Sample Brainstorming for a Compare and Contrast Essay
Task: To compare and contrast two characters from the short stories read in class using
physical traits, a personality trait, and role
Characters selected: Teddy and Ravi
Paragraph One: Introduction
Paragraph Two: Physical Traits
Similarity: BOTH are young boys – not yet teenagers
Differences: Teddy is called a lummox inferring large and clumsy
Ravi is small and envious of his brother’s size and strength
Paragraph Three: Personality Trait – their imagination
Similarity: BOTH boys have an active imagination and use it as a form of escape
Differences: Teddy uses his imagination to create the world of Upalia in his attic using
simple cardboard – it has taken him many months
Ravi uses his imagination while hiding in a shed – dreaming of victory –
he does not physically create a world for himself
Paragraph Four: Role
Similarity: BOTH boys are the protagonist in their story, trying to fit into a world where
they both feel alienated
Differences: Teddy’s role is that of a nephew living in a house with his aunt and uncle as
an only child
Ravi is one of many siblings trying to find his place among them
Paragraph Five: Conclusion
Compare and Contrast Transitions are VITAL
similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in
like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but,
nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on
the other hand, contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the
other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast
Sample Brainstorming for a Compare and Contrast Essay
SUMMATIVE ESSAY
Task: To compare and contrast two characters from Lord of the Flies using physical traits, a
personality trait, and role
Characters selected: ______________ and ________________
Paragraph One: Introduction
Paragraph Two: Physical Traits
Similarity: BOTH boys
Differences:
Paragraph Three: Personality Trait –
Similarity: BOTH boys
Differences:
Paragraph Four: Role
Similarity: BOTH boys
Differences:
Paragraph Five: Conclusion
Compare and Contrast Transitions are VITAL
similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in
like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but,
nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on
the other hand, contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the
other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast