Comparison and Contrast

1) Begin brainstorming as usual

2) When you know your subject, spend some time on the organization.
3) Do not break your essay in half by devoting one paragraph to the first item and a second paragraph to the second item. For instance, if you are comparing presidential candidates (and I hope you're not) don't write one paragraph for one candidate and a second paragraph for the second candidate.
4) Instead, create sub-topics for comparison.
5) For instance, if you are comparing the birds and the bees (and I hope your subject is more interesting) create sub-topics: for instance, reproduction, group function, flying ability, feeding habits.
6) Choose three sub-topics; your thesis sentence should be something like this: Birds and bees differ in method of reproduction, social organization, and mobility.

7) Do not write this kind of vague thesis: There are many different differences and similarities between the birds and the bees.

8) Write an interesting attention-getting introduction with the thesis sentence at the end.
9) The first body paragraph will discuss how birds and bees reproduce.
10) The second body paragraph will discuss how birds and bees group themselves socially: bees live in complicated communally-run hives; birds live in family nests but may also flock together with others in their species to fly north or south as the seasons change.
11) The third body paragraph will discuss how both birds and bees fly but that birds fly higher, farther, and are more free?

12) The final paragraph will be the conclusion.