Comparison & Contrast Essay

Purpose:
This essay will be an extension of your ability with definition, as well as
enhance your ability to think analytically by discovering differences and
similarities in things, people, or ideas. In addition, you will learn more about
topic selection for academic writing. You will learn to write using either point-by-
point or subject-by-subject in order to organize your analyses more clearly.

Description:

Choose two things. They can be two people, two places, two things, or
two ideas. However, when choosing your topic, consider its value or importance
and why the two things should be compared and contrasted. Write an essay in
which you look at both the similarities and differences of your topic (you must
compare and contrast). You may organize your essay in either a point-by-point or
subject-by-subject manner, but be sure that you are organized and clear and that
your subjects are both thoroughly analyzed.

Requirements:

This is what you will be graded on: your essay needs to have a clearly
stated thesis statement. The two things that you choose to compare and contrast
must be thoroughly analyzed according to their similarities and differences. You
should have clearly stated topic sentences, and your paper should be well
organized. In addition, your essay needs to have unity and coherence. Although
you will not be graded specifically on grammar, mechanics and spelling, your
paper needs to be understandable and as polished as possible.
Format:
Your essay needs to be 4-6 pages, typed, double-spaced in 10-12 pt font.