English 1010-012
Comparison/Contrast Essay (#4)
Overview:
The comparison/contrast essay focuses on the ways in which things/ideas/people are
similar and/or different. Comparison/contrasts are organized item-by-item (block)
or point-by-point (see handout). The thesis of the comparison/contrast essay
clarifies the purpose or conclusion reached in the essay.
Goal:
Use comparison/contrast to enhance your and your audience’s understanding of the
topics you compare and contrast. Instead of simply summarizing or describing how
these topics are similar and/or different, provide a focus or frame for your analysis.
Benefits:
Comparison/contrast is widely used on essay tests in university courses. Example—
Discuss the ways the French Revolution and the American Revolutionary War impacted
English social structure. This question asks you to make connections between the two
revolutions based on a frame, their impact on English society.
Details:
- This is not a research paper; choose a topic you are familiar with.
- Choose a style/presentation appropriate to your topic, audience, and thesis. For
instance, Maya Angelou uses a 1st person, narrative style while Denise Noe employs a
more detached, argumentative style.
- Organize well, avoiding repetition.
Requirements: 2 ¼ - 3 ½ pages, MLA format
Rough Draft due for Peer Review Wednesday, November 3.
Final Draft due Monday, November 8.
Include the rough draft, peer review sheet, and a typed self-evaluation with
the final draft.