|

 



 
 

 





 



 







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 place to study English.
You may need to evaluate two sides of an issue you have
studied in a class or two proposals for research or projects
at your workplace. In these cases, you will need to write an
essay or report to discuss your ideas about the topic. This
is a 
 



essay.
 
 








ãike 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 look at two organizational styles.













 4|


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.
 





The body paragraphs alternate between similarities
and differences.

In a 

, one body paragraph will explain
the similarities between the two subjects and one
paragraph will explain the differences.

In a  
, 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.







Introduction

Similarities

Differences

Conclusion
ã 




Introduction
Similarity #1

Difference #1

Similarity #2

Difference #2

Conclusion
 



In block organization, the body paragraphs first
present the similarities in the two subjects. Then, in
separate paragraphs, the differences are presented.

For the 


, the organization is similar to
Point by Point Organization.

For the  
, the body paragraphs first
present the similarities as a set then, after a
transition, present the differences as a separate set.







Introduction

Similarities

Differences

Conclusion
ã 




Introduction
Similarity #1
Similarity #2
Transition
Difference #1
Difference #2
Conclusion
 4 
For both types of comparison and contrast
essay, the conclusion is the same.

Restate the topic

Restate or summarize the similarities and

differences between the two topics

Give your opinion or feeling about the topic

make a prediction, or explain the results
ã





 


Point by Point or Block Organization

From page 116 in Effective Academic

Writing 2: The Short Essay
 There are two places that have had a profound impact on my
life. One of them is New York City, and the other is Quetzaltenango,
Guatemala. When you compare them, they seem like dramatically
different places, but they have some things in common, and I love them
both.
There are many reasons why New York seems like my home
away from home. Both cities are striking and distinctive. For example,
each has its own nickname. Everyone knows New York is ³the Big
Apple.´ Quetzaltenango is known as ³Xela´ (pronounced (shey-la),
which is a lot easier to say! Second, both cities have a ³Central Park´
where people like to go and walk. Although Central Park in Xela is
smaller, its tropical flowers and colonial architecture mean it is just as
beautiful as New York¶s. Furthermore, when you walk around Xela, you
find many tourists and people from other countries, just like New York.
For me, this means conversations in Xela are just as interesting as
conversations in New York.
 Despite their similarities, these cities are different. ãife in Xela
is more colorful and the pace of life is slower. For this reason,
whenever I return to Xela, it is like an escape. When I arrive, the first
thing I notice is the color. In New York, many people wear black to be
stylish, but in Xela stylish clothing is the rainbow-colored clothing of
the indigenous people. And because Xela is smaller, the beautiful
green mountains outside the city are always visible. The second thing
I notice is the pace of life. They say New York never sleeps, and it
must be true, because I always see people walking and cars on the
streets even late at night. In the evening, my Guatemalan city
definitely sleeps. Some younger people go out dancing and some
families take a walk in the city¶s Central Park, but by ten o¶clock the
streets are pretty deserted. On the other hand, New Yorkers are often
in such a hurry, they don¶t even stop to eat. For breakfast they buy
food on the street, and eat it while they are walking or on the subway.
At lunch they order food from work and eat at their desks. In Xela
people eat their breakfast at home and most come home from work
for a much more relaxed and longer lunch.
 In conclusion, these are two cities I love. For me, both are
home, are unique, and are filled with interesting people. These places
represent the best of both worlds. New York is more hurried and rushed
when I need energy, and Xela gives me a slower pace when I need to
relax. Together they keep me balanced.
4|



