Chapter 8: Comparison-Contrast Essay
Copyright © 2011
When writing a Comparison-Contrast Essay, you compare or contrast two
Topics, using quotes, statistics, or examples as support. The Topics you
compare or contrast can be almost anything: two cities, two countries, two
climates, two schools, two people, two government policies, two movies, two
songs…you name it. In comparing two Topics, you write about similarities,
and in contrasting two Topics, you write about the differences. You can also
combine the two and write about both similarities and differences in the same
essay, although that can be a bit more complicated.
The goal of a Comparison-Contrast essay is to make a point about the Topics,
often making a case for which is better. For example, you might contrast the
democratic party with the republican party, the Denver Nuggets with the Los
Angeles Lakers, alcohol with marijuana, Toyota with Ford, Longmont with
Colorado Springs, or Sprint with AT&T, all with the point in mind of which is a
better choice.
Like all essays, a Comparison-Contrast Essay is built around the Thesis
Statement, which has two parts: a Topic – the two items that you are writing
about – and the Main Idea – whether the essay will compare or contrast the
two items or both. In Contrast Essays, the Thesis Statement often includes
which side you favor, based on your Support.
A Comparison-Contrast Essay, just as with all the essays you’ll write, is built
around the Thesis Statement, and the Support that provides evidence for the
Thesis Statement.
The Organization of the Comparison-Contrast Essay
1. Introductory Paragraph
a. Gets the readers interest
b. Sets the context for the paragraph/essay (provides
background)
c. Thesis Statement – Topic + Main Idea (the two Topics you will
Compare and/or Contrast)
2. Support Paragraph 1: Topic Sentence (The first area of your
Comparison/Contrast)
a. General Support 1
b. Specific Support 1 – quotes, statistics, and examples that back
up your Comparison/Contrast.
3. Support Paragraph 2: Topic Sentence (The second area of your
Comparison/Contrast)
a. General Support 2
b. Specific Support 2 – quotes, statistics, and examples that back
up your Comparison/Contrast.
4. Support Paragraph 3: Topic Sentence (The third area of your
Comparison/Contrast)
a. General Support 3
b. Specific Support 3 – quotes, statistics, and examples that back
up your Comparison/Contrast.
5. Conclusion:
a. Restates the Main Idea (what you have proved in the essay
about the differences and/or similarities in the two Topics in
different words)
b. Takes the reader a step further.
Here’s a Comparison-Contrast Essay written by a student that models the
organization outlined above. We’ll use this essay as an example throughout
the chapter. As you read the essay, see if you can identify its organization.
Trevor Haring
4/9/09
Eng. 090
Comparison-Contrast Essay
Informal Outline
Thesis Statement: Although motorcycles and scooters can appear
similar, they are far more different than alike.
Support Point 1: cost
Support Point 2: size
Support Point 3: image
Motorcycles and Motor Scooters
In any major city, there are many two-wheeled motorized vehicles
zooming throughout the streets. They could be large or small, noisy or
quiet, and have many people riding them. Most would characterize
the two-wheeled vehicles in the broad term of “motorcycles.”
Motorcycles have been around for so long they are practically an
American staple. However, making their first appearance in the 1960s
and currently making a comeback, scooters can be spotted in urban
areas almost as frequently as motorcycles (Harris). Although
motorcycles and scooters can appear similar, they are far more
different than alike.
A key difference between motorcycles and scooters is the cost.
Scooters are relatively cheap compared to motorcycles. For example,
a 2008 Genuine Black Cat scooter from Sportique Scooters will cost
$1,900 (Johnson). In contrast, a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster –
Harley’s cheapest model – will start at $6,695 (Motorcycles). In
addition, the cost is very different between motorcycles and scooters
for annual insurance and vehicle registration. A motorcycle requires
an endorsement on the driver’s license obtained from a special test,
while a scooter doesn’t require any special endorsement. Scooter
registration fees are incredibly cheap, about $5 per year, since
scooters are technically considered motorized bicycles. Motorcycles
also require insurance that is comparable to car insurance, while
scooters can be insured for only $100 per year (Moore). One of the
reasons scooters are growing in popularity is the money saved on gas.
They get 85-130 mpg, while motorcycles cost more to operate.
Motorcycles typically get only 35-40 mpg (Motorcycles). Overall, the
cost to own a scooter is much less expensive than the cost to buy and
ride a motorcycle.
The Second difference between scooters and motorcycles is the size
of both – the actual body and engine of the vehicles themselves.
