CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

Structure of the Comparison/Contrast

Essay

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

comparison: discussion of similarities and differences (if any)

contrast: comparison but with emphasis on differences, on what makes things different

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

Comparison/contrast Essay Type 1:

Source by Source

I. Introductionincludes a thesis statement that indicates your main reason for comparing the sources

be sure to mention the titles and authors (full names) of the sources

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

II. Body

A. First source (2-3 paragraphs)

1. Major point2. Major point (3. Major point) () = if needed

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

B. Second source (2-3 paragraphs)

1. Major point (parallel to A.1.)2. Major point (parallel to A.2.)(3. Major point [parallel to A.3.])

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

C. Synthesis paragraph (discusses both sources together)

(this synthesis could also be incorporated into your conclusion)

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

III. Conclusion

restates your thesis statement

mentions the sources again (only authors’ last names)

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

Comparison/contrast Essay Type 2:

Point by Point

I. Introductionincludes a thesis statement that indicates your main reason for comparing the sources

be sure to mention the titles and authors (full names) of the sources

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

II. Body

A. First major point1. How treated in first source2. How treated in second source3. Synthesis

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

B. Second major point1. How treated in first (or second)

source2. How treated in second (or first)

source3. Synthesis

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

(C. Third major point1. How treated in first/second source2. How treated in second/first source3. Synthesis ) ( ) = if needed

CPN 100 — Academic Writing I

III. Conclusion

restates your thesis statement

mentions the sources again (only authors’ last names)