How to Structure Comparative Essays

Paragraph 1:  Introduction
     What are the two things you are going to compare?
     State that you are going to compare and contrast them?
     Be creative and pull the reader in.

Paragraph 2:  Similarities or Positives
     Use a transition sentence to introduce the paragraph.
     Give 3-5 ways the two things are alike.  Don't use basic ones.
     Wrap up the paragraph with a closing sentence.

Paragraph 3:  Differences or Negatives
     Use a transition sentence to introduce the paragraph.
     Give 3-5 ways the two things are different.  Don't use basic ones.
     State something about one thing, then how the second is different.
     Wrap up the paragraph with a closing sentence.

Paragraph 4:  Conclusion
     State your topic again and how you compared and contrasted them.
     Finish the essay with a Big Finish.  Possibly put your opinion in there.

OVERALL TIPS

  • Don't forget about style and creative language.  Use adjectives, the 5 senses, and synonyms to spice up your language.
  • Know your Audience.  Don't use simple sentences if the paper is for teachers and older students to read.
  • Give an opening and closing sentence to paragraphs 2 and 3.  For example, "Cats and dogs are similar in many ways.  Here are some of them."
  • Put proof after each of your similarities.  Don't just say they're similar because _______.  Explain how you know that's true.
  • Worry about spelling grammar only at the end of editing.  Just don't forget to do it.  When in doubt, look the word up.
  • Read your essay aloud, and have others read it aloud, so you "hear" your mistakes more clearly.
Last modified: Sunday, August 5, 2012, 5:52 PM