Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay
Task: students are required to write a compare
and contrast essay on a topic using the following items discussed in class
Checklist
1)
Prepare
a list of 5 contrasting things that interest you. i.e. skateboards vs.
scooters; cars vs. boats; mountains vs. clouds; baseball vs. softball; tacos vs.
pizza.
2)
Select
a topic. i.e. tacos vs. pizza
3)
Write
a topic sentence or thesis for your essay. Write two things to compare
and a summary of the comparison-contrast. i.e. Tacos and pizza might seem totally different, but they actually have
a lot in common.
4)
Create
a Venn diagram, chart, or bubble diagram. Use categories to define your similarities
& differences.
5)
Begin
an introductory paragraph about your topic. Start with some general statements about your
topic. Include 4 statements and end your
paragraph with your topic sentence or thesis.
Fast food is very
popular among students. If you drive
down any major street, you will find an assortment of restaurants. Pizza Pizza
and Taco Bell are just two places that I like to visit. My favourite choices include Hawaiian pizza
and soft tacos. Tacos and pizza might seem totally different, but they actually have
a lot in common.
6)
In the
second paragraph, you can discuss 3 things that are unique to one item and 3
things that are distinct to another item. Be sure to introduce your
topics with categories. Use linking words and contrasting expressions.
First of all, the
two foods come from different places in the world. Tacos originate from
Mexico. However, pizza comes from
Italy. Second, in regards to main
ingredients, tacos shells are made from corn whereas pizza dough is made from
wheat or flour. Most importantly, the
cost is very different. A taco can cost
as little as $2.00 each, but a pizza, depending on its size, can be as much as
$20.00. These are just a few
differences.
Transitional Phrases
First,… Second,… Third,… Furthermore, …
In addition,… Most importantly, .. Next,.. Finally,…
Words that Show Contrast
while still different although
yet however whereas but
even
though in contrast to contrary to unlike
7)
In the
third paragraph, you can examine how they are similar. Think of 3
categories that define how they are similar.
Once again, be sure to include transitional phrases and words that show
similarities.
There are many
similarities. Above all, tacos and
pizzas do not require utensils. Both
items can be eaten with your hands.
They are alike in terms of toppings.
You can add beef and cheese to either tasty meals. Finally, the two
meals are ideal for casual get-togethers or parties. For example, you can serve either at a pool
party or a Superbowl party. Overall, these two meals do share some things in
common.
Words that Show Similarities
Like same also as
Identical both alike similar
Likewise and in
addition
TIPS:
* Use and/ but in the middle of
sentence. They are coordinate conjunctions.
‘And’ shows two similar
ideas. ‘But’ demonstrates two
contrasting ideas.
Tacos
are often served with salsa sauce, and pizza is also served with tomato
sauce.
Pizza
is served by the slice, but tacos are served as individual shells.
- If you
want to begin with ‘and,’ use ‘In addition’ instead.
In addition, tacos are on the menus
of many sports restaurants.
I prefer pizza. However, I will
enjoy a taco if it the only thing available.
- Be
careful of fragments or incomplete sentence. If you begin a sentence with ‘Because’
then be sure that it is followed by a complete thought.
Because my Dad can only make tacos
when my mother is at classes. (incomplete)
Because my Dad can only make tacos
when my mother is at classes, my brother and I have gotten used to Taco
Tuesdays in our house. (complete)
- Be
careful of run-on-sentences. That
is a sentence that could be broken into 2, 3, or even 4 smaller sentences.
Although my family is not from
Italy pizza is a common treat for us on Sundays my mother will make it from
‘scratch’ we often enjoy a really thin crust.
(Run-on)
Although my family is not from
Italy, pizza is a common treat for us on Sundays. My mother will make it from
‘scratch.’ Quite often, we often enjoy a really thin crust.
(corrected)
8)
In the
fourth paragraph, you have to reword your thesis. Then you can write 3 general
but related sentences about these types of foods. You can relate the ending to your own
personal experiences.
Original Thesis:
Tacos and pizza
might seem totally different, but they actually have a lot in common.
Rewritten Thesis:
Although pizza and
tacos have many things in common, nevertheless, they are very different in many
ways.
Although pizza and
tacos have many things in common, nevertheless, they are very different in many
ways. The next time that you consider
one of these two fast food alternatives, you might want to consider if you are
in the mood for shells or slices. You
may prefer an extra spicy salsa sauce on your taco or you might want to
‘inhale’ a mild pineapple or Hawaiian special.
Regardless of your selection, you will not be disappointed.
9)
Proofread
your work and share it with others, so you may have other opinions on
how to improve your work.
10)
Consult
a thesaurus in the final draft to use more sophisticated and precise
vocabulary.
i.e. The word ‘good’ is too vague.
Here is a sample of other words:
high-quality, superior, stupendous, fantastic, outstanding, and the list goes
on like your imagination.
If the assignment is late, the
student must provide a written explanation from his
or her parent or guardian. Late
assignments will be documented and noted on the upcoming progress reports.
- Make
note of the example provided from the class text, The Write Source,
regarding dolphins versus sharks, pages 173 to 176.
- Submit
your work on stapled sheets of paper. Do not hand in your notebook or a
duo tang.
Rubric or Grading Sheet
Levels R 1 2 3 4
Topics
- Evidence
of R 1 2 3 4
Planning*
- Reasoning R 1 2 3 4
- Vocabulary R 1 2 3 4
- Proofreading R 1 2 3 4
- The
writer must provide the following: a list of narrowed down topics, a chart
that uses your 5 senses, a list of things you experience as you enter the
place, an edited rough copy, & final copy.
