Comparative Essay Scaffold

Introduction:
 Identify both authors and titles of texts
 Respond to the topic – agreeing/challenging the premise
 3 big ideas that will match the 3 ideas of your topic sentences of your body paragraphs
 Use conjunctions and avoid a list approach
furthermore however therefore

also conversely thus

likewise on the other hand consequently

 Use words/phrases to show similarities and differences

Both writers show …. While Writer 1 demonstrates ….. Writer 2 shows ……

The two authors explore Writer 1 illustrates ….. however Writer 2 explores

Writer 1 shows …. similarly Writer 2

demonstrates

Paragraph 1, 2, & 3 follow same format

Topic Sentence – must link back to one of the big ideas in the introduction and relate to both
Make sure texts whether focussing on similarity or difference. Avoid focussing on plot points.
you do
not limit In a similar way Author 1 and Author 2 In contrast to Author 2, Author 1 depicts .…
your explore …
analysis to
major
characters Author 1 and Author 2 explore… While Author 1 critiques …Author 2 portrays a
, include positive representation of …
minor
characters Both authors demonstrate the … Author 1 questions …..whereas Author 2

The films also suggest …. Author 1 suggests… while author 2 challenges

Sentences to end paragraphs

Both texts demonstrate … Author 1 differs from Author 2 …

The director and the author both show Author 1’s appraisal of … contrasts with
that … Author 2’s critiques of

Both authors espouse that Author 1 implies that while Author 2

suggests that …