Overall, scooters are much smaller than motorcycles. The scooter
body has a step-through frame that allows the rider’s legs to sit
forward. A motorcycle body, however, is much larger and has a seat
that is straddled by the rider (Moore). This makes sense seeing as
scooters are typically used for short-distance transportation, in city
or suburban areas, while motorcycles are often ridden long distances
on highways and through mountains (Pinkerton). The body and
frame are not the only difference in size between a scooter and a
motorcycle. The size of a scooter engine compared to a motorcycle
engine is quite different. The smallest scooter engine is only 49cc and
is controlled by one gear only (Newton). A motorcycle engine, on the
other hand, can be as large and powerful as an engine in a car. For
large motorcycles, a 1500cc is not uncommon. Overall, the size of a
scooter is much smaller than the size of a motorcycle, in both body
and engine.
Another key difference between scooters and motorcycles is the
image associated with each. Many views from society are taken from
TV and movies. These views are reflected in how people view scooterriders and motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are viewed as being rough and
tough and looking for trouble. This is exhibited in popular
motorcycle-themed movies such as The Wild One and The Terminator.
Scooter-riders, however, are more often seen in comedies. An
example of a popular movie where riding a scooter is considered silly
is Dumb and Dumber. Whether having a tough image or a dainty
image, motorcycles and scooters are seen through a different lens in
movies and are viewed differently by the public as a result.
Some people tend to think motorcycles and scooters could be
mistaken for one another because they both are motorized vehicles
set on two-wheels. However, they have many points of contrast that
span from the cost, image, and size of each. While they are very
different, both scooters and motorcycles are very enjoyable and are
popular across ages and genders. Everyone should ride either a
scooter or a motorcycle at least once. There is no feeling like riding in
the open, and it certainly beats driving a car.
http://www.locksmithdownloads.com/MyImages/Motorcycle.jpg
Media Images of Motorcycle Riders
Marlon Brando on his “hog” in the
movie, The Wild One, that went a long
way to scaring the public about
motorcycle gangs in the 1950s.
Arnold Schwarzenegger on his motorcycle
as The Terminator, a killing machine riding a
machine that has scared audiences from the
80s through today.
http://motorcycleviews.com/pictures/brandowildone.jpg
http://www.wallpaperbase.com/wallpapers/movie/terminator/t
erminator_1.jpg
YouTube Video: Terminator Motorcycle Chase Sequence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ETNeeZBe4
YouTube Video: Tribute to the Wild One with Marlon Brando:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzN85M7DQjo
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels on their motor scooter in the movie Dumb and Dumber.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/2079121875_296581a624.jpg
YouTube Video: Dumb and Dumber by motor scooter to Aspen, Colorado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKRtdgQhVbw
YouTube Video: The Song that launched the motorbike craze in the 60s – The Beach Boys
“Little Honda” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m1rrMB3JdA
Steps in Writing a Comparison-Contrast Essay:
Step 1. The Thesis Statement
The first step in organizing your Comparison-Contrast Essay is to develop a
Thesis Statement. The Thesis Statement has two parts: A Topic (the two
items that you are writing about, for example, motorcycles and motor
scooters) and the Main Idea (whether the essay will compare the two items,
contrast the two items, or both). As with all essays, if you care about the Topic,
you’ll do a much better job of convincing your reader. The Topics for a
Comparison-Contrast Essay might take the following form:
Topic 1: big families and small families
Topic 2: two- and four-year colleges
Topic 3: football vs. basketball
YouTube Video: LeBron James Top 10 Dunks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99TAoPPgKQ
Topic 4: rap vs. hip hop
YouTube Videos:
Rap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89
Yo0eYCTOo&annotation_id=annotation
_478035&feature=iv
Hip hop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLZIc_xm
zA
How did the music form called Hip Hop get its name?
"Just when you thought all music was starting to sound alike, along came the 'hip
hop' sound of New York, thrusting the art of rapping into the limelight.... [It]
promises to be the most popular music form since rock 'n' roll." — Jet magazine,
May 27, 1985
Originating in the South Bronx in the late 1970s, hip-hop went global by the end
of the '80s.
So how did it get its name?
According to one explanation, the term pairs the hip that means "trendy" or
"fashionable" with the leaping movement hop.
According to another, a member of the pioneering rap group Grandmaster Flash
and the Furious Five was teasing a friend who was going into the army, repeating
the hip/hop/hip/hop his friend would soon be marching to, and then vocally
playing off that – in a way that later got incorporated into other songs and
eventually gave the music its name.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/top-ten-lists/top-10-words-of-the-80s/hip-hop.html
Topic 5: indoor vs. outdoor work
Indoor work
Oudoor work
Once you’ve decided on a Topic, the next step is to develop a Thesis
Statement. The Thesis Statement not only has the Topic (what you will write
about), but also the Main Idea (what you will prove about the Topic).
