1. Comparison/Contrast Essay As with other essays, comparative essays need you to be extremely clear about the purpose of the essay. The crucial element is to answer the question in an order that makes the most sense to a reader.

2. What is a Comparative Essay? • If similarities between two things (ideas/concepts/point of view) are being emphasized, it’s a comparison essay • If the differences between two things are being emphasized, it’s a contrast essay • You can choose between approaches when writing a comparison essay • First: discuss one item fully and then turn to the other item—this is the chunk or block method of organizing • Second: the alternative is to compare two items point by point—this is the slice or point-by-point method • Tips for writing a proper Comparison or Contrast essay: • First, make sure the two items are appropriately paired • Second, your main points must apply equally to both items in your comparison • Thirdly, your preview statement should clearly present the two items being compared or contrasted

3. Comparison/contrast essay: method one—slice/point by point Using the slice/point by point method you would first consider 2 points (one from each work), which might be identified with one thing compared to or contrasted with in your essa y. Now do this for each of the other body paragraphs. Avoid your points from becoming too complex. Readers will be able to understand your points better if you present them side by side Your intro identifies what is being assessed while the concluding paragraph may reveal a preference for one or the other position presented

4. F Comparison/contrast essay: method one—chunk/block method Using the chunk method you would first consider 3 points (from one of the works covered), which might be identified with one thing compared to or contrasted within your essay Now consider 3 similar points(from the other work covered), and do the same as above by identifying with the second thing compared to or contrasted within your essay. The first half argues one side of the comparison. The second half switches to argue the other side of the comparison. Intro Thesis Point 1 For A First half argues one side of the comparison Point 2 For A Point 3 For A Point 1 For B Second half switches to argue other side of the comparison Point 2 For B Point 3 For B Reword Thesis Conclusion