Comparison and contrast essays examine similarities and differences between two or more subjects, usually authors or texts.
Two common styles: Block style and Point by Point structure.
Focuses on each author in separate paragraphs.
Example:
Paragraph dedicated to Amy Tan.
Paragraph dedicated to Richard Rodriguez.
Paragraph dedicated to Joanna Kilgore Dowdy.
Allows individual exploration of each author's work but does not interconnect the authors.
Integrates multiple authors within the same paragraph.
Structure includes:
Topic Sentence: A broad statement relevant to all authors.
Example: "Schools play a significant role in shaping students' perceptions of their own language usage and background."
Comparative Analysis: Discuss similarities or contrasts across the works:
Start with one author, highlighting relevant experiences.
Example: "Tan speaks of how the English language used in school was very different from how she spoke at home, leading to confusion."
Use transition language to shift between authors:
"Similarly, Rodriguez shares his challenges with school and English language usage."
Continue to make connections between authors, providing insights into how their experiences align or differ.
Include quotes and citations:
For Tan, use paragraph numbers due to the absence of page numbers.
For Rodriguez, include published page numbers in citations.
Transition to the next author:
Example: "Kilgore Daudie has similar experiences concerning the British expectation in school."
Conclude with reinforcing the main topic to tie the paragraph together:
Reiterates the role of schools in influencing language perception.
Rough Drafts: Acknowledge that initial writings are not perfect; revision is crucial.
Strong Structure: Ensure paragraphs have:
A clear topic sentence that outlines the main idea.
Transitional language to guide readers through comparisons.
A closing sentence that reinforces the main argument.
Support and Resources: Seek assistance from tutors and coaches if struggling with development or structure.