How to Write a Compare-and-Contrast Essay in 8 Easy Steps - DOC

							    How to Write a Compare-and-Contrast Essay
A compare-and-contrast essay might seem like the easiest type of paper to write: just find things that are
alike and then find things that are different. This task seems like an easy one, right? There’s a catch,
however. It is up to you to argue why those similarities and differences matter; otherwise, you don’t have
much of a paper. The following steps will guide you through the process of writing an effective compare-and-
contrast essay that actually has something valuable to say.

1) So they’re alike and they’re different. SO WHAT? A good paper will not simply offer a summary of
themes, characters, or plot. Your job is to think about how these comparisons and contrasts create
meaningful connections to a larger issue.

2) Create an effective thesis statement. Again, you need to say why the comparison and contrast is worthy of
note. Let’s say you want to compare and contrast the heroines of Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. Your
thesis might be this: “Although Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre are very different on the outside, their
shared internal values connects them in literary history and in the fight for women’s rights.” Now you have a
reason for your efforts and a compelling case for your audience’s attention.

The Point-by-Point Method. Present one point about A, and then go to
the parallel point about B. Move to the next point, and do the same thing.
This pattern tends to work better for long papers and those with many
subtopics.
First A: point 1 (plus support)
Then B: point 1 (plus support)
Then A: point 2 (plus support)
Then B: point 2 (plus support)
Then A: point 3 (plus support)
Then B: point 3 (plus support)


Point-by-Point Method Outline:
Point 1: Para. 1: Cats can clean themselves.
Para. 2: In contrast to cats, dogs need baths.
Point 2: Para. 3 Cats can exercise by themselves.
Para. 4 Unlike cats, dogs must be walked regularly.
Point 3: Para. 5 Cats do not require training.
Para. 6 Whereas cats need no training, dogs must be
trained.
Note that the transitions used in each outline (in contrast to; unlike; whereas)
emphasize the distinction being made between cats and dogs. For a more detailed
list of transitions, see Transitions handout in the Writing section online.
Transition words and other tips
To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you'll want to be
sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already
have given the reader an idea of the points you'll be making and the organization you'll be using,
but you can help her/him out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you
in signaling your intentions:

like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast,
in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but,
nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the
other hand.


THESIS:
While Batman and Superman share the same mission to defeat evil, they differ in terms of
their superhero abilities and the villains they face.


FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH:

Topic Sentence 1: Batman and Superman both are on a mission to defeat evil.. Specifically,
Batman lives in ….. where he is confronted by ….

Transition or Topic Sentence 2: Similarly, Superman is also on a mission to defeat evil and
desires to rid his city of…..

Concluding Sentence: Clearly, both Batman and Superman go to great lengths to vanquish
evil from their midst and for this reason both are greatly appreciated by the residents of
their towns. Concluding sentence reiterates the thesis AND answers the “So what?” question.


SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH:

Topic Sentence 3: Although Batman and Superman both spend their lives dedicated to
fighting against the forces of evil, they differ in terms of their superhero capabilities. For
example, Batman ….


Transition or Topic sentence 4: On the other hand, Superman….


Concluding sentence: Possessing differing superhero abilities signficantly influences the
way these heroes go about completing their missions. Concluding sentence reiterates the
thesis AND answers the “So what?” question.
THIRD BODY PARAGRAPH:

Topic Sentence 5: Finally, Batman and Superman differ in terms of the villains they face.
Batman’s arch nemesis is_________a villain who________.

Transition or Topic sentence 6: While Batman’s primary enemy is _______Superman’s is
_________.

Concluding sentence: Thankfully, both Batman and Superman prevail in defeating these
villains which enables them to restore order to their respective cities. Concluding sentence
reiterates the thesis AND answers the “So what?” question.




Let’s review what we’ve just discussed:

1. First refer to both characters and the quality you are addressing in your topic sentence.
Make sure your topic sentence reiterates part of the thesis.

2. Next, address the first character. Then use a transition and address the second character.

3. Last, end each paragraph with a concluding sentence that addresses both characters and
states why each point of comparison is signifcant. So what?

Include your own voice. One of the biggest challenges for a writer is to offer his or her own
take on a topic. You may feel that everyone else has already said everything there is to say
about your subject. Don’t be discouraged! Your own interpretation is what is most
valuable in the end.




Sample essay written by an actual student (not mine).


                              Superman vs. Batman

Introductory Paragraph – From the general to the specific. Thesis =last sentence of
the intro.
     Not often in literary history do two characters contrast and match each other so
well. Superman and Batman are the figure heads of DC comics and were the only
characters keeping the comic giant above the rising waters of collapse. It is natural
that the characters, both sixty plus years in print, have acquired a massive fan base.
The fan base of the two juggernauts of comics have been known to attack one
another with claims on who is superior or who is the most interesting. Thesis: With all
of the fan "wars" the origins of the characters, their secret identities, and the style
of justice they deliver have been the basis of determining who is truly the best comic
book character.

