English 1301: Compare/Contrast Essay

What Is a Point of Comparison?

Develop at Least Three Points of Comparison

Your essay should develop at least three meaningful points of comparison. You may develop four or five if your topic supports them, but quality is more important than quantity.

Every point you introduce should be sufficiently developed. Briefly mentioning additional similarities or differences does not substitute for developing complete points of comparison.

Make Each Point Distinct

Each point of comparison should address a different aspect of your subjects. Avoid repeating essentially the same idea using different words.

Too similar:
❌ Personality
❌ Attitude
❌ Disposition

More distinct:
✓ Personality/social style
✓ Interests and hobbies
✓ Educational or career goals

Apply Each Point to Both Subjects

A point of comparison must give you something meaningful to say about both subjects. If a point applies only to one subject, it usually will not work well as a comparison point.

Example: Approach to Money

✓ Examine Subject A’s approach to money
✓ Examine Subject B’s approach to money
✓ Identify the meaningful similarity or difference between them

Vary Your Points

Whenever possible, choose points that examine your subjects from different angles. For example, if you are comparing yourself with a friend, avoid making every point about physical appearance.

Less varied:
❌ Hair
❌ Clothing style
❌ Height

More varied:
✓ Appearance/personal style
✓ Interests and hobbies
✓ Social style/disposition
✓ Career goals

Choose Points You Can Develop

Before choosing a point, ask yourself whether you have enough to say about it. A point that produces only one or two obvious sentences probably isn’t strong enough to become a major part of your essay.

Look for points that give you opportunities to explain, describe, provide examples, and explore meaningful similarities or differences.

Choose Points That Matter

Your strongest comparison points will do more than identify random similarities or differences. Look for points that help your reader understand something meaningful about your two subjects and their relationship to one another.

For example, two workplaces might have different break-room furniture, but that difference probably doesn’t tell your reader very much. Differences in management style, workplace culture, expectations, or work-life balance could lead to a much more meaningful comparison.

One Point = One Body Paragraph

For this assignment, each major point of comparison will be developed in its own body paragraph. You’ll learn how to develop those paragraphs later in the Body Paragraphs section.