Remember, you need both for a Thesis Statement. It’s not enough to
announce that you’ll be writing about “two- and four-year colleges.” You also
need to state whether you are comparing two- and four-year colleges,
contrasting two- and four-year colleges, or both. For example:
Topic
Main Idea
Two- and four-year colleges have very different attributes.
However, in making your selection, remember to base the decision on your
interest in and experience with the Topics. For example:
 If you love listening to rap and hip hop, consider comparing or
contrasting the two music forms.
 If you are considering where you will attend college next semester,
contrasting two- and four-year colleges might be a good idea.
 If you are thinking about what kind of job would be best for you,
contrasting the advantages and disadvantages of having a job where
you’re working outside vs. a job where you’re working in an office might
be a good choice.
Given the list of Topics, we might come up with the following Thesis
Statements (the Topics are underlined and the Main Ideas are in bold type):
Topic
Main Idea
1. When looked at carefully, rap and hip hop have important similarities.
Topic
Main Idea
2. Two- and four-year colleges have very different costs, course choices,
and contact with professors.
Topic
Main Idea
3. Football and basketball appeal to very different fans.
Topic
Main Idea
4. Growing up in a big family is a very different experience from
growing up in a small family.
Main Idea
Topic
5. I’ve decided that there are significant advantages to working
outside vs. working inside as I choose a career.
Comparison-Contrast essays have the simplest Thesis
Statements of any type of essay: the Topic lists the two items,
and the Main Idea states whether the essay will compare,
contrast, or both. That’s all there is to it!
Practice 1. Crafting your own Thesis Statement
Using the following list of Topics, develop a Thesis Statement by
adding a Main Idea.
Example:
Topic: Phoenix vs. Denver
Thesis Statement: Phoenix and Denver are very different cities.
Topic
+
Main Idea
=
Thesis Statement
1. Topic: Email and Instant Messaging
Thesis Statement:
2. Topic: Facebook and MySpace
Thesis Statement:
3. Topic: Halloween and Día de los Muertos
Thesis Statement:
4. Topic: Two communities you have lived in
Thesis Statement:
5. Topic: Alcohol and Marijuana
Thesis Statement:
Practice 2. Choose one of the Thesis Statements you developed above (see
Practice 1). If you like, this Thesis Statement can serve as the Thesis Statement
for an Comparison-Contrast Essay that you’ll be assigned at the end of the
chapter (see Comparison-Contrast Essay Assignment that follows).
Topic
+
Main Idea
=
Thesis Statement
Your
Thesis
Statement:
Step 2. The Support
After completing Practice 2 by writing a Thesis Statement that you might
decide to use for your Comparison-Contrast Essay, the next step in the writing
process is to outline three Support Points that will prove your Thesis. The
Thesis Statement and three Support Points make up the Informal Outline that
will guide your writing like a roadmap guides you on the road.
Here’s the Informal Outline that served as the basis for the ComparisonContrast Essay that we presented earlier in the chapter on the differences
between Motorcycles and Motor Scooters:
Informal Outline – Comparison-Contrast Essay
Topic: Motorcycles and Motor Scooters
Thesis Statement: Although motorcycles and scooters can appear similar,
they are far more different than alike.
Comparison-Contrast Point 1: cost
Comparison-Contrast Point 2: size
Comparison-Contrast Point 3: image
Practice 3. Developing an Informal Outline
Write a Thesis Statement and three Support Points for each of
the Topics listed below.
Informal Outline 1. Topic: “Email vs. Instant Messaging”
Thesis Statement:
Comparison-Contrast Point 1:
Comparison-Contrast Point 2:
Comparison-Contrast Point 3:
Informal Outline 2. Topic: “Facebook and MySpace”
Thesis Statement:
Comparison-Contrast Point 1:
Comparison-Contrast Point 2:
Comparison-Contrast Point 3:
Informal Outline 3. Topic: “Halloween and Día de los Muertos”
Thesis Statement:
Comparison-Contrast Point 1:
Comparison-Contrast Point 2:
Comparison-Contrast Point 3:
Halloween
Día de los Muertos
YouTube Video: Día de los Muertos Explained
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BnPsG2T8bI&feature=related
Informal Outline 4. Topic: “Two communities you have lived in”
Thesis Statement:
Comparison-Contrast Point 1:
Comparison-Contrast Point 2:
Comparison-Contrast Point 3:
Informal Outline 5. Topic: “Alcohol and Marijuana”
Thesis Statement:
Comparison-Contrast Point 1:
Comparison-Contrast Point 2:
Comparison-Contrast Point 3:
Step 3: The First Draft
Once you have an Informal Outline with a Thesis Statement and three Support
Points, you’re ready to write the first draft of your Comparison-Contrast
Essay. A short Comparison-Contrast Essay usually has five paragraphs, each
with a different purpose. Let’s review the Organization of a ComparisonContrast Essay:
Introductory Paragraph
a. Gets the readers’ interest
b. Sets the context for the paragraph/essay (provides
background)
c. Thesis Statement – Topic + Main Idea (the two Topics
you will Compare and/or Contrast)
Chapter 9 reviews the methods you can use in your Introduction to get a
readers’ interest and set the background for your essay. However, no matter
which method you choose, remember the Introductory Paragraph ends with
the Thesis Statement.
