The paragraph and essay models in “Paragraphs vs. Essays in Comparison and Contrast” use the topic sentence (paragraph) and thesis statement (essay) from the Main Point section in this chapter. Both models include the support used in all comparison and contrast writing: points of comparison/contrast backed up by details. In the essay model, however, the points of comparison/contrast are topic sentences for individual paragraphs.
The support in comparison/contrast should show how your subjects are the same or different. To find support, many people make a list with two columns, one for each subject, with parallel points of comparison or contrast.
TOPIC SENTENCE/THESIS STATEMENT: The two credit cards I am considering offer different financial terms.
| BIG CARD | MEGA CARD |
|---|---|
| no annual fee | $35 annual fee |
| $1 fee per cash advance | $1.50 fee per cash advance |
| 30 days before interest charges begin | 25 days before interest charges begin |
| 15.5% finance charge | 17.9% finance charge |
Choose points that will be convincing and understandable to your readers. Explain your points with facts, details, or examples.