Comparison and Contrast Writing

English 9

What is comparison and contrast?

Comparison shows how two or more things are similar

Contrast shows how two or more things are different

Searching points for discussion Determine your

emphasis on similarities, differences, or both.

Determine the major focus of your paper.

Make sure you use the same or similar elements for each subject you will discuss:

Jim Jones Jim Elliot

Background Background

Event Event

Impact Impact

Do not discuss entirely different elements for each subject.

Jim Jones Jim Elliot

Background Impact

Events Background

Impact Events

Formulating a Thesis Statement Identify not only the subjects to be

compared and contrasted in your essay, but the point you will make about them.

Also indicate whether you will focus on similarities or differences, or balance the two.

Although Jim Jones and Jim Elliot were both very religious men, their motives and

impact were worlds apart.

Prewriting

Drafting

Revising

Editing

Publishing

THINKBrainstorm Ideas and gather information

Think about topics. Perform research. Is there enough information for 3 main ideas with supporting details? Make a plan. Decide on a topic.

WRITEOrganize the information

Use organizational tools to structure ideas in a logical flow of information. Write the first draft using the organized structure as a guide.

MAKE IT BETTERReview and organize again

Look at the big picture:•Does this make sense?•Does the information flow?•Does the information support the topic?Now is the time to take out, add information and rearrange words or sentences.

MAKE IT CORRECTProofread for mistakes

Look at the details:Are there mistakes in punctuation, grammar, spelling or capitalization? Are sentences clear and concise? Complete?

Share your efforts in some way.

Well done!

The Writing Process

Gathering Details

Create a simple T chart to organize your ideas.

Jim Jones Jim Elliot

Drafting

Point by Point Introduction Subject 1 Detail;

Subject 2 Detail Subject 1 Detail;

Subject 2 Detail Conclusion

Block Method Introduction All Subject 1

details All Subject 2

details Conclusion

Revising and Editing

Re-read your opening paragraph to be sure you introduced your topic clearly. Re-read your conclusion to make sure your main idea is clearly stated.

Add any missing details or examples. Proofread your essay or have a friend

do it!

Using Transitions Make sure you have transitional

words. First, Although, However, As a result,

Then, Finally Connect your thoughts!