Writing Application
Learn
Now that you can identify similarities and differences, it is time to write your own compare and contrast essay! In this lesson, you will learn how to organize your ideas and write clear paragraphs that show how two things are alike and different.
Two Ways to Organize Your Essay
Method 1: Block Method
Write everything about the first subject, then write everything about the second subject.
Paragraph 1: Introduction - Introduce both subjects
Paragraph 2: All about Subject A
Paragraph 3: All about Subject B
Paragraph 4: Conclusion - Summarize similarities and differences
Method 2: Point-by-Point Method
Compare both subjects on one point, then compare them on the next point.
Paragraph 1: Introduction - Introduce both subjects
Paragraph 2: Compare Point 1 (both subjects)
Paragraph 3: Compare Point 2 (both subjects)
Paragraph 4: Compare Point 3 (both subjects)
Paragraph 5: Conclusion - Summarize and share your thoughts
Writing Strong Compare and Contrast Sentences
Use transition words to connect your ideas:
- For similarities: both, similarly, likewise, also, in the same way, like
- For differences: however, but, on the other hand, unlike, in contrast, while
Examples
Sample Essay: Books vs. Movies
Introduction
Have you ever read a book and then watched the movie based on it? Books and movies are two popular ways to enjoy stories, but they give us very different experiences. While both can take us on exciting adventures, each has its own special features that make it unique.
Body Paragraph 1: Imagination
One major difference between books and movies is how we use our imagination. When you read a book, you create pictures in your mind. You imagine what the characters look like, how they sound, and what the places in the story look like. However, when you watch a movie, the director makes those choices for you. You see exactly what the characters and settings look like on the screen. Some people prefer using their own imagination, while others enjoy seeing someone else's vision brought to life.
Body Paragraph 2: Details
Books and movies also differ in how much detail they can include. Books can describe a character's thoughts and feelings in great detail. Authors can write pages about what a character is thinking. On the other hand, movies show us actions and expressions, but they cannot easily show us what is happening inside a character's mind. Similarly, books can include more events and subplots because they are not limited by time. Movies usually need to cut some parts of the story to fit into two hours.
Body Paragraph 3: Enjoyment
Both books and movies can be enjoyed in different ways. Books can be read anywhere - on a bus, in bed, or at the park. You can read at your own pace and go back to reread your favorite parts. Likewise, movies offer their own kind of enjoyment. They combine pictures, music, and sound effects to create an exciting experience. Both books and movies can make us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats with excitement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, books and movies are both wonderful ways to experience stories. Books let us use our imagination and include more details, while movies bring stories to life with pictures and sound. Instead of choosing one over the other, why not enjoy both? You might find that reading the book first and then watching the movie gives you the best of both worlds!
Practice
Now it is your turn! Choose one of the topics below and plan a compare and contrast essay.
Topic Options:
- Two sports you enjoy
- Two characters from books you have read
- School lunch vs. packed lunch
- Playing outside vs. playing video games
- Two holidays you celebrate
Planning Template
My two subjects: _________________ and _________________
Three similarities:
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
Three differences:
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
Organization method I will use: Block / Point-by-Point
Check Your Understanding
Answer these 10 questions about writing compare and contrast essays.
1. What are the two main methods for organizing a compare and contrast essay?
Show Answer
The two main methods are the Block Method (all about Subject A, then all about Subject B) and the Point-by-Point Method (compare both subjects on each point before moving to the next point).
2. Which transition word signals a similarity?
A) However
B) Unlike
C) Similarly
D) But
Show Answer
C) Similarly. This word shows that two things are alike. The other words (however, unlike, but) signal differences.
3. In the Block Method, what do you write about in the second paragraph?
Show Answer
In the Block Method, the second paragraph covers everything about the first subject (Subject A). All the details, features, and information about that subject go in one paragraph.
4. What should you include in the introduction of a compare and contrast essay?
Show Answer
The introduction should introduce both subjects you will be comparing and give the reader an idea of what the essay will discuss. It can also include a hook to grab the reader's attention.
5. Which sentence correctly uses a contrast transition word?
A) Both soccer and basketball are team sports.
B) Soccer is played outside; however, basketball is usually played indoors.
C) Like soccer, basketball requires running.
D) Soccer and basketball both use a ball.
Show Answer
B) Soccer is played outside; however, basketball is usually played indoors. "However" signals that a difference is coming.
6. In the sample essay about books and movies, what is the main point of Body Paragraph 2?
Show Answer
Body Paragraph 2 discusses how books and movies differ in the amount of detail they can include. Books can describe thoughts and include more events, while movies are limited by time and show actions instead of thoughts.
7. Why is it helpful to use a Venn diagram before writing a compare and contrast essay?
Show Answer
A Venn diagram helps you organize your thoughts before writing. It clearly shows similarities (in the middle) and differences (on the sides), making it easier to plan your paragraphs.
8. What should the conclusion of a compare and contrast essay do?
Show Answer
The conclusion should summarize the main similarities and differences discussed in the essay. It can also share your opinion or give the reader something to think about.
9. Rewrite this sentence using a similarity transition word: "Dogs need exercise. Cats need exercise."
Show Answer
Sample answers: "Both dogs and cats need exercise." OR "Like dogs, cats need exercise." OR "Dogs need exercise; similarly, cats need exercise too."
10. When would you choose the Point-by-Point Method over the Block Method?
Show Answer
The Point-by-Point Method works well when you want readers to see direct comparisons between subjects on specific features. It is especially useful when you have many points to compare or when you want to emphasize how the subjects relate to each other on each point.
Next Steps
- Write a complete compare and contrast essay using your planning template
- Ask a friend or family member to read your essay and give feedback
- Practice using transition words in your everyday writing
- Move on to the Unit Checkpoint to test all your compare and contrast skills