Hi every one I'm a new member.I have one big problem on writing essay and the class I'm taking is writing only so is there someone who can help me on this. This is my topic "discuss the reason why raising a teenage boy is harder than raising a teenage girl." It's a comparison and contrast essay. Please help me!
First, write an intro paragraph that starts with a witty, wise sentence about parenting. Leave some room at the end so you'll be able to write the thesis statement later.
Write paragraph 2 all about raising a boy.
Write paragraph 3 all about raising a girl.
Write paragraph 4 comparing the two.
Write a conclusion para in which you REFLECT thoughtfully or EXPAND on the ideas you gave.
Go back and write a thesis statement at the end of the first para. Let it be a statement of the MAIN observation you made.
That's one way to go about it. Alternatively, you could come up with three clear differences between the two. Then, you could write an introduction in which you summarize the similarities, but end with a thesis that states that the differences are greater. Then, you could dedicate a paragraph to each point, comparing the differences between raising a boy and raising a girl as they relate to that point within each paragraph. So,
Para 2
. . . . . diff 1
. . . . . . . . point A (boy)
. . . . . . . . point A (girl)
. . . . . . . . point B (boy)
. . . . . . . . point B (girl)
And so on for the others. This will tend to give you a more focused essay than having two or three paragraphs that you can't really tie back to your thesis.
As Kevin and Sean's replies demonstrate, there are several different ways a compare-contrast essay may be structured. Kevin has outlined the "one side at a time" method while Sean has offered the "point-by-point" method.
Either is generally acceptable, but some instructors have strong preferences about this, so be sure to make note of any guidance given by your teacher. Does your writing class have a textbook with a chapter or section on the compare-contrast essay? If so, the method outlined in your book is probably the method your instructor prefers.
The most important thing is to choose an organizational structure and stick with it. Brainstorm all of the points you want to make and then choose one of the methods to organize them into an outline before writing your first draft. Feel free to come back here for feedback on your outline or draft!
You could even perhaps ask parents who have both a son and daughter about their experiences raising them and what difficulties they had with each, and if you wanted a different angle on it you could then interview the son/daughter and get their replies to the parent's comments.
Just becareful when you do it :)
Mel
