TWO TEXTS: A COMPARE/CONTRAST GUIDE
There is a good chance that you will be asked to write an essay comparing the elements of two texts.
The following guide is meant to help you to understand the basics of compare/contrast essays.
The texts you will be presented with have some obvious similarities; otherwise, they would not be
paired. You may have two poems about a Greek goddess or two descriptive paragraphs about shopping.
The subjects will be the same. What will differ will be how the two authors treat the subjects. For
example, the attitude of each author toward the subject may be completely different. It will be important
for you to understand both overt and subtle similarities and differences. As you read, annotate the text and
take marginal notes listing what you find.
Compare means to show similarities.Contrast means to show differences.