Comparative Analytical Writing

“SIM, DIFF, IMP”

Objective
Write a coherent thesis statement for a paragraph or essay you could write
comparing two literary works, two aspects of the same work, etc.

Step One: OBSERVE the two things you are comparing

Step Two: Create a T-Chart with heading on one side labeled “SIMS” and the
Heading of the other side labeled “DIFFS”

On the chart, note the SIMilarities of and DIFFerences between the

two things you are comparing

Step Three: Circle the most interesting SIM or Diff.

Step Four: Put a box around the SIM or DIFF that relates to the “most
Interesting” Diff or SIM you circled before (you should now have
circled or “boxed” one SIM, and one DIFF).

Step Five: Make notes on the IMPlications that arise from the comparison. In
Other words, why is the “most interesting” SIM or Diff significant?

Step Six: Write a coherent, precise, substance filled sentence stating ONE WAY
that the two things are similar, ONE WAY that they are different, and
WHAT the implication is (or why it matters). Be sure to name both
“things” clearly in the sentence. Do not use the words “similar” and
“different”; instead, state the SIMS and DIFFS.

Your comparative thesis might have a structure that looks something like this:

1. While Work #1 and Work #2 (both) _________________________, Work #1 does it

“ONE WAY” and Work #2 does it “DIFF WAY,” indicating that ________________.

2. While Work #1 and Work #2 (both) ____________________________, Work #1

“ONE IDEA” and Work #2 “DIFF IDEA,” suggesting that _____________________.

3. While Work #1 and Work #2 differ in ____________________________, they both

“SIM,” implying that ____________________________________.
Now what?
 As with any thesis statement, this argument will guide the content of your
paragraph or paper. As with any essay or paragraph, the body of your paper
will show HOW or WHY your thesis is true.
 For a comparative essay or paragraph, you might want to first establish the
similarity you have identified between the two things. Having done that, you
might then want to show how the two things are different, providing ample
support from the text. On the other hand, you might do the latter in reverse,
if the focus of your argument lies on the SIM.
 For an essay, you may want to refer “THING 1” or “THING 2” within separate
paragraphs devoted to each thing, and/or you might devote a separate
paragraph bringing the two things together (could be your conclusion).