Making Comparisons

#1 Collect Data From Sources

Item
Main
Characters
List some of the
important traits

Setting
Describe the
main features of
the setting. How
does this setting
feel? How should
this setting feel?
Conflicts
What are the
sources and
types of conflicts
presented?

Plot
How is the main
problem solved?
What steps did
the character(s)
have to take?

The Giraffe

Harrison Bergeron

Narrative
What is the
theme of the
story? What is
the author's
main message
for us?

Making Comparisons
#2 Look for topics to write about
A comparison looks at how things are similar AND how things are different.
COMMON TOPICS

&

THEMES

SIMILARITIES

DIFFERENCES

Making Comparisons
#3 Writing a Comparison Paragraph
Topic Sentence identify the sources used, and the specific common topic of the comparison.

Point #1 an important similarity that is connected to the common topic and to theme.

Proof #1A -- example from first story that demonstrates your point

Proof #2B -- example from second story that demonstrates your point

Explanation Sentence state how the proofs demonstrate Point #1

Point #2 an important difference that connects to the common topic and to theme

Proof #2A example from first story that demonstrates your point

Proof #2B example from second story that demonstrates your point

Explanation Sentence state how the proofs demonstrate Point #2

Concluding Sentence restate the topic and why the theme is important