Here’s the Introductory Paragraph from the Comparison-Contrast Essay given
at the beginning of this chapter contrasting “Motorcycles and Motor Scooters.”
Motorcycles and Motor Scooters
In any major city, there are many twowheeled motorized vehicles zooming
throughout the streets. They could be
large or small, noisy or quiet, and have
many people riding them. Most would
characterize the two-wheeled vehicles in
the broad term of “motorcycles.”
Motorcycles have been around for so
long they are practically an American
staple. However, making their first
appearance in the 1960s and currently
making a comeback, scooters can be
spotted in urban areas almost as
frequently as motorcycles. Although
motorcycles and scooters can appear
similar, they are far more different
than alike.
Notice that the student writer
gets his readers’ interest and sets
the background for the essay (in
Italics) by writing about how his
items of contrast (motorcycles
and motor scooters) are seen in
our society. This is a common
technique where you use the
Introduction to write about what
your reader knows about your
Topic and then introduce new
information in your Support
Paragraphs. His Introduction
ends with the Thesis Statement
(in bold and underlined type):
“motorcycles and
scooters…more different than
alike.”
The Support Paragraphs
The Support paragraphs in the Comparison-Contrast Essay have three parts:
Support Paragraph:
a. Topic Sentence (The reason your reader should believe your
Thesis.)
b. General Support
a. Specific Support – quotes, statistics, and examples that back up
your Comparison/Contrast.
Let’s use the student essay contrasting “motorcycles and motor scooters” to
illustrate the point. (The Topic Sentence for the Paragraph is underlined; the
General Support is in Blue Type, and the Specific Support is in Red Type. The
Transitions for the Topic Sentence at the beginning of the Support Paragraph
are in (parentheses). The Transitions for the Specific Support Sentences – the
examples – are in [brackets].
Support Paragraph 1:
1(A
key difference) between
motorcycles and scooters is the
2cost. 3Scooters are relatively
cheap compared to motorcycles.
4[For example], 5a 2008 Genuine
Black Cat scooter from Sportique
Scooters will cost $1,900
6(Johnson). [In contrast], a 2008
Harley Davidson Sportster
(Harley’s cheapest model) will
start at $6,695 6(Motorcycles).
7[In addition], 8the cost is very
different between motorcycles
and scooters for annual
insurance and vehicle
registration. 9A motorcycle
requires an endorsement on the
driver’s license (obtained from a
special test), while a scooter
doesn’t require any special
endorsement. Scooter
registration fees are incredibly
1Transition
words signaling the first
Support Point: (A key difference)
2The
Topic Sentence of the Support
Paragraph 1 gives the first area of
contrast between a motorcycle and
motor scooter: (“cost” – see Informal
Outline for the essay that lists the
major Support Points). 2
3 General
Support Sentence that sets
context for the specific example that
follows: (“Scooters are relatively cheap
compared to motorcycles.”)
Transition Phrase from General to
Specific Support. [“For example”]
4
5Specific
Support – example with
details. (5a 2008 Genuine Black Cat
scooter from …. will start at $6,695.)
6Here are citations from two journals
the student uses in his essay. The first
has the author listed (Johnson), and the
second does not have an author, so the
cheap (about $5 per year), since
scooters are technically
considered motorized bicycles.
Motorcycles also require
insurance that is comparable to
car insurance, while scooters
can be insured for only $100 per
year (Moore). One of the reasons
scooters are growing in
popularity is the money saved
on gas. They get 85-130 mpg,
while motorcycles cost more to
operate. Motorcycles typically
get only 35-40 mpg
(“Motorcycle”). 10 (Overall), 11the
cost to own a scooter is much
less expensive than the cost to
buy and ride a motorcycle.
student used the name of the
organization given on the website
(Motorcycles) – see Chapter 21 Works
Cited for full review of how to cite
materials in your essays.
7Notice that the student writer focuses
on two points of contrast in this
paragraph: “cost to purchase,” and “the
8cost to operate” Here’s the Transition
to the second point [In addition].
9 Specific Support
– example with
details. (9A motorcycle requires an
endorsement on the driver’s license ….
typically get only 35-40 mpg.)
10 Transition word signaling the
Conclusion of the paragraph.
