ELEMENTS OF GREAT WRITING What Is a Comparison Essay? A comparison essay is one of the most common forms of essay writing. In a comparison essay, the writer discusses the simil ics and/or differences between two subjects. Even though this kind of writing is called “comparison,” it is possible to focus on only comparison (similarities), onl trast (differences), or comparison and contrast (similarities and differences), Choosing Subjects to Compare In an effective essay of this type, the writer discusses two subjects that do not appear to be similar but are presented in a way that readers can see the not-so-obvious similarities. It is also possible to do the opposite—pointing out the hidden differences between two subjects that appear similar on the sur her way, the writer makes the reader think about the two subjects in a new, deeper way. Here are some appropriate topics for comparison essays: + watching movies at the theater or at home + hybrid vs. conventional cars + breakfast dishes in Japan and China activity 1 | Choosing appropriate comparison topics Read these titles. Check (V) the three that are the most appropriate for a comparison essay. Be prepared to explain your choices. 1. Why People Should Be Vegetarians x 2. Laptop and Desktop Computers ____, 3. Reducing Your Blectricity Usage i 4. Growing Up as an Only Child or Growing Up with Siblings - 0 5. Male and Female Bosses _ 6. Writing a Successful Résumé Organizing a Comparison Essay You can organize a comparison essay in two ways: the block method or the point-by-point method. Regardless of the method you use, you must choose points of compar’ to compare and/or contrast. For example if your two subjects are life in London in 1900). fe London in 2000, you might include three points of comparison: populatios lowy,and transportation, () LUNIT 6 + Comparison Essaysean) ‘Snapshots of London: 1900 and 2000 | Snapshots of Lond | Introduction 1. Introduction | Mk London in 1900 1, Population | A. Population A. London in 1900 | BeTechnology B, London in 2000 | fe lighting Il Technology | Rheating ‘A. London in 1900 3. transallantic communication systems 41 lighting | ©. Transportation 2. heating London in 2000 3, transatlantic communication systems | A: Population B, London in 2000 B. Technology 1, lighting 4. lighting 2. heating | 2 heating 3. transatlantic communication systems | transatlantic communication systems IV, Transportation |G. Transportation ‘A. London in 1900 | IM.Conclusion B, London in 2000 | V. Conclusion activity 2 | Making an outline for a comparison essay Complete the outline with words and phrases from the box below. Chicago hurricanes Miami ‘comparison introduction names | effects location ‘temperature | Title: The Weather in Chicago and Miami 1 HOV) I. Body Paragraph 1 (Point of comparison 1): The number of seasons ‘A. Chicago 1. Location 2. Number and names of seasons ‘SUPPORT B. Miami 1_locetion 2. Number and AQ of seasons 137)ML. Body Parageaph 2 (Point of comparison 2):'The extreme temperatures a, Chicago 1, Worst eason 2, Supporting facts temperature ap Mam 1. Worst season Tempetalere 2, Supporting IV. Body Paragraph 3 (Point of COrn P7241 SoM); Severe weather conditions A.Chicago 1. Blizzard 2. When blizzards occur 3, Ef foc: 3B. Miami of abl 1, Hurricane 2.When Wa ticane © — wcur 3. Effects of a hurricane V. Conclusion activity 3 | Expanding a paragraph into an essay Paragraph 6.1 has been expanded into Essay 6.1. Connect similar portions of and essay using lines or different-colored highlighters. Then answer the questi [ woRDS TO KNOW Eosay 6.1 | constant: (adj) happening all the time; preference: (n) ling one thing | continuous another | constitute: (v) o make up, compose resident: (n) a person who lives oy frigid: (adj) freezing, very cold | humidity: (n) the amount of moisture in the air (0) a danger iMustrate: (y) to give examples, explain rable: (ad)) 20 painful or diff. at one | paralyze: (y) to cause a loss of the ability to move cannot continue | or function urban: (ad)) related to the city (ve) UNIT 6 + Comparison Essays 2 (ad) very strongMiami Beach, Florida 4. Whats the purpose of this essay? Begin your sentence with The purpose of... The potgnse of this edtay 19 to Compa ie — wealhey m el aoa J Mam, Vv 2. Which method of organization does the writer use: point-by-point or block? Panknby Sum) 3. Circle the writer’s hook. What kind of hook is it? Gye eee eee 4. Underline the thesis statement. Is the thesis restated in the conclusion? lye... Ifyes, underline that sentence (or sentences). 5. Underline the topic sentence for each body paragraph. How do the topic sente:) relate to the thesis statement? od lope. Sentence gates one oF + Adlexenceds 1a chuade helween the dup ¢ 1B 6. Reread the concluding paragraph. Does the writer offer a suggestion, an opinion, or a prediction? B09. ye) 140 UNIT 6 = Comparison Essaysactivity 4 | Brainstorming and outlining practice In Activity 1, you identified three titles for comparison essays. Choose one of those titles and brainstorm ideas for the topic on a piece of paper. Then with a partner or on your own, develop a general outline for an essay using the outline below. Title: = Organizational method: 1, Introduction ‘Thesis statement: I. Body Paragraph 1 (Point of comparison 1); _ SUPPORT IMI, Body Paragraph 2 (Point of comparison 2): ‘SUPPORT IV. Body Paragraph 3 (Point of comparison 3): ‘SUPPORT: | | ' V. Conclusion Concluding statement: 141