What a Comparison Essay does:
examines how two related subjects are similar and different
may focus on comparing, contrasting, or both
should either say that the two subjects
are more different than similar,
are more similar than different,
or share both similarities and differences.
Review: You have. . .
understood the definition and characteristics of a Comparison Essay (page 98)
evaluated the different methods of organizing Comparison Essays (page 99)
Point-by-point method
Block method
Flag this page and refer to it as needed for future writing
evaluated different topics for Comparison Essays (page 100)
When choosing a suitable topic for a Comparison Essay, consider the following questions:
1) Are the two subjects related in some way?
2) Is there a logical reason for making the comparison or contrast?
3) What features do the subjects have in common?
4) What features do they NOT share ?
5) Can I develop a thesis by comparing and contrasting their traits?
practiced your brainstorming skills to determine supporting details and structure for a Comparison Essay (page 102)
studied and analyzed a sample Comparison Essay: “Online and Face-to-Face Learning in the Digital Age” (pages 103 – 105)
Pay attention to how each paragraph is developed. Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph will be about. The paragraph explains, describes, and gives examples of the topic sentence, and each paragraph supports the thesis statement.
