Comparison-Contrast Essay

Comparison-contrast essay

Choose two works in Unit 4 Part 1 and compare how they are similar and contrast their differences.

Here are some sample topics I gave in class:

!  “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” and Two Views of the River

!  “Lucinda Matlock” and “Fiddler Jones”

!  “A Wagner Matinee” and “The Outcasts of Poker Flat”

I.  Introduction: A general statement about the two works.

A.  Plot summary of work #1 (1-2 sentences)

B.  Plot summary of work #2 (1-2 sentences)

C.  Thesis statement: Should mention how the works are similar yet different.

II.  Work #1

A.  Point #1…example: setting

B.  Point #2…example: character(s)

C.  Point #3…example: theme

D.  Point #4…it depends on your topic how many points you have

III.  Work #2

A.  Point #1…can be similar to work #1 or different, it just has to be the same point…like setting

B.  Point #2…character

C.  Point #3…theme

D.  Try to have about as many similarities as you have differences

IV.  Conclusion

A.  Again, try to illustrate how the two works have similarities although they may be different in some ways, like basic plot.

B.  A quote (or maybe even 2) will work well in your conclusion or anywhere else for that matter.