The

elements of
a
Comparativ
e Essay
10th Grade English 2015

What is a comparative
essay?
A comparison and contrast essay focuses on the
similarities and differences between two or more
ideas or items. The goals of a compare and
contrast essay are varied. Some comparison and
contrast essays are designed to foster critical
thinking skills. Other times, the author may write
a comparison and contrast to help the audience
make a decision about a topic, such as which
political candidate to vote for. Understanding the
parts of a comparison and contrast essay will
help you write an effective, well-organized essay.

Elements of a CE
Introduction and Thesis
Comparison Section
Contrast Section
Conclusion

Introduction and
Thesis
The introduction of the comparison and contrast paper should
cover the main point that you will be discussing. Explain to
the audience what you will be comparing and contrasting.
The introduction should also have a strong thesis statement.
The thesis statement should overview the key similarities and
the key differences between the two items in a general way. It
may also explain the significance of the differences and
similarities.
For example, "Majoring in psychology and sociology both lead to
careers that study people and how they think and interact.
However, majoring in psychology allows students to help people
directly through therapy and counseling services."

Introduction
Structure
Background information on the topics/texts
to be compared and contrasted.
A clear Thesis Statement that ANSWERS the
question
expressing
your
view/point/position.
Arguments that support your TS, and make
sure that these arguments are GENERAL and
not specific, that they are MAIN IDEAS and
not details. That is what your body
paragraphs are for.

Body Tips
You can compare and then contrast or vice versa.
You must be specific.
You must use the P-E-E Essay Structure for each
paragraph, because there should only be one point to
each.
Do NOT be superficial. If you use the right structure you
will be giving enough detail to support all ideas presented.
Present everything as if the reader of your essay has not
read the book nor the question.
Do NOT compare and contrast in the same paragraph.

Comparison Section
(Body)
The first section of the essay should compare the
two or more items being discussed. Provide details
about the key similarities and use descriptive detail
and examples to illustrate your points.
For example, when comparing a psychology major
with a sociology major, you might give specific details
about how the degree plans are similar, using actual
examples of courses included in the majors from your
university's student handbook. You might also explain
how the sequence of required courses are similar by
including a side-by-side comparison of the courses
students in each major take during specific years of
their degree programs.

Contrast Section (Body)

After you have explained the similarities, you should
explain the main differences between the items. Like
the comparison section, you should use actual
examples and provide enough detail so the audience
can follow the logic of your contrast section.
For the psychology and sociology majors example, you
might explain the differences between the goals of
each of the programs. For instance, many psychology
programs are geared toward helping students work
toward a master's degree in counseling, whereas many
sociology degrees are intended to help students get
into graduate school to eventually earn a PhD, where
they will conduct research in sociology.

Body Structure
Comparative Section:

Paragraph 1

Point of Comparison

Evidence of the similarity

Explanation of how the evidence relates to the point.

Paragraph 2

Point of Comparison

Evidence of the similarity

Explanation of how the evidence relates to the point.

Contrast Section:

Paragraph 3

Point of Contrast

Evidence of the difference

Explanation of how the evidence relates to the point.

Paragraph 4

Point of Contrast

Evidence of the difference

Explanation of how the evidence relates to the point.

Conclusion
After you have thoroughly compared and contrasted the
options, briefly summarize the key similarities and
differences.
After the brief recap, explain the significance of the
similarities and differences.
If the assignment asks you to come to a conclusion about
which option is preferable, make a strong statement
about which option is best, given the criteria, and support
your decision with evidence presented in the paper.
Do NOT present new information. This is not the place for
it.

Conclusion Structure
A 2-3 sentence summary of the MAIN
points presented in the Body.
1-2 sentences explaining the significance
of the similarities or differences.
A STRONG statement that supports your
point of view.

REMEMBER
Brainstorm your essay.
Outline your essay
K-I-S-S your essay.
Re-read and Proofread your essay.
And NEVER use I, you wrote the essay so I know it
is your opinion, what you are writing, how you feel,
etc. so there is no need for you to put statements like
these in your writing. In English, writing is
straightforward and direct, we do not beat around
the bush.