Composition I

Wilson L. Knight

Compare/Contrast Research Essay

Description: For your first full-length essay assignment, you will compose a
comparison or contrast essay on a topic of your choosing. I will supply suggested topics
below, but you are certainly encouraged to brainstorm and seek approval for a topic that
interests you beyond this list. This assignment will ask you to select a topic containing
two subjects, research how these two subjects are alike or similar, synthesize your
research, and compose an essay that outlines the most significant similarities or
differences that exist between your two subjects.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Assignment Goals:
Demonstrate the ability to devise a comparison or contrast of two topics in order to
support a claim about one or both of them.
Demonstrate ability to research, analyze, and compose for a specific rhetorical situation,
including the audience(s), purpose(s), topic, and context.
Demonstrate ability to structure a sustained comparison or contrast in a brief essay
format.
Demonstrate mastery of Standard American English and MLA format.
Requirements:
750-1000 words (about 3-4 pages)
MLA format (typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, page numbers, header, etc.)
At least 5 body paragraphs (Ideally, youd have 1 intro , 3 body , and 1
concluding )
At least 3 credible sources (at least one source per body paragraph)
Things to Consider:
The comparison or contrast should make a point or serve a purpose. Often such
essays do one of the following:
Clarify something unknown or not well understood.
Lead to a fresh insight or new way of viewing something.
Bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus.
Show that one subject is better than the other.
The thesis can present the subjects, indicate your focus (either comparison or
contrast), and highlight your purpose.
Be sure and discuss the same points for each subject in order to deliver a wellbalanced comparison or contrast.
Use detailed topic sentences and transitions to make the relationship between your
subjects clear to your reader.

Suggested Steps:
1. Select a topic from the list below, or seek approval for a topic of your own choosing.

Composition I
Wilson L. Knight

2. Brainstorm/research your two subjects. List differences and similarities in separate

areas of your paper, and circle/identify the most important qualities.
3. Review your lists and identify 3 categories or aspects that describe these details.
4. Outline your essay using the template provided in Canvas.
5. Write an introduction introduces your general topic, areas to be covered in the essay,
and thesis. Be sure that you identify the overall significance/purpose of your essay here.
6. Write 3 body paragraphs that correspond with the 3 categories determined from your
brainstorming/research exercise above. Use topic sentences and transitions. Be sure to
weave research in each of your body paragraphs.
7. Write a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reiterates your main
point/overall significance.
8. Assemble Works Cited page.
9. Engage in peer review. We will do this in class.
10. Revise. Edit. Proofread.

Suggested Topics:
Popular culture in the year 1900/2000
Los Angeles to New York City
Tina Turner to Beyonce
William Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling
Netflix to Cable TV
Dracula to Twilight
Beowulf to Wolverine
Two U.S. Presidents
Oprah Winfrey to Ellen DeGeneres
Capitalism to Socialism
A book and its corresponding film adaptation
TLC to Destinys Child
Two television networks

Due Dates:
9/18 - Working outline due
9/21 - Draft 1 due // In-class Peer Review
9/25 - Final Draft due
Note: Due dates may change, so be sure to attend class and check Canvas for updates.

Evaluation Standards:
I will be evaluating your essay based upon the following standards (in addition to
departmental standards):
Your essay clearly argues a thesis by comparing or contrasting two topics.
Your organizational approach is clear and works to advance the reader through
your argument/claim to your conclusion.

Composition I
Wilson L. Knight

Your points of comparison and contrast are valid and well-chosen; they are
pertinent to the thesis; the are well researched and supported with logical
appeals; and you have not ignored obvious points that counter your own.
Your thesis and its supports demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of your
chosen topic.
You have formatted your essay according to MLA guidelines, and it is written with
the grace and style I have come to expect of all of you.

Sample Transitions:
Transitions that show comparison (similarities):
In addition
Same as
Similarly
Just as
Correspondingly
Likewise
Compared to
As well as
At the same time
Transitions that show contrast (differences):
However
Conversely
Even though
On the other hand
Unlike
Although
On the contrary
Meanwhile
In contrast
Additional Help:
Below is a terrific blog post that has lots of helpful advice that you might find helpful:
https://www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/compare-and-contrast-essay-outline/
Ask Me:
As always, please feel free to ask me questions before, during, or after class; likewise,
you can email me at wlknight@iccms.edu or message me directly in Canvas.
You can do this! I know you have what it takes to write wonderful comparison/contrast
essays, and I am excited to read your papers! Im always here if you have questions.