conclusion Structure

• A 2-3 sentence summary of the MAIN points presented in the Body.

• 1-2 sentences explaining the significance of the similarities or differences.

• A STRONG statement that supports your point of view.

REMEMBER

• Brainstorm your essay.

• Outline your essay

• K-I-S-S your essay.

• Re-read and Proofread your essay.

• And NEVER use “I,” you wrote the essay so I know it is your opinion, what you are writing, how you feel, etc. so there is no need for you to put statements like these in your writing. In English, writing is straightforward and direct, we do not beat around the bush.