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
Players – 5 on floor
Court - larger
Equipment - similar
Volleyball
Players – 6 on floor
Court - smaller
Equipment - similar
Methods of Development
There are 2 main methods of development:
BLOCK METHODNovel 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 beginningWhat causes the change?Character at the end
BP2: Romeo and Juliet (JULIET)Character in beginningWhat causes the change?Character at the end
BP3: Compare both charactersShow the similarities and differences between Ruth and Juliet’s character change
SIDE-BY-SIDENovel 1&2: Topic ANovel 1&2: Topic BNovel 1&2: Topic C
Sample Outline: Character Change
BP1: Characters in beginningAfter 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 endAfter 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 thesisstatement
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 essayMaking 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
IntroductionBegin 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
Juliet: obedient daughter
Falls in love and marries Romeo
Rebels: refuses to marry Paris
Transition sentence:
Similarly, there is an important change of character in After the War
Character change in ATW
Ruth: Depressed-dealing with the aftermath of the Holocaust
Journey to Palestine
In the end: has hope and is able to love
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!