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ENGL 1010 Compare Contrast Essay Assignment
Composition I (Community College of Rhode Island)
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ENGL 1010: Composition I
H. Henry
Compare-Contrast Essay Assignment
Compare-Contrast writing helps us better understand two subjects more clearly. When
we compare, we show our reader how these two subjects are similar. When we
contrast, we show our reader how these two subjects are different.
The thesis statement for a compare/contrast paper should include the following:



Ex)
Both subjects should be clearly stated
The basis of comparison should be clearly communicated to your reader. This
is the reason for why these two subjects are being compared/contrasted in the
first place.
The point you are making about those subjects
While the overall game is the same, there are a few major differences between
the ways college basketball and professional basketball are played.
Although they are both coffee shops, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts differ in a
number of ways.
Despite their obvious differences, dolphins and bats share similar methods of
communicating through sound waves.
Basis of Comparison: You cannot compare two subjects unless they have something in
common. When making a comparison, a writer then needs to have a basis of comparison- a
common characteristic on which to base the essay. For this assignment, you will need to
establish the common ground you will be using to make your evaluation of your subjects’
similarities and/or differences.
For example, as your professor I could explore the similarities and differences between teaching
at a community college versus teaching at a four-year university. Likewise, I could evaluate the
paths needed to pursue a career in teaching English at a public high school versus teaching
English at the higher education level.
To develop the essay, the writer examines the two subjects using points of comparison
(specific characteristics relating to the basis of comparison). Thus, the thesis statement for a
comparison/ contrast paper often states the two subjects and establishes the basis of
comparison.
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Sample Thesis:.
While I know I want to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering, I am not sure if I want
to focus on orthopedic bioengineering or rehabilitation engineering. Although both
areas design and develop medical products that assist in body mobility, the two fields
also have distinct differences.
There are two organizational patterns to choose when writing a
comparison/ contrast paper:
I.
The Block Pattern: The block pattern first presents all of the points of comparison
for one subject and then all of the points of comparison for the other. In this
organization, follow the same order of points of contrast or comparison for each
subject.
II.
The Point-by-Point Pattern: The point-by-point pattern presents a point about
one subject, then immediately follows with a corresponding point about the other
subject. The writer goes back and forth for each subject in regards to each point
discussed.

Note: As a writer, you should decide on your paper’s format method before you begin
writing. An outline is essential in helping you decide which format will be more workable
for your topic. Remember, the format is a guide NOT a permanent commitment. You can
always reshape your outline to the other format if your first choice is not working.
However, just be sure to stay consistent throughout your paper. If you decide to
use the block pattern to discuss each of your three main points of contrast, then
commit to discussing all three points of your body paragraphs using the block
pattern.
Assignment Directions:
Covid 19 has changed nearly every area of life as we know it. For this essay, please
focus on one general area that has been impacted by this pandemic and discuss at
least three points of contrast where life has changed. Perhaps you want to focus on
ways in which one of the following general areas has changed:
Travel? Education? Learning? Your social life? Financial life? Economy? Ways of going
about daily business? Physical Health? Mental Health? Entertainment? Family life?
Professional work?
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Of course, there are more ways than one could count, so please choose an area in
which you feel is especially worth discussing. What you want to be careful of, however,
is not to write a broad general paper by choosing three (3) of these choices as your
main points of contrast 3- body paragraphs. Rather, select one general topic and go
deeper by examining at least three (3) ways in which that particular area has been
affected.
Assignment- Write a 2-3 page compare/contrast essay that highlights an area of
life that has been impacted by Covid 19.
Guidelines:
(Introduction)
Your essay should begin with a strong introduction that includes a catchy hook,
connecting information, and clear thesis statement that communicates the main point
of your paper, states both subjects discussed, and addresses the basis of
comparison.
(Body)
Your body paragraphs should express ideas that are thoughtful, unified, and welldeveloped with adequate and specific- detailed supporting evidence. They should also
be clearly organized using one of the two comparison-contrast patterns. Be sure to fully
explain each point you are making while supporting your ideas with specific examples in
order to avoid falling into the trap of sounding “robotic” and “listing” off differences. It is
important that you discuss your ideas clearly.
(Transitions)
In order to keep the writing coherent, well organized, and easy to follow, it is essential
that you use transition words and phrases that communicate which points you are
discussing and whether you are showing commonalities or differences between the two
subjects.
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Transitions that Introduce Similarity (Along the same lines, Just as, By the same
token, Just like, In like manner, Likewise, In much the same vein, Similarly, In the same
manner, Also…)
Transitions that Signal a Difference (And yet, But, Conversely, Nevertheless,
Nonetheless, On the contrary, Despite that fact, On the one hand, On the other hand,
However, In contrast, In opposition, In reality, Unlike, Still, Unfortunately, Whereas…)
(Conclusion)
Your conclusion should end strong by reflecting on your overall feelings about the topic and
leaving your reader with something to think consider.