11Notice the last sentence of the
paragraph takes the form of a
Conclusion about the first Support
Point (“cost”): “scooters are much less
expensive to buy and operate than a
motorcycle.” While you don’t need to
include a Conclusion in each Support
Paragraph, it’s a nice touch!
Support Paragraph 2:
1The
second main difference
between scooters and
motorcycles is the 2size of both –
the actual body and engine of
the vehicles themselves.
3Overall, scooters are much
smaller than motorcycles. 4The
scooter body has a step-through
frame that allows the rider’s legs
to sit forward. A motorcycle
1Transition
words signaling the second
Support Point: (The second main
difference)
2The
Topic Sentence of the Support
Paragraph 2 gives the second area of
contrast between a motorcycle and
motor scooter: (size).
3 General
Support Sentence that sets
context for the specific example that
follows: (“Overall, scooters are much
body, however, is much larger
and has a seat that is straddled
by the rider 5(Moore). This
makes sense seeing as scooters
are typically used for shortdistance transportation, in city
or suburban areas, while
motorcycles are often ridden
long distances on highways and
through mountains
5(Pinkerton). 6The body and
frame are not the only difference
in size between a scooter and a
motorcycle. The 7size of a
scooter engine compared to a
motorcycle engine is quite
different. 8The smallest scooter
engine is only 49cc and is
controlled by one gear only
(Johnson). A motorcycle engine,
10[on the other hand], can be as
large and powerful as an engine
in a car. For large motorcycles, a
1500cc is not uncommon.
11(Overall), 12the size of a
scooter is much smaller than the
size of a motorcycle, in both
body and engine.
smaller than motorcycles.”)
4Specific
Support – example with
details. (The scooter body has a stepthrough …. on highways and through
mountains)
5Here are citations from two journals
the student uses in his essay: (Moore)
and (Pinkerton) – see Chapter 21
Works Cited for full review of how to
cite materials in your essays.
6Notice that the student writer focuses
on two points of contrast in this
paragraph: (“body and frame”) and
7(“the size of the engine”). Here’s the
Transition sentence to the second
point: [6The body and frame are not the
only difference in size between a scooter
and a motorcycle.]
8 Specific Support
– example with
details. (9The smallest scooter engine is
…. is not uncommon.)
10Transition Phrase within
the Specific
Support from the size of the motor
scooter’s engine to the size of a
motorcycle’s engine: [on the other
hand].
11 Transition word signaling the
Conclusion of the paragraph.
12Notice the last sentence of the
paragraph takes the form of a
Conclusion about the second Support
Point (“size”): “the size of a scooter is
much smaller than the size of a
motorcycle, in both body and engine.”
While you don’t need to include a
Conclusion in each Support Paragraph,
it’s a nice touch!
Support Paragraph 3:
1Transition words signaling the
(Another key difference)
between scooters and
motorcycles is the 2image
associated with each. 3Many
views from society are taken
from TV and movies. These views
are reflected in how people view
scooter-riders and motorcyclists.
4Motorcyclists are viewed as
being rough and tough and
looking for trouble. 5This is
exhibited in popular
motorcycle-themed movies
such as The Wild One and The
Terminator. 6Scooter-riders,
7[however], are more often seen
in comedies. 8An example of a
popular movie where riding a
scooter is considered silly is
Dumb and Dumber. 9Whether
having a tough image or a
dainty image, motorcycles and
scooters are seen through a
different lens in movies and are
viewed differently by the public
as a result.
1
third
Support Point: (Another key difference)
2The
Topic Sentence of the Support
Paragraph 3 gives the third area of
contrast between a motorcycle and
motor scooter: (image).
3 Student
gives background or
Introduction to the Support Paragraph,
as he wants to make sure his readers
understand that the “image” people
have about motorcycles and motor
scooters comes primarily from the
media.
4General Support Sentence
that sets
context for the specific example that
follows: (“Motorcyclists are viewed as
being rough and tough and looking for
trouble.”)
5Specific Support – example with
details. (“This is exhibited in popular
motorcycle-themed movies such as The
Wild One and The Terminator.”)
6Notice
that the student writer divides
his Support between movies with
motorcycle and movies with motor
scooters. Each has separate General and
Specific Support sentences.
7Notice the Transition word that
shows
contrast between movies with
motorcycles and movies with motor
scooters: (“however”).
8Specific Support
– example with
details. (An example of a popular movie
where riding a scooter is considered silly
is Dumb and Dumber.)
9Notice the last sentence of the
paragraph takes the form of a
Conclusion about the third Support
Point (“image”): “9Whether having a
tough image… viewed differently by the
public as a result.” A balance is achieved
because each of the three Support
Paragraphs has a Conclusion.
