1. HOW TO WRITE A
SUCCESSFUL ESSAY

2. What are Comparison and Contrast Essays?
Comparing things is something we do every day
when we have to make decisions. For example, you
might think of similarities or differences when we are
buying a new MP3 player or choosing a college to
attend.
You may need to evaluate two sides of an issue you
have studied in a class or two proposals for research
or projects in Science.
In these cases, you will need to write an essay or
report to discuss your ideas about the topic. This is a
comparison and contrast essay.

3. Comparison/Contrast Essay Organization
Like other types of essays, a comparison and contrast
essay must have a clear introduction and conclusion.
The body of the essay can be organized many
ways. We will learn the point by point
organization.

4. THE INTRODUCTION
For both types of organization, the
introduction is the same.
Presents the topic or subject that is being
compared and contrasted in the topic
sentence.
Gives some general information about
the topic.
Ends with a thesis statement that tells the
reader specifically what will be compared and
contrasted.

5. THE INTRODUCTION
First decide if you think the topics are more like
or unlike. This will help determine how you will
state your position!
1. Look at the list of character traits for
both Tom and Huck.
2. On the compare/contrast graphic
organizer list how they are alike and
how they are different.
3. Now, decide if they are more alike or
unlike.
4. Select three traits that you want to
discuss in your paper.

6. THESIS STATEMENT
An acceptable thesis is
crucial in the process of
writing a critical paper. It
usually is placed as the
last sentence of the
introductory paragraph.

7. THESIS STATEMENT
A thesis normally consists of
one or two clearly stated
sentences that include the
following:
1. The position statement.
2. The arguments (reasons) for
the position.
3. The major weaknesses of or
other views on the position.

8. THESIS STATEMENT TEMPLATE
Although (name of characters) have
many (strongest similarity or
difference), (your position statement
(your first example), (your second
example), and (your third example).

9. THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES
Although consuming fresh foods
and canned foods have many
similarities, such as the
availability of the product, there
are more differences because of
what they cost to buy, what health
benefits they provide, and the
flavor of the item.

10. THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES
Although camping out and
sleeping at a motel have many
similarities, such as the fun
provided at both sites, there are
more differences because of what
it will cost, safety of the stay, and
the availability of the location

11. THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES
Although “The Monsters Are Due
on Maple Street” and “The Iron
Giant” have many similarities,
such as the two boys are around
the same age, there are more
differences because of what they
know about the aliens, what
happens to them when they talk
about the aliens, and their
reaction to the aliens.

12. INTTRODUCTION EXAMPLES
Eating is an activity that we as humans do at
least two times a day. We live in a world where
the variety of food is immense, and we are
responsible for what we eat. We decide what we
are about to eat and how it will affect our bodies.
Although consuming fresh foods and canned
foods have many similarities, such as the
availability of the product, there are more
differences because of what they cost to buy,
what health benefits they provide, and the
flavor of the item.

13. INTRODUCTION EXAMPLES
Traveling is one of the favorite hobbies almost all
people have. There are several ways for
traveling around the world, and they all include
making the right choice about where to sleep at
night. Although camping out and sleeping at
a motel have many similarities, such as the
fun provided at both sites, there are more
differences because of what it will
cost, safety of the stay, and the availability of
the location

14. INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Have you ever thought about whether an
alien invasion is for the greater good or not?
You may only think about this if there has
ever been an invasion in your area. Although
“The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” and
“The Iron Giant” have many similarities, such
as the two boys are around the same age,
there are more differences because of what
they know about the aliens, what happens to
them when they talk about the aliens, and
their reaction to the aliens.

15. Point by Point Organization
The body paragraphs alternate between
similarities and differences.
In a short essay, one body paragraph will
explain the similarities between the two
subjects and one paragraph will explain the
differences.
In a longer essay, one paragraph will explain
similarities between one main idea in the two
subjects and one paragraph will deal with
differences in the same main idea, and so on.

16. FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY
1. INTRODUCTION
Transition
2. SIMILARITY #1
2. DIFFERENCE #1
Transition
3. SIMILARITY #2
3. DIFFERENCE #2
Transition
4. SIMILARITY #3
4. DIFFERENCE #3
Transition
5.CONCLUSION

17. PARGRAPH EXAMPLES
Although consuming fresh foods and canned foods
have many similarities, such as the availability of the product,
there are more differences because of what they cost to buy,
what health benefits they provide, and the flavor of the item.
Generally speaking, the most notable difference
between these two kinds of foods is their flavor. Fresh foods
have great flavor and taste because they keep all their natural
conditions. Canned foods however, lack a lot of its flavor
characteristics because there are some other chemical
products added to the natural foods. Admittedly, it is logical
that the fresh foods will have a greater taste and flavor when
consumed just because of the time in which they have been
prepared.

18. PARGRAPH EXAMPLES
Although camping out and sleeping at a motel have
many similarities, such as the fun provided at both sites, there
are more differences because of what it will cost, safety of the
stay, and the availability of the location.
No doubt, motels are one of the most comfortable
ways of traveling, but only if you have enough money. This
way of traveling is mostly used by families and people who are
wealthy enough to pay for good motels. By staying at a motel
people will spend more money than they would spend in
camping out; however, a motel will provide a high level of
security to the traveler. Generally speaking, to stay at most
motels, you need reservations, and once you have them you
can rely on a place to sleep every night. Obviously, in this way
of traveling no backup plan is needed.

19. PARGRAPH EXAMPLES
Although “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street”
and “The Iron Giant” have many similarities, such as the two
boys are around the same age, there are more differences
because of what they know about the aliens, what happens to
them when they talk about the aliens, and their reaction to the
aliens.
First, in “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,”
Tommy only believes in aliens. The reason why is because
Tommy reads about aliens in his comic books. He says that
there are people disguised as aliens; people that they have
known all their life. On the other hand, in “The Iron Giant.”
Hogarth knows about the alien because he found the Iron
Giant.

20. PARGRAPH EXAMPLES
Undoubtedly Tom and Huck are two of the most
adventurous boys in their town, and are always looking
for their next great adventure. For instance, Tom took a
cast-away trip to Jackson Island where he and the other
boys decided to become pirates. (p. 92. “It’s just the life
for me,” said Tom, “you don’t have to get up
mornings, and you don’t have to go to school, and
wash, and all that blame foolishness”). Likewise, Huck
………………………………………….. (p. ………………..

21. The Conclusion
In the final paragraph, talk about the most
important ideas in your paper.
Give a brief summary of the most
important similarities and differences.
Give your opinion or feeling about the
topic. End with a personal statement, a
prediction, or another snappy clincher.

22. The Conclusion
Give a brief summary of the most
important similarities and differences.
In conclusion, “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,”
and the movie, “The Iron Giant,” have many more
differences. One difference is what the two boys know
about the aliens. More differences include what happens
to the two boys when they talk about the aliens, and their
reaction to the aliens. Although there are differences
between the two stories, the differences are exactly what
set these two stories apart.

23. The Conclusion
Give your opinion or feeling about the topic.
End with a personal statement, a prediction, or
another snappy clincher.
In final analysis, there are three differences between
buying fresh foods and buying canned foods. As we
can see it comes down to a personal choice, based on
the time each person has, the money and the
importance he/she gives to his/her nutrition and health.
Therefore it is important to consider all possibilities
and choose the best type of foods for ones
convenience and lifestyle.