Point 1
       The origin of each character is significant. First let's talk about the Man of
Steel himself, Superman--or Clark Kent if you prefer. His comic book origin, oddly
enough, has gone through some odd changes during his tenure. Essentially the various
origin stories all have Superman coming from his home planet of Krypton in a rocket
and narrowly escaping the apocalypse that shattered his world; he is sent to the
planet Earth where he is found and raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent, a caring
couple from Smallville longing for a child. (However, in some versions of the tale,
Clark begins using his powers at a young age as the hero Superboy, but recently this
version of the story was removed from history as it didn't make sense in the
chronological time line.) Clark eventually leaves the city of Smallville to go to
Metropolis. There he develops the Superman persona we have all come to recognize
and begins to defend the world from the likes of Lex Luthor, Braniac, and various
foes.
       Batman, on the other hand, is a stark contrast to the Last Son of Krypton. For
starters, Batman's origins are slightly different from Superman’s. Unlike Superman,
Batman is born into a wealthy family as Bruce Wayne and lives a normal life until at a
very young age his parents are killed at gunpoint during a back alley robbery. The
murder of his parents is a pivotal moment that shapes young Bruce Wayne's life. As a
result of losing his parents, he is raised until the age of eighteen by his loyal butler
Alfred. At the age of eighteen, Bruce begins to travel the globe learning various
martial arts and weapons training. After about six or seven years of globe hopping,
Bruce returns to Gotham City and finds it corrupted beyond all belief. With crime
lords ruling the streets and government offices, Bruce decides to take matters in his
own hands. Using the bat--an image to strike fear in the crooks and villains of the
city--Bruce develops the persona Batman. With all his newly acquired skills and
technology courtesy of his own company Wayne Enterprises, Bruce wages an all out
war against crime. Clearly, Superman and Batman’s origins differ from one another.
Point 2
       Next, although Superman and Batman possess different origins, they are both
similar in that they each have created secret identities. Superman's secret identity is
often a major topic of discussion when the nerds gather. One argument is that
Superman is his real identity and Clark Kent is his alter ego since he was born with his
powers instead of gaining them in life. Others argue that he is Clark Kent that just so
happens to be Superman since he was raised to be human and later discovered he had
powers. Either way both sides agree that Clark Kent purposefully behaves in a mild
mannered way so as to seem different from “Superman” in every way. Clumsy,
bumbling, and not “all there,” best describes Clark when compared to his Superman
persona. It is amazing that the only thing hiding his real identity is a pair of glasses
and a "spit-curl.” Clark goes so far out of his way to be different from Superman that
he often fools those he is around all the time, both as Superman and as Clark. For
example, Lois Lane, Clark's love interest, never figures out the identity of Superman
despite being the one human, other than those of the superhero society, to be around
Superman the most. Specifically,…            . Lois’s inability to discover that Clark is
Superman shows the lengths Clark goes to in order to change his personality.
Superman’s secret identity enables him to fight crime more effectively.
      Like Superman, Bruce is also required to take up a secret identity in order to
remain safe as he fights crime. Bruce did this by making Batman and Bruce
fundamentally different. Bruce is seen primarily in the day and only out at night for
mandatory public engagements to distract any possible ideas of him being Batman. In
stark contrast, Batman is never seen in the day time (unless he is fighting with the
Justice League) and never makes public appearances (again unless he is with the
Justice League). Bruce is fun and outgoing: he tries anything and everything. He
becomes a billionaire playboy spending outrageous amounts of money on lavish
luxuries. By contrast, Batman is brooding and often rude to those he is around (and
yes even the Justice League). He never behaves outlandishly; his behavior is never
over the top. Specifically, ….       .Another question often asked is, "Is Batman the
alter ego or is it Bruce Wayne?" Much like the Superman debate this issue of identity is
highly disputed. Ultimately, however, Batman’s secret identity aids Batman in
completing his mission. Both Superman and Batman are more effective in fighting
crime on account of their secret identities.
 Point 3
       Moreover, Superman and Batman’s secret identities enable them to deliver
their own brand of justice. Instead of hunting down villains, Superman just stands
back and reacts to every crisis, threat, and emergency, always protecting the lives of
the innocent--and sometimes the evil--from immediate danger. Only after everyone is
safe will he take on the main threat that is at hand. For example,…
     Batman, on the other hand, has a completely different style of fighting crime.
His style of justice is like that of a cowboy in the western movies of old. He comes
into a crime filled town and hunts down the cancer that is killing the city. While he is
proactive instead of reactive, Batman is more of a detective. He uses his brains to
hunt down his villains. While smarter than the average human, Batman is still only
human and makes mistakes in his judgment, often plaguing him throughout his life.
For example, … .While the differing styles of justice distinguish Superman and
Batman from one another, what is most important is that they both share a mission to
defeat evil.

Conclusion Conclusion draws a conclusion and answers the “So what” question. So
why does this topic matter?
     Superman and Batman are not the only superheroes who have made an impact on
readers and moviegoers for several decades. Movies about superheroes seem to be on
the rise. Americans flock to theaters to see Spiderman, Wolverine, The Hulk, and Iron
Man. In a world that seems precarious and beyond our control, we often admire
individuals who possess the courage and strength to fight the evil many of us feel
powerless to vanquish. Although superheroes with special powers are fictional
characters, there are many unassuming heroes living among us. Acts of courage
displayed by seemingly ordinary citizens abound. The New York City firefighters who
selflessly rushed in and sacrificed their own lives trying to save others in the stricken
World Trade Center on 9/11/01 and the rescue workers and doctors working around
the clock to save victims of Haiti’s earthquake are true heroes.




Posted by Jordan Jennings at 8:58 PM     Ms. Fishbein took liberties and made several
changes to the essay for the purpose of providing you with a model.