Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay
A comparison/contrast essay should make a point or serve a purpose. Often such essays do one of the following:
- Clarify something unknown or not well understood.
- Lead to a fresh insight or new way of looking at something.
- Bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus.
- Show that one subject is better than the other.
The same points/aspects should be discussed for both subjects. Create a Venn diagram to brainstorm the points/aspects.
The organizational structure is Block Method-Subject by Subject.
A thesis is necessary to present the subjects and indicate whether they will be compared, contrasted, or both.
Both cats and dogs make excellent pets, but an appropriate choice depends on the pet owner’s lifestyle, finances, and household accommodations
Your Thesis:______
______
Use detailed topic sentences and the following transitions to make the relationship between your subjects clear to your reader.
Transitions That Show Comparison (Similarities) / Transitions That Show Contrast (Differences)In addition At the same time
Similarly As well as
Likewise Compared to
Just as Same as
Correspondingly / However Although
Even though Meanwhile
Unlike In contrast
On the contrary conversely
On the other hand
Block Method Example
- Introduction of general topic/HOOK
- Specific topic
- THESIS=areas to be covered in this essay: Both cats and dogs make excellent pets, but an appropriate choice depends on the pet owner’s lifestyle, finances, and household accommodations.
Topic Sentence – Topic 1
Cats are easier and less expensive to care for.
Aspect 1: Lifestyle
- Detail: Don’t have to be watched during the day
- Detail: Easier to get care if the owner travels
- Detail: Food and health care are usually less expensive
- Detail: Less likely to cause property damage
- Detail: Don’t take up much space
- Detail: Less intrusive
Aspect 1:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
Topic Sentence – Topic 2
Dogs are active and loyally engaging pets.
Aspect 1: Lifestyle
- Detail: Pack animals shouldn’t be left alone
- Detail: Harder to get care when away-need more living space
- Detail: Food is more expensive
- Detail: Over-breeding causes some health problems
- Detail: Often need yard and fence
- Detail: Require more safety and protective measures.
Aspect 1:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
- Detail:
Summary of main points and significance of topic to author: When considering adopting a pet, a prospective owner must consider the lifestyle, finances, and household accommodations that the pet would require.
Write your draft
Use the a 4 paragraph block format
- Paragraph 1 – Introduce your topic and its importance to the reader. Include a thesis statement that covers all areas mentioned in the essay and a transition sentence. 3-5 sentences
- Paragraph 2 – Include at least two aspects about topic 1 with at least two details. Include a transition sentence. 5-7 sentences
- Paragraph 3 – Include a topic sentence. Include at least 2 aspects (the same aspects as topic 1) about topic 2 with at least two details. 5-7 sentences
- Paragraph 4 – Summarize the main point and explain the significance to the reader while restating your thesis. 3-5 sentences
Model Essay
Every day, millions of people ask themselves the question, “Should I get a cat or dog?” There are many facts to consider when choosing a pet. Both cats and dogs make excellent pets, but an appropriate choice depends on the pet owner’s lifestyle, finances, and household accommodations. Although dogs are sometimes considered man’s best friend, there are many reasons to choose a cat.
Cats are easier and less expensive to care for. In general, cats have an easier lifestyle. Owners can leave their cat for long periods of time, and the cat will be fine since they do not need to be watched during the day. This can be helpful if the owner travels for business or pleasure. The cat will take care of itself if the owner can leave food in a dispenser and a litter box. There is a scoop-free litter box that has a liner that only needs to be replaced every 20-30 days. The cost of owning a cat is also lower than owning a dog. Food and health care costs are lower because cats do not eat as much and are less active. Also, cats will not eat the furniture or your favorite pair of shoes, so the owner will not have to pay to replace these items. Lastly, cats need less space and are less intrusive. Sometimes, when the owner is home, they will not even know where the cat is located. Dogs, on the other hand, are not so easy to leave alone but offer companionship.
Dogs are active and loyally engaging pets, but their lifestyle is much different than a cat’s. Dogs are pack animals, and they should not be left alone. If the owner is going away, they will have to find someone or pay a kennel to take care of their dog. An overnight kennel can cost $174 for a week. A dog would be a better choice for someone who doesn’t travel a lot. The overall cost of raising a puppy can be higher than raising a kitten. Dogs generally eat much more than a cat, so the price of food is more expensive. Also over-breeding in dogs causes some health problems that may cause expensive veterinarian bills. While cats can sometimes go unknown in a house, dog owners sometimes have to take protective measure at home like installing fences, doggy doors, and buying expensive cages. Large backyards are also helpful when owning an active dog. Although it may seem like cats are the obvious choice, dogs can help their owners stay active and offer protection and companionship.
When considering adopting a pet, a prospective owner must consider the lifestyle, finances, and household accommodations that a pet would require. Owners who neglect to compare these aspects will often not care for their pet in a safe manner. There are many things to consider and research to be done, but once the perfect pet is chosen everyone will be happy with the choice.
Compare/Contrast Essay - Rubric
- Focus 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Single specific topic, awareness of task, 2 similar topics
- Content 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Relevant examples, well-chosen supporting details
- Organization 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
4 paragraph block method & use of transitions which develop and support the topic
- Style 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Sentence style & structure (variety) that create effective tone
*NO FIRST PERSON PRONOUNS AND NO CONTRACTIONS USED IN FORMAL WRITING (For every 2 errors, you will lose a point.)
- Conventions 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Grammar, mechanics, spelling, complete sentences
(For every error you will lose a point)
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- Strong thesis statement 0 – 2 – 4
Clear and concise statement that covers areas covered in essay
- 2 aspects covered in both body paragraphs 2 – 4 – 6 – 8
Statements supporting your position (2pts each)
- Accurate and valid details that support the aspects 2 – 4 – 6 – 8
(2pts each)
- Typed and shared on GoogleDocs 1 – 2
Total______/42