Norris Language Department

Compare/Contrast Essay

Assignment:

Write an essay comparing and contrasting two things, places, ideas, etc. 

Due Dates:

Rough Draft Due for Self-Evaluation:                       March 17

Rough Draft Due for Peer Evaluation:                     March 19

Final Draft Due:                                                          March 25

Comparing and contrasting ideas, items, people, or events is part of our human nature.  We compare ALL THE TIME.  In this essay you will show the similarities and differences between two related subjects.  You will need to provide vivid details in an organized essay to clearly communicate your ideas to the reader.

You may structure your essay either using the side-by-side or the point-by-point method.  Choose the structure that you believe works best for your topics.  Remember- organization is vital for a successful compare/contrast essay.

Format:

Introduction:

*Include some information that will catch the reader’s interest.   Also briefly mention the two subjects that will be discussed and the features by which they will be analyzed.

Body:

*Here you choose between the side-by-side or point-by-point formats.

*Use the appropriate headings (see the back for more specific requirements)

*Be sure to back up your points with DETAILS

Conclusion:

*Tie back to your introduction and leave the reader with a parting thought.

Assessment:

*Look through the rubric handed out in class.

If you choose the side-by-side organizational method, use these headings:

Topic 1:

                Feature 1:

                Feature 2:

                Feature 3:

Topic 2:

                Feature 1:

                Feature 2:

                Feature 3:

If you choose the point-by-point organizational method, use these headings:

Feature 1:

                Topic 1:

                Topic 2:

Feature 2:

                Topic 1:

                Topic 2:

Feature 3:

                Topic 1:

                Topic 2: