Compare/Contrast Assignment

Compare/Contrast Essay Assignment: 1,000 Words (about four pages)

In a compare/contrast essay, you will use skills you already possess and use every day. When you get up in the morning, for instance, you may contrast two choices of clothing—a short-sleeved shirt vs. a long-sleeved one—and then make your decision, or you may contrast and choose between sugar-coated Lucky Charms or Kashi 7 Grain. You will weigh the health advantages of walking to campus and the speed afforded by driving or riding a bike. You compare teachers and restaurants; similarly, you compare movies, books, girls/guys, candy, chips, drinks, classes, sports, players, pretty much everything without even realizing it. Compare/contrast helps you to make a decision or a judgment about two or more objects, persons, ideas, or feelings.

When you write a comparison or contrast essay, your opinion about the two or more elements in question becomes your thesis statement; the body of the paper then shows why you arrived at that opinion. For example, if your thesis states that McDonald’s is preferable to Burger King, your body paragraphs might contrast the two restaurants in terms of food, service, and atmosphere: finally revealing the superiority of McDonald’s on all three counts (or, you can bring in a third element: discovering that on all counts, it’s better to eat at home or at another restaurant).

There are two principal patterns of organization for comparison or contrast essays. For a short paper, you should choose one pattern and stick with it throughout the essay. In a longer essay, you may mix the patterns for variety. But, as long as you maintain clarity and logical organization, the choice is yours.
Pattern One: Point by point
The body paragraphs compare or contrast the two subjects first on point one, then on point two, then three, and so on. So in the McD’s and BK example, it would go something like this:
Introduction
Point 1: Food
McD’s
BK
Point 2: Service
McD’s
BK
Point 3: Atmosphere
McD’s
BK
Conclusion
If you choose this pattern, you must make a smooth transition from McD’s to BK in each discussion to avoid choppiness. Be consistent
Pattern Two: The Block
This method presents body paragraphs in which the writer first discusses McD’s on points 1,2,and 3 and then discusses BK on the same points.
Thesis: McDonald’s is a better family restaurant than Burger King because of its superior food, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere.
McD’s
Food
Service
Atmosphere
BK
Food
Service
Atmosphere
Conclusion

Which pattern you use is up to you.

Some Topic Ideas:

Two political candidates and their views/policies on one issue
Two of the readings we’ve done for this class or readings you’ve done for another class
Two different points of view on the same thing or situation (think Samuel Clemens’s “Two Ways of Viewing the River.”
An expectation and its reality
A first impression and a later point of view
Two views on a current controversial issue (campus, local, or national), but be aware of the off-limits topics
Two conflicting theories you are studying for another class
A memory of a person or place vs. a more recent encounter (an ex or a childhood friend)
Coverage of the same story by two different newspapers or magazines
Two essays with similar themes but different styles or similar styles but different themes
Two paintings/ photographs/ advertisements
Two places that are special for you in different ways
An opinion you had before college that has changed
Your attitude toward a social custom or belief and your parents’ attitude toward that belief or custom.
The possibilities are limitless (but be aware of off-limits topics)

Topic Proposal for Compare/Contrast Essay

Selecting the right subject is important. To help clarify your ideas and strengthen your topic choice, use this proposal sheet. Be aware that your ideas may change as you write.
What two different subjects will your essay discuss? In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?
Who is the audience for your essay?