COMPARIOSON AND CONTRAST ESSAY

Whether you use Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or some other word process to create your essays, save them as .rtf (rich text format). Doing so ensures I will be able to open and read them.

Comparison-Contrast Essay

Write a 500-750 word essay using comparison/contrast as a method of development.

Include an outline with your essay. There is an example of an outline in the descriptive essay lesson.

Use MLA format. Courier New font, size 12. There is an example of MLA format in the descriptive lesson.

Writing Approach

Determine exactly what you are going to compare and/or contrast.  Be sure that your items have sufficient relationship to be compared/contrasted (you would not choose to compare/contrast a slug and a computer).

Decide whether you will use the point-by-point or block method of organization, and be consistent.  Either method is acceptable.

Give some thought to the order of presentation of points being compared and contrasted.  You might want to use order of importance, size, etc.

Writing Assignment

Purpose: to inform

Method of Development: comparison/contrast

For topics, see the list at the end of the Comparison-Contrast chapter in The Longman Reader.  If you prefer to use a topic not on the list,  send me your choice for approval through Messages.

Have a purpose for writing. Do not simply list the differences between two things. That is not an essay. That is a list.

Please do not compare two sports teams.

TOPIC OPTIONS

LIVING AT HOME VERSUS IN AN APARTMENT OR DORM

A SPORTS TEAM THEN AND NOW

MARRIAGE VERSUS LIVING TOGETHER

TALKING ON THE PHONE VERSIS TEXTING

TWO APPRAOCHES TO STUDYING

TWO APPROACHES TO PARENTING