Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
(adapted from 40 Model Essays, ed. Jane Aaron)
Remember, the comparison and contrast is a means of communicating an idea (general) using specific examples.
EXPERIENCE
two jobs you have held
your own version of an event you witnessed or participated in and someone else’s view of the same event
two classes you have taken in school
PEOPLE
your relationships with two friends
two siblings
two couples
mother and father
PLACES AND THINGS
two towns or cities
city and country
ART AND ENTERTAINMENT
reality TV and sitcoms
a novel and a movie based on that novel (no Twilight, no Hunger Games)
watching television (or a movie) and reading a book
**If you have another idea for an essay, you MUST get it pre-approved by discussing it with me.
Writing Comparison and Contrast (taken from Great Writing, 2nd ed. Wiener and Eisenberg)
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If the two items you want to compare in your paper are very different on the surface, stress their likenesses;
the differences will already be quite apparent. If you wish to compare two items that are very similar on the
surface, stress their differences.
Develop a thesis statement that states the purpose of your paper in order to stress similarities or
differences. Do not state the purpose explicitly as: “The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities
between baseball and chess”. Be sure to express the point you wish to make so that the reader understands
the point you wish to make. Your thesis should answer the question “How?” or “Why?” in relation to your
topic.
Determine your intended audience and, considering your audience’s prior knowledge on the topic, provide
appropriate details.
During your prewriting process in the topic, generate a list of points you wish to make in the comparison and
of the details and examples that develop or illustrate these points.
Balance your presentation by considering points in relation to both topics, not just one.
Decide on an appropriate scheme for organization:
Treat each subject separately, presenting all the points of comparison for one of the items of
your topic, then covering the same points for the second item
OR
Treat each point of the comparison, presenting the two items in relation to each point.
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Use transitional phrases carefully to help you move from one aspect of the topic to another.
In your essay, use three of the following strategic rhetorical devices: allusion, analogy, antithesis,
metaphor, simile.
In your essay, use the following stylistic rhetorical devices: synecdoche or metonymy.
This essay should be 600-800 words, typed, double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font, MLA format,
MLA citation (if necessary), and a Works Cited page (if necessary).
A rough copy of this essay is due ___________________________________________. I will edit these papers.