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Comparative Essay

Comparative Essay


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Definition:

Comparative essays compare and contrast two texts, theories, historical figures, scientific processes, essays, etc. Comparing finds similarities, while contrasting finds differences.

Purposes:

  • To compare and contrast
  • To see similarities and differences
  • To make a choice or judgment

Characteristics:

  • Sub genre of persuasive text
  • Point-to-point analysis, in which the writer examines each point of a larger topic for both similarities and differences
  • Whole-to whole analysis, in which the author examines one idea or topic as a whole and compares to another idea or topic as a whole
  • Similarity-to difference analysis, in which all of the similarities between two things are presented, then all of the differences
  • Organization of comparisons analyzed: most to least important, least to most important, most to least familiar, or spatial (graphic) organizer

Grade Level Instructional Scope for COMPREHENDING the Genre and Text of a Comparative Essay:

Grade 8

Opportunities to Teach:

Understanding the genre

  • Features
  • Structure
  • Graphic organizers (e.g., Venn diagram, T-chart)
  • Details include specific examples as support and clarifying information
  • Evaluate credibility of research
  • Accuracy is essential
  • Facts/evidence support each assertion
  • Author’s voice does not detract from authenticity of ideas presented

Understanding the text

  • Similarities and differences
  • Evaluate, question, analyze, take a position

Grade Level Instructional Scope for COMPOSING the Genre and Text of a Comparative Essay:

Grade 4

Opportunities to Teach:

Grade 6

Opportunities to Teach:

Composing the genre

  • Introduction
  • Sentence structures
  • Point-by-point organization
  • Whole-to-whole organization
  • Simple graphic organizers
  • Simile
  • Description
  • Comparative wording and structures
  • Paragraph development
  • Compare/contrast text patterns

Composing the text

  • Writing process
  • Organization
  • Voice
  • Style
  • Conventions

Composing the genre

  • Metaphor
  • Organizational options based upon importance
  • Compare/contrast text patterns
  • Sophisticated graphic organizers
  • Using a writing rubric to evaluate comparative characteristics

Composing the text

  • Writing process
  • Organization
  • Coherence
  • Unity
  • Voice
  • Style
  • Conventions

Booklists:

  • Grade 4
  • Grade 6
  • Grade 8

Access to the Documents:

Complete K-8 Genre Project
From the Michigan Department of Education

Complete K-8 Genre Booklist
From Kent Intermediate School District


Page last modified on February 06, 2009, at 03:31 PM