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How to Write A
Comparative Essay
Compare:
Showing the similarities and differences between two
things.
Contrast:
Showing the differences between two things.
What is a Comparative Essay?
An essay that is both expository and persuasive.
An essay that deals with two texts (Example: After the
War and Speak or Romeo and Juliet and Forbidden City).
A comparative essay deals with both similarities and
differences within the two texts.
The comparative essay is a piece of critical writing,
which presents students with an opportunity to analyze
and evaluate texts based on a given idea, prompt, or
topic.
Comparison
Basketball
Volleyball
Players – 5 on floor
Players – 6 on floor
Court - larger
Court - smaller
Equipment - similar
Equipment - similar
Methods of Development
There are 2 main methods of development:
BLOCK METHOD
Novel 1: Topics A, B, and C
Novel 2: Topics A, B, and C
Novel 1 & 2: Similarities and differences
Sample Outline: How does a
character change?
BP1: After The War (RUTH)
Character in beginning
What causes the change?
Character at the end
BP2: Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)
Character in beginning
What causes the change?
Character at the end
BP3: Compare both characters
Show the similarities and differences between Ruth and
Juliet’s character change
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Novel 1&2: Topic A
Novel 1&2: Topic B
Novel 1&2: Topic C
Sample Outline: Character
Change
BP1: Characters in beginning
After The War (RUTH) and Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)
Show the similarities and differences
BP2: What causes the character to change?
After The War (RUTH) and Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)
Show the similarities and differences
BP3: Characters at the end
After The War (RUTH) and Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)
Show the similarities and differences
What Should I Include in My
Comparative Essay?
Begin with a strong introductory paragraph
As part of your introduction, ensure you have a clear thesis
statement
After you state your thesis, preview the supporting points
you will focus on (I.E. Conflict, Symbolism, and Character)
Details/References/Explanations/
Use Quotes that Support your Ideas
Transition Terms are very important
Conclusion
Planning your essay
Making an Outline
Outline: Sample
Introduction
Topic A – Conflict in After the War & Romeo and Juliet
Topic B – Relationships in After the War & Romeo and Juliet
Topic C – Setting in After the War & Romeo and Juliet
Conclusion
*5 Paragraphs
*Maintain the order of the texts in the body paragraphs
Introduction
Begin with a strong lead, which
‘hooks’ the reader
Provide necessary background info:
Authors, Texts, Relevant History
State Your Thesis
Preview the supporting details for
your thesis (Use Transition Words)
End the intro with a transitioning
sentence to the first topic
Body Paragraphs
Be Specific
EXPLAIN, rather than RE-TELLING THE STORY
Use Quotes that support what you are arguing
Keep. It. Simple. = CLARITY
Sample
Character change in R&J
Character change in ATW
Juliet: obedient daughter
Ruth: Depressed-dealing
with the aftermath of the
Holocaust
Falls in love and marries
Romeo
Rebels: refuses to marry Paris
Journey to Palestine
Transition sentence:
In the end: has hope and is
able to love
Similarly, there is an
important change of
character in After the War
Concluding sentence,
transition to next paragraph.
Conclusion
Consider re-stating your thesis (perhaps not word for
word)
Summarize the essay – bring it all together
Offer any parting reflections or a reflective question
DON’T try to re explain anything!