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

1. Evidence of                             R         1          2          3          4

Planning*

2. Reasoning                               R         1          2          3          4
3. Vocabulary                              R         1          2          3          4
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.