Introduces the topic There are two places that have had a
and general profound impact on my life. One of them is
information
New York City, and the other is
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. When you
The specific compare them, they seem like dramatically
things that will
be compared. It different places, but they have some things
also gives the in common, and I love them both.
writer¶s opinion
about the topic
 Introduces the There are many reasons why New York seems
similarities
with general like my home away from home. Both cities are
statements striking and distinctive. For example, each has
its own nickname. Everyone knows New York is
³the Big Apple.´ Quetzaltenango is known as
³Xela´ (pronounced (shey-la), which is a lot
easier to say! Second, both cities have a
Examples of
³Central Park´ where people like to go and
similarities
between the walk. Although Central Park in Xela is smaller,
two cities its tropical flowers and colonial architecture
explain why
mean it is just as beautiful as New York¶s.
the writer likes
the two cities Furthermore, when you walk around Xela, you
find many tourists and people from other
countries, just like New York. For me, this
means conversations in Xela are just as
interesting as conversations in New York.
Introduces the Despite their similarities, these cities are
differences different. ãife in Xela is more colorful and the
pace of life is slower. For this reason,
whenever I return to Xela, it is like an escape.
When I arrive, the first thing I notice is the
Specific color. In New York, many people wear black to
examples of the be stylish, but in Xela stylish clothing is the
differences rainbow-colored clothing of the indigenous
people. And because Xela is smaller, the
beautiful green mountains outside the city are
always visible. The second thing I notice is the
pace of life.
 They say New York never sleeps, and it must
be true, because I always see people walking
and cars on the streets even late at night. In the
evening, my Guatemalan city definitely sleeps.
More specific
Some younger people go out dancing and
examples of some families take a walk in the city¶s Central
the differences Park, but by ten o¶clock the streets are pretty
deserted. On the other hand, New Yorkers are
often in such a hurry, they don¶t even stop to
eat. For breakfast they buy food on the street,
and eat it while they are walking or on the
subway. At lunch they order food from work and
eat at their desks. In Xela people eat their
breakfast at home and most come home from
work for a much more relaxed and longer
lunch.
Restates the In conclusion, these are two cities I love. For
topic and main
ideas me, both are home, are unique, and are filled
with interesting people. These places represent
The Writer¶s the best of both worlds. New York is more
opinion
hurried and rushed when I need energy, and
A final
thought about
Xela gives me a slower pace when I need to
the topic relax. Together they keep me balanced.
Notice that the introduction introduces the topic clearly and
does not give too many details. It also clearly states the
writer¶s opinion about the topic.

In the body paragraphs, the similarities and differences are

put together logically. For example, the nicknames of each
city are discussed before the next similarity is brought up.
The colors in each city are discussed before another
difference is brought up, etc.

The conclusion restates the information presented in the

introduction in different words but does not bring in new
ideas about the topic.
 ã 

