Comparative Essays
FOUNDATIONS
Overview
 Comparison-Contrast Essays compare two works
with similar themes, ideas, settings, or characters.
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“A Raisin in the Sun” and “Shoofly Pie” both feature characters
who are grieving. A comparative essay might compare how
each work deals with grief.
“A Raisin in the Sun” and “Everyday Use” both deal with
heritage, contrasting Afrocentric anti-assimilationism with
pride in American ancestry.
“To Da-Duh In Memoriam” and “The Friends” both contrast
Caribbean Islands with New York. A comparative essay might
discuss how the authors use these settings.
Basic Organization
 All interpretive essays, including comparison-
contrast essays, should have the same basic
structure:
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Introductory paragraph
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Several body paragraphs dealing with specific examples
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Concluding paragraph
Main Structure: Point by Point
Introduction
First Comparison
Second Comparison
Third Comparison
Conclusion
Main Structure: Subject by Subject
Introduction
First Work: Topic One
Second Work: Comparison One
First Work: Topic Two
Second Work: Comparison Two
Conclusion
Main Structure
 Introductory Paragraph:
 Identify story and author, as well as the main thesis (“point”)
 Body Paragraphs:
 Clearly identify a single theme or point of the paragraph
 Concluding Paragraph:
 “Wraps up” the essay
 Repeat the thesis or theme (in different words)
 Repeat the main points of the essay
Writing your essay
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Write down some interesting common points
between the two works.
Decide on a thesis statement: What will your
essay be about?
Take some notes on evidence from each work
that support your points.
Choose one of the two major structures (point by
point or subject by subject).
Write, then edit, your final essay.
Review the rubric carefully!
Your Essay
 You will be writing an essay that compares urban
public education as it’s depicted in the book “The
Friends” and the film “Freedom Writers.” You can
choose any relevant aspects: The students, the
teachers, the environment.
 You will receive a rubric for this essay after the
break. However, you should keep these notes handy
and think about your approach now.