Step 4: The Conclusion
The Conclusion in the Comparison-Contrast Essay has two goals:
Conclusion
a. Restates the Main Idea (what you have proved in the paragraph)
in different words.
b. Takes the reader a step further.
Chapter 10 reviews the different methods you can use to write the Conclusion.
Our student writer, for example, in his essay contrasting motorcycles and
motor scooters refers to the background sentences in his Introduction before
restating his Thesis and taking the reader a step further by concluding that
both two wheeled vehicles “certainly beat driving a car.”
1Some
people tend to think
motorcycles and scooters could
be mistaken for one another
because they both are motorized
vehicles set on two-wheels.
2(However), 3they have many
points of contrast that span from
the cost, image, and size of each.
4While they are very different,
both scooters and motorcycles
1
Sentence that signals a Transition
from the Support Paragraphs to the
Conclusion: (Some people tend to think
motorcycles and scooters could be
mistaken for one another because they
both are motorized vehicles set on twowheels.)
2Transition word to the
Conclusion
showing Contrast between
motorcycles and motor scooters:
are very enjoyable and are
popular across ages and
genders. Everyone should ride
either a scooter or a motorcycle
at least once. There is no feeling
like riding in the open, and it
certainly beats driving a car.
(however)
3Conclusion that “restates the Thesis
in different words”: (“they have many
points of contrast that span from the
cost, image, and size of each.”)
4Conclusion that takes the reader a
step further: (“both scooters and
motorcycles are….it certainly beats
driving a car.”)
Practice 4. In the Comparison-Contrast Essay below titled “Marley and Me,”
identify the Organizational Structure using the following pattern:
Put the Introduction designed to give background to the essay in Italics.
Underline and put in bold print the Thesis Statement for the essay.
Put the Topic Sentence for each Support Paragraph in Blue Type.
Put the Supporting Detail in Red Type for each Topic Sentence of that
paragraph.
Put the Transitions for paragraphs in (parentheses) – not every paragraph has
a transition!
Put the Transitions within paragraphs in [brackets].
Put the Conclusion that restates the Thesis in different words in Green
Underlined Type.
Put the Conclusion that takes the reader a step further in Green type.
Chris Phinney
May 4, 2009
ENG 090
Comparison-Contrast Essay
Informal Outline:
Thesis Statement: [copy and paste here]
Support Point 1:
Support Point 2:
Support Point 3:
Husband and Wife
The book, Marley and Me, by John Grogan is a heartwarming story about
a family and a loveable, but often destructive, Golden Lab. A typical
American family takes “stewardship” of a very large, powerful, and yet
loving canine. Like having children, the dog changes their lives. The two
humans, husband and wife, named Jenny and John, come to love, be
frustrated endlessly by, and have different approaches to, “owning”
Marley. Underneath their differences, Jenny and John are alike because
they are very caring, loving, and calm.
Jenny and John are both caring to themselves and others. When one of
their neighbors got stabbed and screamed, both of them were very
worried. While Jenny called 911, John and Marley went outside to see
what had happened. They saw a fifteen year-old girl lying on the ground
bleeding because she had been stabbed. They did everything they could
to comfort her and calm her until the police and ambulance showed up
to relieve them. Once John got back in his house, Jenny immediately
called the hospital to find out if the girl was okay. The girl survived the
stabbing and became a close friend.
Going with their caring for others, Jenny and John formed a loving
family as was demonstrated over and over again with their children,
their dog Marley, and each other. John even left his job at the newspaper
so he could be closer to his family. He moved the family from Florida to
a quieter and safer area in rural Pennsylvania where he could spend
more time with them. Jenny and John loved to take Marley for long
walks in the countryside and make snowmen with their daughters in the
winter. John wrote magazine articles for a living, and whenever he had
trouble with a story, it was Jenny who kept telling him to just write and
he would be okay. The loving support they gave each other made their
marriage special.
Lastly, they are both calm especially with a wonderful dog that all too
often was just out-of-control. For example, one night they both went
out, leaving Marley at home in the garage. When they arrived back
home, they went to check on Marley and walked into a whole new
setting. The garage was torn apart, all the shelves were on the ground,
and everything was a mess. They figured it was because a
thunderstorm had scared Marley, and the seventy pound Lab had
trashed the garage. That wasn’t the only time; on separate occasions
Marley had also trashed their living room, bedroom, and den! Never did
either of them get mad or anything. All they could do was laugh and
clean up.
In Marley and Me, the two main characters have much in common: they
are caring of other people (and animals!), have a loving relationship,
and are calm in the face of difficulty. They are very good all around
people, the kind of people most people would want as friends.