Block Organization

From pages 193-5 in Introduction to Academic

Writing: Second Edition
 A nation¶s purpose in educating its children is to prepare them to
become productive members of society. Each country in the world has
developed a system of education based on its needs, economic
resources, and traditions. One would think that industrial societies such
as the United States and the countries of Europe would have similar
systems for educating their children. However, a comparison of school
systems in Europe and the United States reveals several similarities but
a greater number of differences.
The educational systems of Europe and the United States are
similar in a number of ways. To begin with, elementary school classes
look the same everywhere: There are about twenty to twenty-two pupils
per class, and the classes are coeducational. Also, there is one teacher
for all subjects for each grade (except in Scandinavia), and the majority
of elementary school teachers are women. In addition, the subjects
taught at the elementary level are basically the same everywhere:
reading and writing, mathematics, introductions to the sciences, music,
sports, and art. The only major difference in the elementary curriculum is
that most Europeans study a foreign language in elementary school, but
most America children do not.
 Second, European and American students spend approximately
the same number of years in school. Both the United States and most
European countries require children to attend school for at least nine or
ten years. Germany and Belgium have the highest requirement: twelve
years of education. Also, children in most countries start compulsory
schooling at a similar age, usually age six, and they may leave school at
a similar age, usually sixteen.
Despite these similarities, the educational systems differ greatly
in several areas. For example, the number of hours per year that
children must attend school varies widely. The number of hours students
must spend per day in high school ranges from a low of five in Belgium
to a high of eight in parts of Hungary and Turkey. Some countries
require a half-day of school, whereas others require a full day. In
addition, the number of days per year that students must be in school
differs. Austria requires 237 days of school per year, while Spain and
Hungary require only 170. That is a difference of more than two months!
 Another major difference is the types of schools available. In the
countries of Northern Europe, there is no division between elementary and
secondary school; school just flows from the first day of first grade until the
end of compulsory schooling at age sixteen. However, in the United States,
school is divided in to nine years of elementary and four years of
secondary education. Furthermore, some countries require students to
make a choice between academic preparatory and vocational training
schools. In Germany, pupils must make this decision as early as age ten.
In the United States, in contrast, they never have to make it. Anyone in the
United States who graduates from high school has the opportunity to go on
to a college or university.
In addition to the differences in academic and vocational schools,
there are also differences in private schools. In France, Spain, Belgium,
and Austria, most private schools are religious, but in most other countries,
they are not. Also, in most of Europe, the government pays part of the cost
of private schools: 70 percent in Hungary, 80 percent in Denmark and
Austria, and 85 percent in Norway. In contrast, parents must pay the full
cost in Britain, Greece, Turkey, and the United States if they want their
children to attend a private school.
 A final major difference between Europe and the United States is
in the number of students who go on to higher education. In the United
States, over 50 percent of high school graduates enter a college or
university. In contrast, fewer than 15 percent of British students do so.
The European average is about 30 to 40 percent.
It is clear that the experience of schoolchildren varies from
country to country. Even though the United States and the countries of
Europe seem very similar in many ways, their educational systems are
actually quite different. No one can say if one system is better than
another system, for each one fits its own needs, economies, and
traditions best.
Introduces the A nation¶s purpose in educating its
topic children is to prepare them to become productive
members of society. Each country in the world
General has developed a system of education based on
information
about the topic its needs, economic resources, and traditions.
and One would think that industrial societies such as
introduction of the United States and the countries of Europe
the comparison
would have similar systems for educating their
Introduces the
children. However, a comparison of school
specific systems in Europe and the United States
comparison reveals several similarities but a greater number
of differences.
 The educational systems of Europe and
the United States are similar in a number of
First similarity
is introduced ways. To begin with, elementary school classes
look the same everywhere: There are about
twenty to twenty-two pupils per class, and the
classes are coeducational. Also, there is one
teacher for all subjects for each grade (except in
Details and
Scandinavia), and the majority of elementary
examples
about the school teachers are women. In addition, the
similarity subjects taught at the elementary level are
show
basically the same everywhere: reading and
comparison
between writing, mathematics, introductions to the
Europe and sciences, music, sports, and art. The only major
the United
difference in the elementary curriculum is that
States
most Europeans study a foreign language in
elementary school, but most America children do
not.
Introduces the Second, European and American
second similarity
students spend approximately the same
number of years in school. Both the United
States and most European countries require
children to attend school for at least nine or ten
Details and years. Germany and Belgium have the highest
examples to
explain the
requirement: twelve years of education. Also,
similarity and children in most countries start compulsory
show the schooling at a similar age, usually age six, and
comparison
they may leave school at a similar age, usually
sixteen.
Transition tells the Despite these similarities, the
reader that educational systems differ greatly in several
differences will now
be discussed.
areas. For example, the number of hours per
year that children must attend school varies
widely. The number of hours students must
spend per day in high school ranges from a
The first
difference is low of five in Belgium to a high of eight in parts
introduced and of Hungary and Turkey. Some countries
explained with require a half-day of school, whereas others
specific details
and examples require a full day. In addition, the number of
days per year that students must be in school
differs. Austria requires 237 days of school per
year, while Spain and Hungary require only
170. That is a difference of more than two
months!
 Another major difference is the types of
The next
difference is
schools available. In the countries of Northern
introduced Europe, there is no division between elementary
and secondary school; school just flows from the
first day of first grade until the end of compulsory
schooling at age sixteen. However, in the United
Details and States, school is divided in to nine years of
specific elementary and four years of secondary
examples education. Furthermore, some countries require
show the
contrast students to make a choice between academic
preparatory and vocational training schools. In
Germany, pupils must make this decision as
early as age ten. In the United States, in
contrast, they never have to make it. Anyone in
the United States who graduates from high
school has the opportunity to go on to a college
or university.
 In addition to the differences in academic
and vocational schools, there are also differences
The next
in private schools. In France, Spain, Belgium, and
difference is
introduced Austria, most private schools are religious, but in
and explained most other countries, they are not. Also, in most
of Europe, the government pays part of the cost
of private schools: 70 percent in Hungary, 80
percent in Denmark and Austria, and 85 percent
in Norway. In contrast, parents must pay the full
cost in Britain, Greece, Turkey, and the United
States if they want their children to attend a
private school.
 A final major difference between Europe
and the United States is in the number of students
The last
difference who go on to higher education. In the United
States, over 50 percent of high school graduates
enter a college or university. In contrast, fewer
than 15 percent of British students do so. The
European average is about 30 to 40 percent.
The
It is clear that the experience of
conclusion schoolchildren varies from country to country.
restates the Even though the United States and the countries
topic, what is
being
of Europe seem very similar in many ways, their
compared and educational systems are actually quite different.
the main idea. No one can say if one system is better than
another system, for each one fits its own needs,
economies, and traditions best.
 ã 

