The Compare and

Contrast essay
What you need to know to
write one!

A PowerPoint Presentation by Dr Kershnee Sevnarayan for ENG1503

 Step One
Choose a topic that
interests you.
 Step Two
Do some reading on the
topic.
You need to understand your
topic before you attempt it 
Start your essay with a 1 or 2
line comment on the topic.
 Step Three
 Write a thesis statement.
 You may want to use one of the
thesis statements provided at:
 An example of a thesis statement:
This essay compares and
contrasts….First, this essay will
compare and contrast….Second, a
discussion of both …..Third, this
essay will show how…. Finally, this
essay concludes by….
 Step Four
 Choose three or four ideas to support
your support your essay.
 These have to be 3 or 4 separate
ideas which you will compare or
contrast.
 Step Five
 Consider how you will structure your compare and
contrast essay:
 For example:

• The prices at both Thoka’s and Nkhobo’s restaurants:

• How they are alike/different.

• The ingredients available at both:

• How they are alike/different

• The atmospheres of the two restaurants:

• How they are alike/different

(Use this technique in each paragraph;

use different transition/signpost words
to spice up your essay )
 Transition/signpost words
 Okay…these are other comparative
transition words you should use:

https://papersowl.com/blog/transition-
words-for-compare-and-contrast-essay
 Step Six
 Organize your ideas into an outline.
Paragraph 1 – Introduction includes a comment, thesis
statement and expectations of the essay.
Paragraph 2 – make comparison/s with your first idea
(with citations from sources) make a contrast (with
citations from sources)
Paragraph 3 – make comparison/s with your second idea
(with citations from sources) make a contrast (with
citations from sources)
Paragraph 4 – make comparison/s with your third idea
(with citations from sources) make a contrast (with
citations from sources)
Paragraph 5 – Conclusion includes restatement of thesis
and supporting ideas. Make a prediction, a
recommendation, or a summary.
 Step Seven
 Provide a reference list! This is
compulsory.
 All references need to comply with
the Harvard referencing technique or
you will be penalized.
 This guide is your best friend:

https://library.westernsydney.edu.au/
main/sites/default/files/pdf/cite_Harva
rd.pdf
 Step Eight
 Follow your outline in your
introduction and write the essay with
citation and include a reference list.
 Be sure to edit your writing for
grammar, spelling, and word choice
errors.
 Good Luck!