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Compare and Contrast Paper

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to reveal the comparison and/or contrast between two or more main subjects. For example, students can compare and contrast two restaurants, stores, cars, sports, sports’ teams, bands, actor/actresses, TV shows, video games, books, etc.

A rough draft chart is constructed with 2 main subjects, (5) ______

and at least 3 main categories for comparison/contrast.

(it’s best if you can research by going to the place, ask

other people their opinions of it, or create a scene to show

why or how---instead of just writing “it’s better.”)

A brief outline is turned in with the chart, rough draft and final draft. (5) ______

Three or more categories are organized into a “thesis statement” (5) ______

which lists them in the order that they are presented in the

paper. Ex: When comparing Burger King and Wendy’s

quality of food, atmosphere, service…(in the order that they

are written in paragraphs about)

The comparison/contrast is full of precise detail, which means it

will be at least 2 typed pages (15) ______

(12 pt. font Times New Roman or Courier, double spaced)

If you cannot think of more to write, then put in another

category or add another subject. You can do 3 restaurants, etc.

Introduction piques interest with a question, interesting fact, etc. (5) ______

Conclusion sums paper up and leaves the reader with food for thought (5) ______

Spelling/Grammar/Neatness (5) ______

__________________

(45) ______

Due Date: ________________________________

Each day late = -15

Compare and Contrast Essay

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Introduction/Thesis Statement	The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the three main points that will be brought up in a comparison/contrast fashion.	The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader.	The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper through the use of a thesis statement nor is it particularly inviting to the reader.	There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper.
Sensory Details	Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious and supports the comparison/contrast.	Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key topic is unsupported.	Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues of the comparison/contrast are unsupported.	Supporting details and information are minimal, typically unclear or not related to the topic.
Word Choice	Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced.	Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone.	Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair.	Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest.
Organization	Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.	Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting.	Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.	Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized.
Conclusion	The conclusion is strong and restates the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear picture of the differences and similarities between the two topics.	The conclusion restates the thesis and ties up almost all the loose ends.	The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends.	There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.
Grammar/Neatness/Spelling	Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling and no erasure marks that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar, spelling or neatness that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar, spelling or neatness that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar, spelling or neatness that distract the reader from the content.