Compare and Contrast Essay Comp 100 SUNY Oneonta

Comp 100
The Compare/Contrast Essay

1st Draft Due Tue Oct 28
Final Draft Due Thu Nov 6

Write an essay of 750 words comparing AND contrasting two similar things. By similar items, I mean items that are very closely related. Although apples and oranges are both fruits, they are too different to compare and contrast effectively; however, you may compare two types of apples (i.e. Granny Smith and McIntosh). Here are some other examples: A novel and a movie based from it. A movie and a remake. Manhattan Clam Chowder and New England Clam Chowder. Snow Skiing and Water skiing.

Choose a topic that it interesting to you. Also, always try to write about something you know. This essay should require little to no research. Please have a topic selected by Tuesday, October 21. Every topic must be approved by me.

This is a formal, academic essay. The use of "you" is not allowed. There should also be no contractions in this essay. Please avoid using "I" as well, except in instances when you are referring to a personal example.

Transitions are very important in this essay. Some transitions that could be used in this essay are: (comparison) Just as....so, like, likewise, in comparison, similarly, also (contrast) although, but, conversely, on the other hand, on the contrary, unlike, whereas

You must use evidence to back up any statements. That means specific examples and explanations. Don't use "I think"; this is your essay, it is a given that this is what you think.

Structuring a Compare and Contrast Essay

Both of the structures outlined below are acceptable. I think point by point builds a stronger argument, though.

Subject by Subject (Block)

Thesis: Even though New England Clam Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder are both hearty clam soups, they each appeal to different tastes.

New England
      I. Ingredients
     II. Color and Consistency
     III. Taste
Manhattan
      I. Ingredients
     II. Color and Consistency
     III. Taste

Conclusion: Restate Thesis and main points

Point by Point

Thesis: Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" is one of the scariest horror movies, and while the plot is basically the same, there are some drastic changes made from the novel, which were reintroduced to film in the miniseries "Steven King's The Shining".

Characters
      Danny
      Jack
     Sonny

Setting and Scenery
     Hotel
     Hotel Rooms
     The hedges

Plot lines
     Jack's Insanity
    Ghosts and weirdos
    Danny's Curse/ Gift.

Conclusion: Restate Thesis and points

Transitional words for comparing and contrasting:

Comparison	Contrast
likewise, also, just , like, similar, similarly, equally, both, and so does (will, can is, etc.), resembles, as … as, the same as, identical to, in the same way as, not unlike, neither … nor, neither can (do, does, will etc.)	unlike, whereas, while, however, but, on the other hand, not as (so) … as, different from, less … than, more … than, opposite to, the reverse of, otherwise, having said that, alternatively, instead of, by contrast, conversely, on the contrary, although