Pick any two (related) things to compare and contrast. Consider innovation in
your choice; this shouldn’t be the same, old “Apples vs. Oranges” argument. One
of the keys to this paper is that you have a strong reason for why these two things
should be looked at in contrast to each other, because your paper must analyze
how one is better than the other; that is the WHY of your thesis, your angle.
Your ideas must tie back to this why.
*That means you must also have a clear Audience, and a developed use of word
choice and examples to connect to that specific Audience: Who are you writing to
as you compare and contrast living in the city and living in the country? As you
compare Converse to Vans? Sunshine to clouds? Check out the handout about
word choice and examples for developing Audience.
- This essay must have a strong thesis, with a clear angle which connects your
ideas, and AUDIENCE, through evaluation. Remember to avoid the Three Point
Thesis structure; develop a clear Topic and Angle.
*Avoid the Subject-by-Subject structure; use the Point-by-Point structure (see
handouts) to develop specific evaluation for each contrast.
- Develop clear transitions as you compare and contrast. Avoid the repetition of
transitional word choice and phrases like “on the other hand,” “on the other side,”
“conversely,” “in contrast.”