Additional Guidelines:

MLA Format (Typed-double spaced, 12 Point- Times New Roman Font or Arial, correct
MLA heading and pagination)

At least two outside credible sources to support your ideas (one source for each
subject). This source must be: (1) correctly introduced, (2) properly cited, and (3) listed
on a separate works cited page (MLA Format).

Again, your essay should include clear transitions in order to keep the overall structure
coherent and easy to follow. Each body paragraph should begin with a transitional topic
sentence that states the point of that paragraph, and there should be effective use of
transition words and phrases within your paragraph to connect your sentences smoothly
and to avoid sounding “choppy.” The transitions should clearly guide your reader
throughout the comparison/ contrast, so that your ideas are easy to follow.

Remember to include strong sentence structure free of errors. The writing should be a
pleasure to read, so be sure to proofread your work before submitting it. Be sure to keep
your pronoun point of view consistent while avoiding use of 2nd person “you” point of
view. Also, in addition to avoiding contractions, use appropriate audience considerations
by avoiding slang/cliché, biased language, and unethical speech.
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Name______________________________________________ Compare/Contrast Essay
Date Due: __________________________________________ English 1010: Composition I
Date Submitted: ____________________________________ Professor Heidi Henry
MLA Format
Introduction
4 = Exceptionally
Done
The writer has
used correct MLA
heading and
includes last name
and page number
on top right corner
of each page. The
paper is doublespaced and uses 12
point- Times New
Roman or Arial
font.
The essay begins
with a catchy
introduction hook
that grab’s the
reader’s attention,
fully acquaints the
reader with the
topic, and
effectively brings
the reader to the
thesis statement.
Thesis
Statement
The thesis
statement is
appropriate in
scope to
assignment length,
clearly identifies
the basis of
comparison and
states the two
subjects under
discussion, focuses
on one central
point being made
in the paper,
provides an
accurate forecast
of what is to come,
and avoids
announcing the
paper.
Major/ Minor
Supportive
Evidence
The essay contains
at least 3 separate
and distinct body
3 = Well Done
The writer has
used correct MLA
heading but not
correct last name
and page number.
The paper is
double- spaced but
does not use either
12 point or Times
New Roman or
Arial font.
The essay begins
with a catchy
introduction hook
that grabs the
reader’s attention
and somewhat
acquaints the
reader with the
topic, and
although needs
more
development, it
does bring the
reader to the thesis
statement.
The thesis
statement is
somewhat
appropriate in
scope to
assignment length,
but needs to be
more specific.
While it forecasts
what is to come,
the thesis focuses
on more than one
central point or it
announces the
paper. The thesis
does not include
mention of the
basis of
comparison or it
does not state the
two subjects under
discussion.
The essay contains
at least 3
somewhat separate
2 = Fairly Well
Done
The writer has
included a mostly
correct heading but
not correct last
name and page
number. The paper
is double-spaced
but does not use
both 12 point and
Times New Roman
or Arial font.
1 = Poorly Done
0 = Unacceptable
The writer has
included a
somewhat correct
heading but has not
included any page
number. The paper
is not doublespaced and does
not use 12 point
and Times New
Roman or Arial
font.
The introduction
paragraph does not
include a catchy
hook that grabs the
reader’s attention
nor does it clearly
acquaint the reader
with the topic.
The paper is not
typed, and it does
not include any
heading or no
page numbers.
The thesis
statement is too
general and broad
in scope for
assignment length
or too narrow to be
developed into a
paper. It focuses on
more than one
central point and
announces the
paper. The thesis
does not include
mention of the
basis of
comparison and it
does not state the
two subjects under
discussion.
The thesis
statement includes
all of the
previously listed
elements and does
not clearly state the
point of the paper.
The essay does
not contain a
thesis statement.
The essay contains
at least 3 somewhat
separate and
The essay does not
contain 3 body
paragraphs that
The essay does
not contain body
paragraphs, shows
The essay begins
with an
introduction that
somewhat grabs
the reader’s
attention but does
not clearly
acquaint the reader
to the topic while
bringing the reader
to the thesis
statement.
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The essay does
not include an
introduction
paragraph.
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paragraphs that
clearly support and
develop the thesis.
Each paragraph is
well- introduced
with a clear topic
sentence and fully
advances the thesis
using adequate and
specific detailed
evidence. Rather
than simply listing
off similarities
and/or differences
between the two
subjects under
discussion, the
writer shows
thoughtful
consideration of
the subject and
critical thinking as
he/she effectively
articulates and
develops his/her
point.