Steps in the Writing Process
In Practice 5, you’ll be writing your own essay. In doing so, take it
one step at a time, like following directions to a distant city or a
recipe to make an excellent dinner. Here are the steps in writing a
Comparison-Contrast Essay:
1. Prewriting Choose a Topic for your essay – what you will be
writing about.
Develop a Topic Sentence – what you will prove about
the Topic).
Put together an Informal Outline containing your
Thesis Statement and three main Support Points.
2. Drafting
Following the “Organization of the Essay,” write your
first draft.
3. Revise for
organization
(draft 2)
Review and revise your draft to make sure that the
organization of your essay is sound and follows your
Informal Outline.
4. Revising
for style
(draft 3)
5. Editing
(draft 4)
Revise your essay for the flow and readability of the
sentences – (see Chapter 11 on Style).
Review and revise your essay to make sure you get the
grammar, spelling, and punctuation right (see
Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation Checklist).
Practice 5. Writing your own Comparison-Contrast Essay
Graded Essay Assignment: Write a 1-2 page Comparison-Contrast
essay. You may use the topic you developed in the progressive writing
assignments in this chapter.
Your essay must be organized according to the principles of organization
covered in this chapter.
1. Topics you can choose from for your Comparison-Contrast Essay: (You
can use the Thesis Statement and Informal Outline you completed earlier in
the chapter.)
Topic
+
Main Idea
=
Thesis Statement
1. Compare or contrast email with instant messaging.
2. Compare or contrast Facebook with Twitter.
3. Comparer or contrast two holidays from different cultures. For
Example: Halloween and Día de los Muertos.
4. Compare or contrast two communities you have lived in.
5. Compare or contrast societal views of alcohol and marijuana.
6. Compare or Contrast Thomas Edison with Steve Jobs.
2. Complete an Informal Outline to plan your essay. The Informal
Outline should have the following parts:
Thesis Statement:
Comparison-Contrast Point 1:
Comparison-Contrast Point 2:
Comparison-Contrast Point 3:
3. Write a Comparison-Contrast Essay from 1-2 pages long on the topic
you chose that follows your Informal Outline.
A. Organization: (Check when you are certain you have included the
following
Introductory Paragraph
______ Introduction to get readers’ interest and set background
______ Thesis Statement (Topic + Main Idea – the two Topics you will Compare
and/or Contrast)
Support Paragraphs
______ Topic sentence for each Support Point in your Informal Outline that
should appear at the beginning of each Support Paragraph (The
reasons your readers should believe your Thesis.)
______ General support sentences
______ Specific support sentences (quotes, statistics, and examples that back
up your Comparison/Contrast.)
Conclusion Paragraph
______ Conclusion that restates the main idea (what you have proved in the
essay about the differences and/or similarities in the two Topics in
different words), and
______ Takes the readers a step further.
4. Place the Informal Outline and Organization Checklist directly above
your essay. (You will receive 3 points added to your grade for
completing the Outline and the Organization Checklist.)
5. Make sure to include the heading with your name, date, course
information, and assignment in the upper left corner of the essay!
(see MLA Guidelines in Chapter 21)
Here’s how to format the essay: At the opening of your essay, single space
your name, the course, date and something that identifies which assignment it
is (Comparison-Contrast Essay, for example) in the upper left hand corner. You
will need a title. Capitalize the first letter in each word of your title (except for
a, the, at, of, in, and to, unless one of these words begins the title). Center the
title above the essay. Also, make sure to double-space the text of the essay
(Use ctrl-A, then ctrl-2). Also, make sure your essay is in 12 point type with 1
inch margins.
6. Complete the following Grammar Checklist, by checking carefully for
each type of error in your essay. Correct the errors and place an “X” by each
type of error you checked for.
Grammar Checklist
Attach the Grammar Checklist in a separate file with your essay.
1. ____ Spelling (Use the spell check on your computer)
____ Spelled as one word instead of two!
Anyone
Someone
Anybody
Somebody
2. Fragments
Anything
Everybody
Whenever
Cannot
_____ Make sure you have a subject and a verb in all your sentences; otherwise
the word group is a fragment. Here are some examples:
Fragment: Getting to class on time.
Sentence: Getting to class on time has been a problem for me.
Fragment: When I knew he was there.
Sentence: When I knew he was there, I dropped off the contract.
Fragment: Such as the games that are on-line.
Sentence: There are many video games that I play, such as the games that are
on-line.
Fragment: When she arrived at class after the bus had dropped her off.
Sentence: She arrived at class after the bus had dropped her off.
3. Run-ons
_____ Run-ons are caused by combining two full sentences, each with a subject
and verb and no conjunction, into one sentence using a comma or no
punctuation. You can correct a run-on by:
Run-on: She arrived at class the bus had dropped her off.