Point by Point Organization

Adapted from pages 193-5 in Introduction to

Academic Writing: Second Edition
 A nation¶s purpose in educating its children is to prepare them to
become productive members of society. Each country in the world has
developed a system of education based on its needs, economic
resources, and traditions. One would think that industrial societies such as
the United States and the countries of Europe would have similar systems
for educating their children. However, a comparison of school systems in
Europe and the United States reveals several similarities but a greater
number of differences.
One way the educational systems of Europe and the United
States are similar is the elementary school system. Elementary school
classes look the same everywhere: There are about twenty to twenty-two
pupils per class, and the classes are coeducational. Also, there is one
teacher for all subjects for each grade (except in Scandinavia), and the
majority of elementary school teachers are women. In addition, the
subjects taught at the elementary level are basically the same
everywhere: reading and writing, mathematics, introductions to the
sciences, music, sports, and art. The only major difference in the
elementary curriculum is that most Europeans study a foreign language in
elementary school, but most America children do not.
 While the elementary school systems in Europe and the United
States are similar, there are differences in the types of schools
available. In the countries of Northern Europe, there is no division
between elementary and secondary school; school just flows from the
first day of first grade until the end of compulsory schooling at age
sixteen. However, in the United States, school is divided in to nine years
of elementary and four years of secondary education. Furthermore,
some countries require students to make a choice between academic
preparatory and vocational training schools. In Germany, pupils must
make this decision as early as age ten. In the United States, in contrast,
they never have to make it. Anyone in the United States who graduates
from high school has the opportunity to go on to a college or university.
Even though European and American schools vary in the types
of instruction children receive, students spend approximately the same
number of years in school in both places. Both the United States and
most European countries require children to attend school for at least
nine or ten years. Germany and Belgium have the highest requirement:
twelve years of education. Also, children in most countries start
compulsory schooling at a similar age, usually age six, and they may
leave school at a similar age, usually sixteen.
 Despite spending abut the same number of years in school, the
number of hours per year that children must attend school varies
widely. The number of hours students must spend per day in high
school ranges from a low of five in Belgium to a high of eight in parts of
Hungary and Turkey. Some countries require a half-day of school,
whereas others require a full day. In addition, the number of days per
year that students must be in school differs. Austria requires 237 days
of school per year, while Spain and Hungary require only 170. That is a
difference of more than two months!
It is clear that the experience of schoolchildren varies from
country to country. Even though the United States and the countries of
Europe seem very similar in many ways, their educational systems are
actually quite different. No one can say if one system is better than
another system, for each one fits its own needs, economies, and
traditions best.
 A nation¶s purpose in educating its children
The is to prepare them to become productive
introduction
is the same members of society. Each country in the world
as the has developed a system of education based on
introduction its needs, economic resources, and traditions.
in the Block
Organization One would think that industrial societies such as
the United States and the countries of Europe
would have similar systems for educating their
children. However, a comparison of school
systems in Europe and the United States reveals
several similarities but a greater number of
differences.
 One way the educational systems of
Europe and the United States are similar is the
The first elementary school system. Elementary school
similarity is
introduced and
classes look the same everywhere: There are
explained with about twenty to twenty-two pupils per class, and
specific details the classes are coeducational. Also, there is one
and examples
teacher for all subjects for each grade (except in
Scandinavia), and the majority of elementary
school teachers are women. In addition, the
subjects taught at the elementary level are
basically the same everywhere: reading and
writing, mathematics, introductions to the
sciences, music, sports, and art. The only major
difference in the elementary curriculum is that
most Europeans study a foreign language in
elementary school, but most America children do
not.
 While the elementary school systems in
Europe and the United States are similar, there are
differences in the types of schools available. In the
The first
difference countries of Northern Europe, there is no division
is between elementary and secondary school; school
introduced just flows from the first day of first grade until the end
and
explained. of compulsory schooling at age sixteen. However, in
Notice the the United States, school is divided in to nine years
topic is of elementary and four years of secondary education.
related to
the topic of Furthermore, some countries require students to
the first make a choice between academic preparatory and
similarity. vocational training schools. In Germany, pupils must
make this decision as early as age ten. In the United
States, in contrast, they never have to make it.
Anyone in the United States who graduates from
high school has the opportunity to go on to a college
or university.
 Even though European and American
The second
schools vary in the types of instruction children
similarity is receive, students spend approximately the same
introduced number of years in school in both places. Both the
and
explained
United States and most European countries
require children to attend school for at least nine or
ten years. Germany and Belgium have the highest
requirement: twelve years of education. Also,
children in most countries start compulsory
schooling at a similar age, usually age six, and
they may leave school at a similar age, usually
sixteen.
 Despite spending abut the same number
of years in school, the number of hours per year
that children must attend school varies widely.
The second The number of hours students must spend per
difference is
introduced and
day in high school ranges from a low of five in
explained. Once Belgium to a high of eight in parts of Hungary
again, notice and Turkey. Some countries require a half-day
that the topic is
related to the
of school, whereas others require a full day. In
topic of the addition, the number of days per year that
previous students must be in school differs. Austria
paragraph.
requires 237 days of school per year, while
Spain and Hungary require only 170. That is a
difference of more than two months!
 It is clear that the experience of
schoolchildren varies from country to country.
The conclusion
is the same as
Even though the United States and the
the Block countries of Europe seem very similar in many
Organization ways, their educational systems are actually
essay.
quite different. No one can say if one system is
better than another system, for each one fits its
own needs, economies, and traditions best.
 ß! 

Oshima, A. & Hogue, A. Introduction to Academic

Writing: Second Ed. New York, USA. Addison
Wesley ãongman, 1997.

Savage, A. & Mayer, P. Effective Academic Writing 2:

The Short Essay. New York, USA. Oxford, 2005.