Comparison and contrast essay

A comparison and contrast essay explains the similarities and differences between two topics (ideas, people, or things). You can follow these steps when writing a comparison and contrast essay:

1. Have an introduction (relevant information about the 2 topics being compared and contrasted). 

2. Include a thesis statement (purpose for comparing and contrasting).

3. Support your thesis throughout the essay (examples and details related to the thesis statement).

4. Include all points of comparison and contrast (All points need to be discussed for each topic).

5. Add specific details and examples (illustrate similarities and differences).

6. Have a conclusion. (summarize main ideas of the essay and include any final thoughts).

One way to organize a comparison contrast essay is to use point-bypoint organization, in which each
point of comparison becomes the topic of a paragraph.

I. Introduction in which you state your purpose which is to discuss differences between vacationing in the mountains or at the beach.

II. First difference between mountains and beaches is climate:
A. Mountains
B. Beach

III. Second difference between mountains and beaches are types of activities
A. Mountains
B. Beach

IV. Third difference between mountains and beaches is the location
A. Mountains
B. Beach

V. Conclusion

In block organization, you arrange similarities together in a block and all the differences together in a block.

- When you use this pattern, you can discuss either the similarities first or the differences first.

- You can write a transition paragraph (or sentence) between the 2 blocks.

I. Introduction in which you state your purpose which is to discuss the differences between vacationing in the mountains or at the beach.

II. Mountain
A. Climate
B. Types of Activities
C. Location

III. Beach
A. Climate
B. Types of Activities
C. Location

IV. Conclusion