Sentence: She arrived at class after the bus had dropped her off.
Run-on: You know the answer, it’s on the board.
Sentence: You know the answer because it’s on the board.
4. Comma Errors
_____ Commas with Coordinate Conjunctions – Notice the need for a
comma in compound sentences with a coordinating conjunction (and,
but, or), where there are two equal ideas (see page … in the text).
Examples:
I walked to class, and I carried my books.
I walked to class and carried my books.
Notice that you do have a comma when there is a second subject but
do not have a comma when the second subject is left out.
_____
Commas with Subordinate Conjunctions – Use commas after
subordinate clauses that introduce sentences. A subordinate clause is
less important than the main sentence and is signaled with a key word.
Examples: When I got to class, the fire alarm rang.
After I got to class, the fire alarm rang.
The fire alarm rang after I got to class.
I like apples because they are sweet.
Notice that you need a comma when the subordinate clause starts the
sentence but do not use a comma when the Subordinate Clause does
not start the sentence.
_____ Commas in Opening Phrases and Introductory Phrases – Use a
comma after opening phrases.
Example: “In fact, I did it my way.”
“In early morning light, I saw the battle.”
“I saw the battle in the early morning light.” (Notice there is
no comma because the prepositional phrase comes at the end
of the sentence.)
_____ Commas in Series – Put a comma after each item in a series including
the last item before the conjunction.
Example: “I like apples, oranges, and bananas.”
“She read the chapter on Monday, visited the Writing
Center on Tuesday, and took the exam on Wednesday.”
_____
Commas with Which but not That – It is almost always true that
“which” takes a comma, and “that” does not.
Example: “I am taking the umbrella, which is in the closet.”
“I am taking the umbrella that is in the closet.”
_____
No Comma after a Subordinate Conjunction – You never have a
Comma after a Subordinate Conjunction.
Never like this: “Although, it was raining, we played the soccer match
to the end.”
Always like this: “Although it was raining, we played the soccer match
to the end.”
5. Correct Wording
_____ Its/It’s This is an exception to the possessive rule. “Its” is the possessive
as in “The cat cleaned its fur.” “It’s” is the contraction meaning “It is,” as
in, “It’s time to go.”
_____ Then/Than These two words are tricky. “Then” is used to show a
change in time. For example: “First, I washed my clothes; then I did my
assignment.” “Then” is also used with cause-effect sentences. For
example: “If you want to leave on time, then you better start packing.”
“Than” is used for comparisons. For example: “I like your choice better
than mine.”
_____ There/Their/They’re These words are pronounced the same but have
different meanings. Here’s what they mean:
1. “There” is a direction like: “over there.”
2. “Their” shows possession like: “their car.”
3. “They’re” is a contraction meaning: “They are.”
_____ To/Too/Two These words are pronounced the same but have different
meanings. Here’s what they mean:
You have “to” as in “to the store”; “too” as in “too many assignments”; and
“two” as in “two pencils.” Make sure to use the right form in your essay!
_____ In formal writing, avoid using “and” or “but” to start a sentence. Usually
you can just take the “and” or “but” out, and it will fix the problem, or
you can combine the word group that begins with “and” or “but” with
the sentence that comes before.
Incorrect: I walked to class. And I took the quiz.
Correct: I walked to class, and I took the quiz.
_____ Slang – In a formal paper, try to avoid using slang words like “Got,” “Lot
of,” “thing,” “stuff,” or “bunch.” See if you can find another word to do
the job.
_____ I believe/I think/in my opinion/Next I’ll talk about – In a formal
paper, avoid writing “I believe,” “I think,” “in my opinion,” and so on.
Readers will assume that you would not write it if you didn’t believe it,
so it’s unnecessary to write, “I believe.”
Extra Wording: I believe 16 year olds should have the right to vote.
Revised: Sixteen year olds should have the right to vote.
_____ The words “very,” “a little,” “a lot,” “kind of,” “sort of,” and “you
know,” “that,” and “In this essay, I’m going to write about, “at the
present time,” due to the fact that,” “in the event that,” “The point I
am trying to make is that,” “What I mean to say is that,” “In the final
analysis”…” are most often unnecessary and don’t add anything to your
writing. Just take them out.
_____ Numbers – In a formal paper, write out your numbers unless they are
triple digits (10 or greater), or a paper where you are presenting data.
Incorrect: There were 8 stores in the city.
Correct: There were eight stores in the city.
_____ Second Person “you” – In a formal paper, try to avoid the second
person “you” unless you’re giving instructions or directions. Stick to the
third person (“it” “he” “she” “they”) and so on. Or in personal essays, use
the first person “I.”
Process Essays are the exception where you are explaining how to do
something (like how to change the car’s oil, or how to write an essay!)