The Writing Process
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Writing a Comparison-and-Contrast Essay
First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both, as well as state what can be learned from doing so. Be sure to make an argument in your thesis; explain to the reader what’s at stake in analyzing the relationship between your stated subjects.
Think-Pair-Share: Consider high school ESL vs college ESL. What is similar and what is different? Write down a few ideas. Show them to a classmate and share your combined ideas with the class. Would this topic be better suited to a comparison essay or a contrast essay? Give a reason for your answer. Which comparison or contrast is the most thought-provoking point?
