Prompt: Analyze the similarities
and differences between apples &
oranges.
Prompt: Analyze the similarities and
differences between apples & oranges.
STEPS to writing a Comparative Essay
1. Brainstorming (Venn Diagram)
2. Plan your body paragraphs (Prewrite)
3. Write your thesis!
4. Write a complete draft of your
essay.
Topic:
Name
_______________________
Period ________________
Points of Comparison:
I.
Apples
II.
III.
Bananas
Oranges
Thesis Statement: _________________________
_______________________________________
_
Compare & Contrast
Apples
•
•
•
BOTH
•
•
•
Oranges
•
•
•
Pre-writing/Organization
• What will be the topics of your body
paragraphs?
• What “direct comparisons” will you make?
• What specific evidence do you have to
support your comparisons?
Direct Comparisons
• You are required to make “direct comparisons”
throughout the body paragraphs
• A “D.C.” compares (or contrasts) both topics/
regions side-by-side.
• Use comparing words, like: “BOTH”,
“SIMILARLY”
• Use contrasting words, like: “ALTHOUGH”,
“BUT”
• Examples:
– “Both apples and oranges can be used to produce
juice that offers important vitamins.” (D.C.-
Analysis of Reasons
(for Sim./Diff. in Direct Comparisons)
• For each “direct comparison”, you should also
analyze the reasons for the similarity or
difference stated
• Analysis = HOW? Or, WHY?
• Use analysis words/phrases, like: “BECAUSE”,
“DUE TO”, “AS A RESULT OF”, etc.
Analysis of Reasons
(for Sim./Diff. in Direct Comparisons)
• Examples:
– “While apples have a thin, edible skin, oranges are
protected by a thick, rough skin that is more bitter
to the taste. The differences in the peels of the
two fruits could be a result of the different
environments they are grown in (with apples being
grown cooler climates and oranges being
cultivated in warm, subtropical climates).” (D.C.difference w/ analysis)
Pre-writing/Organization
(w/ Direct Comparisons)
Para. #1: Appearance
& Physical Attributes
D.C. #1: Both are
round
D.C. #2: Apples have
a thin, smooth skin,
while oranges have
a textured peel
REASON: diff. climates
ETC.
Para. #2: Chemical
Composition & Taste
Para. #3: Uses of
Writing a Thesis
• The “thesis statement” is the major
claim/argument you are making (i.e.-your focus)
• Write it AFTER planning your body paragraphs
• The thesis must be supported with the evidence
you have
• Answer the question/prompt!!!
• Limit to 1-2 sentences (like “Tweet”?) 
Prompt: Analyze the similarities
and differences between apples &
oranges.
Thesis Statement- NO!
There were many similarities and
many differences between apples
and oranges.
Thesis Statement- Almost . . .
“Although apples and oranges look
and taste different, they are
actually more similar than they are
different.”
Thesis Statement- GOOD!
“While their outward appearance,
texture, and flavors are different,
apples and oranges both offer
nutrients that help to supplement
a healthy diet.”
Outline Your Comparative Essay
1. Introduction Paragraph
2. Main paragraph #1
3. Main paragraph #2
4. Main paragraph #3
5. Conclusion paragraph
Composing the Essay
• Introduction Paragraph
–
Identify what is happening in this essay, naming the
literature compared and authors or directors.
– THESIS STATEMENT incuding a preview of your main points
“Road Map”
– If not done in the thesis statement, preview the main
points in a follow-up sentence (preview of body para.)
• Body Paragraphs (2-4 total)
– State your Direct Comparison /Topic Sentence
– Supply examples, illustrations, evidence, and/or quotes
from the text.
– Analysis of REASONS for similarities or differences
• Conclusion Paragraph
How to write an introductory
paragraph
• “One today is worth two
tomorrows.”
Ben Franklin
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002
18
When you write an introductory
paragraph, keep in mind that . . .
• Writing an introductory paragraph is like
greeting someone. The paragraph should
be short and to the point like saying,
“Hello!”
• Also, you don’t want to get into the meat
of the essay. Simply give the audience a
concise idea of your essay’s purpose.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002
19
Remember that the introductory
paragraph . . .
• Is the most important paragraph of the
essay
• Must be at least 50 words long or three
sentences minimum
• Needs to do three things
– Briefly introduce the topic
– Cleary state your position
– Provide three reasons
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002
20
• Even though there are several ways to
begin an essay, I recommended that you
choose one particular method and perfect
it.
Why?
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002
21
Because
if you keep using the same
method, you will . . .
• Become an expert in this particular
method.
• Moreover, if you already know how you
will begin your essay, you will be more
prepared, relaxed, and confident.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002
22
Let us consider different types of
introductory paragraphs . . .
• General statement introduction
• Question introduction
• Quotation introduction
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002
23
Examples of general statement
introduction
• Almost every time that you turn on the
television you will find a number of shows
which are extremely violent.
• Many public schools have decided that their
students should use uniforms.
• In the United States of America the public
burning of our flag has become a common
sight.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
24
Spring
• 2002 (These are three different
example of
Examples of question introduction
• Are you ever bothered by the excessive
violence on prime time television?
• Do you think that to improve our public
school education the students should be
required to wear uniforms?
• Should we allow citizens to burn the United
States flag in public?
•
(You can also begin your essay by asking
Created by José J. González, Jr.
25
Springa
2002
question.
A question
usually takes you
Quotation Introduction
• A recent article in Time magazine states,
“that the viewing of extremely violent
television shows is the number one cause of
violence in our inner cities.”
• The Monitor recently conducted a study and
concluded that “students in public schools
where uniforms are mandatory have less
problems and perform better academically.”
• A recent article in The Austin Statesman
states that “most Americans are very much
against flag burning in public and are in
favor of passing a law26 banning this activity.”