Writing Assignments

4. Compare Contrast Essays

The writing process:

1. Decision time:

1. What are the two of more items you are comparing? E.g. comparing two different novels.

2. What attributes are you comparing within them? E.g. comparing the development of the narrative elements.

3. Are you looking for both similarities and differences?

2. Research: reading and note-taking.

3. What is your thesis?  What has your research and subsequent thinking led you to believe?

4. Organise your ideas in a way that will help you structure.

Structure

There are two key ways to structure a compare/contrast essay.

1. Grouping information by item, with a comparison (analysis, synthesis and evaluation) that follows i.e. working down the columns of the table below.  (In the main, this is an easier way to write your assignment, but it is harder to ensure you include an appropriate level of analysis.)

2. Grouping information by attribute, comparing along the way, with analysis, synthesis and evaluation at the end i.e. working across the rows.  (In the main, this is a more difficult way to write your assignment, but it easier to ensure you include an appropriate level of analysis.)

NB  Please remember introductions and conclusions.