Organizational
Format
The writer has
organized the body
paragraphs
effectively using
one of the
following
methods:
Block Pattern:
The writer
discusses every
point about subject
#1 and then
discusses the same
points in the same
order about subject
#2. This is done
consistently for
each body
paragraph. (OR)
Point by Point
Pattern:
The writer
presents one point
about subject #1
and distinct body
paragraphs that
clearly support and
develop the thesis,
yet some of the
major evidence is
repetitious. The
body paragraphs
do not consistently
begin with clear
topic sentences
and while they
somewhat advance
the thesis using
supportive
evidence, they
could use some
additional
development. The
writer shows some
consideration of
the subject as
he/she
thoughtfully
explains his/her
point, but there are
elements of simply
listing the
similarities and/or
differences
between the two
subjects under
discussion versus
fully explaining
and developing
them.
The writer has
organized the body
paragraphs
somewhat
effectively using
one of the
following
methods:
Block Pattern:
The writer
discusses every
point about subject
#1 and then
discusses the same
points in the same
order about subject
#2. However, there
are some minor
inconsistencies
within the
organization.
(OR)
Point by Point
Pattern:
The writer
presents one point
distinct body
paragraphs that
somewhat support
the thesis, but are
underdeveloped
and need additional
explanation and
supportive
evidence. The
paragraphs do not
consistently begin
with clear topic
sentences nor do
they consistently
advance and
support the thesis.
The writer shows
some consideration
of the subject but
does not clearly
explain his/her
point. Rather than
fully explaining
and developing the
points made about
the two subjects
under discussion,
the writer simply
lists off similarities
and/or differences
between them.
support the thesis.
The paragraphs do
not begin with
clear topic
sentences and are
underdeveloped
with unclear
explanation and no
specific supportive
evidence. The
writer shows
minimally
consideration for
the subject. .
Rather than fully
explaining and
developing the
points made about
the two subjects
under discussion,
the writer simply
lists off some
similarities and/ or
differences
between them.
no consideration
of the subject and
does not support
or advance the
thesis in any way.
The writer has
inconsistently
organized the body
paragraphs using
the following
methods. Some
paragraphs follow
the Block Pattern
while others follow
the Point by Point
Pattern.
Block Pattern:
The writer
discusses every
point about subject
#1 and then
discusses the same
points in the same
order about subject
#. This is done
somewhat
consistently
throughout the
paragraph.
(OR)
Point by Point
The writer has
inconsistently
organized the body
paragraphs using
the following
methods. Some
paragraphs follow
the Block Pattern
while others follow
the Point by Point
Pattern.
Block Pattern:
The writer
discusses every
point about subject
#1 and then
discusses the same
points in the same
order about subject
#2. However, there
are some minor
inconsistencies
within the
organization. (OR)
Point by Point
Pattern:
The writer has not
used either Block
Pattern or Point by
Point Pattern to
organize the
comparisoncontrast
examination.
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then immediately
follows with a
corresponding
point about subject
#2. A second point
is then discussed
about subject #1,
then subject #2,
etc. This is done
consistently for
each body
paragraph.
about subject #1
then immediately
follows with a
corresponding
point about subject
#2. A second point
is then discussed
about subject #1,
then subject #2,
etc. However,
there are some
minor
inconsistencies
within the
organization.
Transitions
The essay is
coherent and very
well organized.
The paragraphs
flow smoothly
with transitional
topic sentences.
Transitional words
and phrases are
used consistently
throughout the
paper, smoothly
linking sentences
together, helping
the reader follow
the writer’s train
of thought,
guiding the reader
through the
comparisoncontrast, and
avoiding
“choppiness.”
Overall, the essay
is coherent and
well organized.
The paragraphs
contain
transitional topic
sentences and
some transitional
words and phrases
are used
throughout the
paper. Most of the
sentences flow
smoothly although
there are a few
“choppy” areas.
The reader is able
to somewhat
follow the writer’s
train of thought
and is somewhat
guided throughout
the comparisoncontrast.
Conclusion
The essay ends
with a clearly
written conclusion
paragraph that
effectively rounds
out the paper and
signals the
discussion is
complete. The
overall main idea
is clearly
summarized, no
new material is
introduced, and
the essay ends
strongly with a
clincher statement
or final thought.
The paper is the
required 2-3 pages
Audience
Consideration/
Pattern:
The writer presents
one point about
subject #1 then
immediately
follows with a
corresponding
point about subject
#2. A second point
is then discussed
about subject #1,
then subject #2,
etc. This is done
somewhat
consistently
throughout the
paragraph.
The essay has
some coherence
and organization.
