Lesson Plans for Comparison Contrast Essay Writing

Day One

1. Introduce students to comparison contrast writing by discussing practical reasons for comparing and contrasting
2. Show a Venn Diagram to illustrate how to compare and contrast easily. Start with something easy like Papa John’s versus Dominos Pizza.
3. Discuss thesis statements for comparison contrast essays and read both weak and strong examples of each
4. 4. Explain different ideas for comparison contrast topics

Ideas for Comparison Contrast Essays

1. Two historical events
2. Two characters in a story
3. Two pieces of literature
4. A piece of literature to the film

Day Two/Three

1. Students will watch the film “Thank You Ma’m”, which is a short story they read earlier in the year by Langston Hughes. This can, however, be used for any other book and film.
2. We will begin a Venn diagram as a class and students will be asked to create their own comparison contrast essay in class. I will do an abbreviated version of only four paragraphs.

It Should Look Like This

• Paragraph 1: Intro with thesis statement
• Paragraph 2: Comparison of a similarity of film and story.
• Paragraph 3: Contrast of film and story
• Paragraph 4: Conclusion

I will explain to students this is an abbreviated version and they will be expected to write an 8 paragraph essay similar as they advance in school.