It may help to visualize your main points if you use a chart to organize your thinking for a four-paragraph compare-and-contrast essay. The chart will help you visualize both the differences and the likenesses between the two things you are comparing. The four-paragraph format will be familiar and easy to read.
Instructions
1. Draw a large rectangle in the center of your paper. Put the two things you have to compare and contrast in this rectangle.
2. Use two different shapes such as circles and squares, chart your ideas for how the two things are alike and different. Use one shape, such as a circle, to jot down all the ways the two things are alike. Use the other shape, such as a square, to jot down ideas for all the ways the two things are different. Once you have several ideas for both likenesses and differences, you can begin to write.
3. Write the first paragraph--this will be an introduction. The introduction explains what you are comparing and contrasting. It's a little preview of the coming attractions.
4. Write the second paragraph. The second paragraph can compare how the two things are alike. Begin it with a transitional sentence that lets the readers know that this paragraph will explain how the two are similar or how they compare. Take each of your ideas from the chart and expand on them with at least one or two sentences for each.
5. Work on the third paragraph. This needs a transitional sentence also. The sentence should let readers know that you are switching your main idea to how the two things are different or how they contrast. Again, use your chart to remember what to write. Expand on your ideas with one or two sentences for each idea.
6. Write your conclusion. Begin with another transitional sentence or phrase. Sometimes just writing "In conclusion," and then going on with the paragraph is enough transition. Summarize your main points and offer some conclusions about what you learned.
7. Proofread carefully and make sure you have correct spelling, punctuation and capitalization.
Tags: things alike, transitional sentence, your ideas, your main, Begin with, help visualize, know that