Comparison-and-Contrast
Essay
Composition
Definition

A comparison-and-contrast essay is
a short piece of expository writing that
describes the similarities and
differences between two or more
subjects.
Effective Essays

An effective comparison-and-contrast essay:
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Identifies a purpose for comparison and
contrast.
Identifies similarities and differences between
two or more things, people, places, or ideas.
Gives factual details about the subjects being
compared.
Uses an organizational plan suited to its topic
and purpose.
Points of Comparison and Contrast
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Chart the elements to be considered in a
comparison-and-contrast essay.
Identify the points to be covered in the
essay.
Example: UW-Parkside vs. Carthage
College.
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Costs
Location
Size
Organizational Structure

There are two basic ways to organize
a comparison-and-contrast essay:
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Divided pattern
Alternating pattern
Divided

To use this structure, compare and contrast
the subjects as wholes:
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First discuss all of the features of subject A.
Then, discuss all of the features of subject B.
Be sure to address the SAME features in
the same order and devote equal time to
each subject.
Make comparisons to subject A when
discussing features of subject B.
Divided Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Introduction
UW-Parkside
A.
Costs
B.
Location
C.
Size
Carthage College
A.
Costs
B.
Location
C.
Size
Conclusion
Alternating Pattern
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Allows you to move back and forth between
subjects as you discuss each point of
comparison and contrast.
First, develop one point by showing how it
applies to both subjects.
Then, move to the next point, showing how
it applies to both.
Continue back and forth until you have
addressed each point of comparison.
Divided Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Introduction
Costs
A.
UW-Parkside
B.
Carthage College
Location
A.
UW-Parkside
B.
Carthage College
Size
A.
UW-Parkside
B.
Carthage College
Conclusion
College Compare-Contrast Essay
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Purpose: to compare and contrast two
colleges and three criteria (cost, location,
size, etc.).
Assignment: Locate two colleges in
which you are interested. Research the
pros and cons of each (brainstorm
worksheet).
Length: 3 pages; 4 – 5 paragraphs
(depends on which pattern you chose).
Essay Cont’d

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Format: Choose either divided or
alternating organizational structure.
Introduction: Introduce the importance of
the topic and the two chosen colleges.
Body paragraphs: compare and contrast
the two colleges based on 3 different
criteria.
Conclusion: discuss what ultimately will
lead you to choose one college over the
other.
Citing Internet Sources


You must include a Works Cited page
listing the two websites and any
literature that you consulted for the
essay.
Refer to the library on-line MLA style
guide.
Criterion to Consider
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Costs
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Location
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Tuition (per semester X 8 semesters)
Housing (compare options – dorms, apartment)
Gas (commuting)
Food plan
Books, fees, etc.
Geographical benefits/drawbacks
Surrounding town(s) and nearby amenities
Crime rate/safety
Sizes
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Faculty to student ratio
Average class size
Size of student body
Criterion Cont’d
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Academics
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Majors/minors of interest to you
Retention rate
Reputation and Rank of school
Graduation rate
Selectivity
Study Abroad Programs
Extracurricular Opportunities
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Leadership opportunities
Clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities of interest to you
Sports that interest to you (as a player, not a fan)