Compare-Contrast Essay
A compare contrast essay does the following:
 Identifies and explains three or more key points that two or more subjects have in
common.
 Shows the similarities and differences between these subjects
 Develops a thesis (argument, angle, etc.) regarding the two subjects. This may be that
one subject is stronger or better, etc. than the other, that both subjects have strengths, or
that both subjects have weaknesses. It might be that you simply want to clarify an
unknown or look at the subjects from a new viewpoint.
 Discusses the same points for each subject, but not necessarily with the same support
A compare contrast essay may be set up in two ways: block method (subject by subject) or
point by point method.
For this assignment, we will focus on using the point by point method. You will focus on one
point at a time (one point per body paragraph) and how it applies to EACH subject before going
onto the next point. So, for example, if you were comparing to restaurants, your three points
might be speed of service, food quality, and cleanliness. If you were comparing two people, your
points might be physical descriptions, personality, and intelligence. Lastly, if you were
comparing two vacation spots, your points might be available activities, accommodations, and
cost to visit.
Be sure that you consider both subjects for each point you are examining. Offer support for your
points.
Be sure that it is clear to your reader when you are changing points or subjects. It is helpful to
use transitions! Following is a list of commonly used transitions (and other words) in compare
contrast essays:
in addition
correspondingly
compared to
similarly
just as
as well as
likewise
same as
at the same time
however
on the contrary
on the other hand
even though
in/by contrast
although
unlike
conversely
meanwhile
instead
yet
nevertheless
likewise
as well as
identically
CC Essay Organizer
Point by Point Method
I am comparing/contrasting: ______________________________________
AND __________________________________________
My three points are:_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Introduction—
My thesis
statement:____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Body Paragraph 1
Topic
Sentence:_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Subject 1-Point 1
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Detail
Detail
Subject 2-Point 1

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Detail
Detail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Body Paragraph 2
Topic
Sentence:_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Subject 1-Point 2


Detail
Detail
Subject 2-Point 2


Detail
Detail
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Body Paragraph 3
Topic
Sentence:_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Subject 1-Point 3


Detail
Detail
Subject 2-Point 3


Detail
Detail
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conclusion—
You will be writing a FIVE paragraph compare contrast essay with an
introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
You will select TWO subjects to compare. You may choose one from the sample
ideas below or run an idea of your own by me.
Your paper should be clearly written with a strong thesis statement and
interesting, clear topic sentences. Your points should be well-supported.
You should begin with a “hook” that gets your reader’s attention.
You should have transitions within and between paragraphs so your writing flows.
Please edit your writing using my tips and no-no’s list!
Organizer due date:____________________________
Rough draft due date:___________________________
Final copy due date:____________________________
Worth: 100 points
Possible topics:
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hobbies
animals
jobs
Types of fuels
Clothing styles
Music types
Book characters
Vacation spots
Pets
Online vs. traditional learning
Foods
Texting or talking/calling
Eating out or in
THE LIST IS ENDLESS!!