Some of the
paragraphs begin
with transition
words. Some of the
sentences flow
smoothly with
transitions
although there are
multiple “choppy”
areas. The reader is
able to somewhat
follow the writer’s
train of thought
and is somewhat
guided throughout
the comparisoncontrast although
there are some
areas where the
comparisoncontrast is unclear.
The writer presents
one point about
subject #1 then
immediately
follows with a
corresponding
point about subject
#2. A second point
is then discussed
about subject #1,
then subject #2,
etc. However, there
are some minor
inconsistencies
within the
organization.
The essay has little
coherence and
clear organization.
Only 1 of the
paragraphs begins
with a transition
word, and the
sentences do not
contain any
transitional words
or phrases, making
the writing feel
“choppy.” Some of
the ideas feel
disconnected. The
reader may have
difficulty following
the writer’s train of
thought and
navigating
throughout the
comparisoncontrast.
The essay
contains no
transitional words
and phrases. The
sentences do not
flow smoothly
into each other,
making the
writing sound
“choppy,” the
ideas are strongly
disconnected.
The essay ends
with a conclusion
paragraph that
somewhat rounds
out the paper,
signals the
discussion is
complete,
summarizes the
paper’s main idea,
and ends with a
clincher statement
or final thought.
No new material is
introduced.
The essay ends
with a conclusion
paragraph that
restates the paper’s
main idea. Some
new material is
introduced, and the
paper ends
somewhat abruptly
offering no final
thought or clincher
statement.
The essay ends
with a conclusion
paragraph that does
not round out the
paper or complete
the discussion. No
restatement or
summary of main
idea is included.
The paper ends
abruptly offering
no final thought or
clincher statement.
New material is
introduced.
The essay does
not include a
conclusion
paragraph.
The paper is the
required 2-3 pages
The paper is 2
pages in length.
The paper is 1-2
page in length. The
The paper is less
than 1 page and
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Grammatical
Correctness/
Overall
Presentation
in length. The
writer has ethically
and appropriately
considered his/her
audience using
effective word
choice. The paper
is a pleasure to
read containing
little to no
grammatical
errors.
Source
Citation
The writer has
effectively
included at least
two pieces of
outside supporting
evidence from a
credible source.
The source is
clearly introduced,
the evidence is
quoted or
paraphrased
correctly, and the
source is cited
properly in
parentheses
following the
quotation/
paraphrase using
correct MLA
documentation.
The source is
listed correctly on
a separate Works
Cited page using
correct MLA
format and proper
heading (last name
pg #)
The writer has
thoughtfully
organized his/her
ideas in a
completed clear
outline and has
taken the rough
draft through the
revision process
which includes a
completed selfediting form.
Writing
Process
Elements
in length. The
writer shows some
ethical and
audience
consideration
although some
slang or
inappropriate
language is
included. The
paper contains
some grammatical
errors.
The writer has
included at least
two pieces of
outside supporting
evidence from a
credible source.
The source is
somewhat
introduced, and
the evidence is
mostly quoted or
paraphrased
correctly and cited
properly in
parentheses
following the
quotation/
paraphrase using
MLA
documentation.
The source is
listed on a
somewhat correct
separate Works
Cited page using
MLA format.
The writer shows
some ethical and
audience
consideration, but
uses frequent slang
and inappropriate
language. The
paper contains
consistent
grammatical errors,
making it
challenging to
read.
The writer has
included at least
one piece of
supporting
evidence from an
outside source. The
source is not
introduced, and
there are many
errors in the
citation and
documentation.
The source is listed
on a Works Cited
page that contains
errors and does not
follow MLA
format.
writer shows little
ethical or audience
consideration as
slang and
inappropriate
language are
consistently used
throughout. The
paper is difficult to
read, being full of
grammatical errors.
uses highly
unethical
considerations
(ex: plagiarized
material). The
paper is extremely
difficult to read,
being full of
grammatical
errors.
The writer has
included at least
one piece of
supporting
evidence from an
outside source. The
source is not
introduced, and
there are many
errors in the
citation and
documentation.
There is no
included Works
Cited page.
The writer has not
included any
outside supporting
evidence. There
are no direct
quotations or
paraphrased
materials, and
there is no Works
Cited page.
The writer has
developed his/her
ideas in a mostly
completed outline
and made some
revision attempt,
including a
completed selfediting form.
The writer has
included a
somewhat
complete outline.
The writer includes
a somewhat
complete selfediting form, but
the rough draft
shows no evidence
of revision.
The writer has not
included an
outline. The writer
includes only an
unrevised rough
draft or complete
self-editing form.
The writer has not
included an
outline, a rough
draft, or a
complete selfediting form.
Total Points: --------- = _______
40
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Comments:
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