Compare and Contrast Writing

What is the purpose of a compare/contrast essay?

• talk about the similarities and differences of two subjects
• inform or explain a subject to the reader
• tell a story
• use the five senses to paint a picture for the reader, incorporating imagery and specific details

What comes after the hook in an essay?

• thesis statement
• body paragraphs
• evidence to support the ideas in the hook
• background information

A point by point comparison...

• has one paragraph that focuses on the similarities while the following focuses on the differences
• the first paragraph focuses on one subject while the following focuses on another
• each paragraph focuses on one point of comparison (similarities or differences)

Which of the following is a comparison?

• The prince finds Grimm's Cinderella when he searches the land far and wide for whoever can fit the shoe.  In the African story, the Cinderella goes looking for her prince. 
• In both Grimm's Cinderella and the Egyptian Cinderella, the prince must find the girl who fits the shoe.
• Grimm's Cinderella is enslaved by her step-mother, whereas in the Egyptian Cinderella, Rhodopis is enslaved by a master.

Which of the following contrasts the Cinderellas?

• Despite other's put-downs and teasing, both Grimm's Cinderella and Rhodopis ignore their bullies and show kindness to others
• Grimm's Cinderella and Jouanah experience the death of their mother.  The spirit of their mothers intervene to ensure their daughters meet the prince.
• While Domitila clearly shows a natural talent for cooking, Grimm's Cinderella shows no talent to make anything

Also, as, as well as, both, in the same manner, in the same way, like, likewise, most important, same, similar, too

• Listed above are transition words for  comparing two things 
• Listed above are transition words for contrasting two things

Although, but, differ, even though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, unless, unlike, while, yet

• Listed above are transition words for comparing two things
• Listed above are transition words for contrasting two things

Identify the transition below.

Effective teachers prove creative, organized, and fun; however, ineffective teachers seem uninspired, disorganized, and boring.

• effective

• disorganized

• however

• organized

Identify the transition below.

Effective teachers prove dynamic, innovative, and passionate, whereas ineffective teachers seem dull, uninspiring, and apathetic.

• dynamic

• innovative

• apathetic

• whereas

Which does not show contrast?

• Nevertheless, __.

• Even so, __.

• Similarly,

• On the other hand, __.