ENGLISH 28—COMPARE/CONTRAST ESSAY

The next essay, in which you will compare two categories of a larger topic, is due Monday,
July 7, at the beginning of class. It is to be typed, double-spaced, with a title (or title page). You
must compare the similarities/difference between men and women when going on a romantic
date or the similarities/differences in two cultural upbringings, as discussed in class.
With your chosen topic you must come up with TWO specific perspectives that have THREE
distinctive areas for a parallel comparison. You might find sharp contrasts between these two
perspectives; you might find surprising similarities between these two. The way you set up the
parallel comparison will determine the organization of your essay.
After an introduction on your views of comparing people, you must form a THESIS, based on
the topic of comparison. A common, kind of bland thesis on this topic would be:

“Women and men prepare, behave and expect different things before, during and after a date.”
OR
“The Mexican and Japanese cultures have very interesting comparisons in terms of food,
ceremonies and the importance of family.”

One way of constructing a compare/contrast essay from this thesis would be to focus first on one
perspective in terms of the three different areas, then on the other perspective in those same areas.
For instance,

1) Woman’s perspective 1) Mexican culture

A) before A) food
B) during B) ceremonies
C) and after the date C) the importance of family
2) Man’s perspective 2) Japanese culture
A) before A) food
B) during B) ceremonies
C) and after the date C) the importance of family

The other way of constructing a compare/contrast essay from this thesis would be to focus on the
distinctive areas between the two perspectives. For instance, the FIRST BODY PART would
cover the two perspectives in terms of the first area; the SECOND BODY PART would deal with
the two perspectives in terms of the second area; and the THIRD BODY PART would consider
the two perspectives in terms of the third area. So,

1) Before the date 1) Food

A) Woman’s perspective A) in Mexican culture
B) Man’s perspective B) in Japanese culture
2) During the date 2) Ceremonies
A) Woman’s perspective A) in Mexican culture
B) Man’s perspective B) in Japanese culture
3) After the date 3) The importance of family
A) Woman’s perspective A) in Mexican culture
B) Man’s perspective B) in Japanese culture

The conclusion would summarize your opinion about the comparisons, reinforcing similarities as
well as differences. Either way of organizing your comparative essay is fine; just remember to
keep your comparisons in a parallel format throughout your essay. Be detailed in your examples
and explain your support.