Name: _________________________ McGee AP Comp

Date: __________________________ Rhetorical Mode:

Comparison & Contrast

Tips for Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay

1. What are the similarities? What characteristics do your two subjects share? Are the two so
similar that you have little to distinguish them? If so, try another subject; if not, pare down your
list of similarities to the most important ones.

2. What are the differences? In what ways are your two subjects different? Pare down your list
of differences to the most important ones.

3. Should you emphasize similarities or differences? Which pattern of organization best fits your
material? Opposing or alternating? A combination of the two?

4. What examples will work best? If your reader isn’t familiar with your topic, what examples
might be familiar? What examples will make clear what may be unfamiliar?

5. What metaphor does your subject suggest? Given the metaphor and your subject, what
characteristics match? How can the metaphor be extended into an analogy? How can you
outline the analogy as an equation? What equals what?

6. What other modes are appropriate? What modes can you draw on to help support your
comparison and the organization of the essay? Do you need to define? Where can you use
description? narration? example? Do any of your comparisons involve cause and effect?

7. What is your point? your purpose? Do you want to entertain, inform, persuade? Given your
point as a tentative thesis, should you spell it out in the essay or imply it? If you are writing to
inform, what information do you want to present? If you are writing to persuade, what do you
want your reader to believe or do?

8. What persona do you want to create? Is it best for you to be part of the comparison and
contrast or to be an observer? Do you have a strongly held conviction about your subject? Do
you want this conviction to show? Does your persona fit your audience, purpose, and material?

General Ulysses S. Grant and General Robert E. Lee were opposing, polarizing figures of the
infamous Civil War. They were two men with drastically different views, yet they shared the
same virtues of commitment and dedication. Lee was a Confederate general. Grant was a
Union general. These two sides were embroiled in a tumultuous conflict, but the resilience on
the parts of both generals were reflected by their armies and the prolonged conflict they
facilitated. They had different mannerisms, yet exuded the same sense of confidence. Lee was
presented as leader with great dignity. Grant was presented as a more laid back leader. When
faced with conflict, both still rose to earn the respect of their men. They were on different sides
of a bloody war, yet still shared the same worn-out, but unwavering expression. As the war
shifted back and forth, these two commanders were forged in different crucibles. But, they both
developed a hardened expressions. They both faced danger, yet only one carried a gun and
even a sword. Confidence and anxiety often battle in the minds of men at war. In this instance,
Lee is depicted with a sword and a gun in-holster, but Grant is depicted with no weapon. Grant’s
confidence outweighs Lee’s in this respect even with the peril both men faced.

While differences are common between these two men, many will not notice the underlying
similarities which exist. Confidence is apparent. Hubris is overwhelming. Esteem is respected.
Both these men exude these properties. While they have opposing beliefs, their devotion to
these beliefs are undeniable. With all things considered, even with drastic differences, some
semblance exists between Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee.