Compare and Contrast Essay - Easy Writing Guide
Have you ever got assigned to the task of writing a compare and contrast essay?
Do you find it challenging and difficult?
Read the article below to learn the essential aspects of writing a compare and contrast essay quickly.
Contents
What is a Compare and Contrast Essay?
It is a type of essay that evaluates the similarities and differences between the two objects. These subjects are different from each other, but they should belong to the same category. For example, you might make a comparison and contrast between the two kinds of pets. Similarly, you can also choose to compare two books from ancient times.
In the compare and contrast essay, you focus on the way things connect with each other. It tells how two things are similar and how they are different from one another. This kind of essay helps the reader take critical choices by considering all the essay factors.
Compare and Contrast Essay Structure
There are several ways to structure a compare and contrast essay. But, the two common ways to structure a compare and contrast essay are:
- Block Structure
- Point-by-Point Structure
In this structure, begin by saying everything about one subject and then moves on to the next subject. Dedicate a paragraph for each subject and discuss their difference and similarities in separate sections.
When you structure your essay point-by-point, discuss the subject in points. Rather than addressing one subject at a time, discuss them together in points. Discuss one point of comparison at a time and then move to the next one.
Compare and Contrast Essay Outline
A simple outline for an essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- 1. Introduction
- Introduce the subjects briefly.
- Give a brief background of the subjects that you are going to compare and contrast.
- Compose a strong thesis that explicitly explains how the subjects relate to each other.
- 2. Body
- Analyze the subject thoroughly
- Provide similarities and differences between the subject
- Present the evidence that supports your analysis
- Use transition words for a strong impact
- 3. Conclusion
- Wrap up your essay and present a strong analysis
- Refer back to the thesis statement to connect the readers with the essay
- Conclude the essay on a high note
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?
A compare and contrast essays require a proper essay outline and an organizational structure to follow.
The following points should be kept in mind while structuring a good compare and contrast essay.
1. Selecting the Objects
The first step involves the selection of the objects to compare. They should be different but from the same category group. For example, a writer can compare the two different artists instead of comparing an artist with a politician
2. Identify the Similarities and Differences
A writer has to identify the similarities and differences in the second step. Creating a Venn diagram with two overlapping circles can usually facilitate this process. It helps to organize the information.
3. Create a Thesis Statement
The purpose of this essay is to draft the thesis statement from the similarities and differences. The thesis statement helps you craft a focused argument and create a roadmap for the reader. Identify what your essay is going to say about the subjects.
4. Choose a Suitable Organizational Structure
It is essential to choose a structure that gives sense to your main argument. Choose one of the suitable structures we have discussed above, and craft your essay accordingly. The whole essay will stay in line by following a proper structure.
5. Craft an Outline
Craft an essay outline according to your organizational structure. Generally, an essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You can always increase the number of body paragraphs if you have extensive material to mention.
If you follow a point-by-point structure, you can discuss the similarities and differences in a single paragraph. Whereas if you follow the block structure format, dedicate a paragraph for each subject.
6. Support your Thesis Statement with Evidence
Use additional evidence to support your argument. The evidence can come from detailed research, reading, or personal observation. For example, it is appropriate to use personal opinions if you are comparing two types of cats. Your argument will have a strong impact on the reader’s mind this way.
7. Use Strong Transition Words
It is advisable to use strong transitional words to give a nice flow from one statement to the next. Use words such as both, likewise, and similarly for comparing. Moreover, words like nonetheless, on the other hand, and whereas are used for contrast.
8. Proofread Carefully
Do not read your article immediately after writing. Give at least an hour or a day to proofread. It helps in identifying more grammar and spelling mistakes.
You can also take assistance from an online spell-check tool. Moreover, ask someone else who can read your essay and indicate errors.
Compare and Contrast Essay Examples
The template gives a detailed understanding of the essay structure. Here are a few examples to provide you with an overall idea of writing a great compare and contrast essay.
Compare and Contrast Essay Template (PDF)
Compare and Contrast Essay Example (PDF)
Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
One of the critical tasks is the selection of your topic for creating a good essay. Avoid using too broad or narrow topics. Instead, choose a subject of your interest, for writing an essay of good quality.
The topics may vary from different categories. Here we have mentioned an impressive list of compare and contrast essay topics for you.
- What are the differences between working at home and working in the office?
- How is traditional education different from online education?
- What are the similarities between McDonald's and KFC?
- Compare high school and college life.
- How was Obama's tenure better than Donald Trump?
- What makes Mars different from the Earth?
- Shakespeare's Othello contrast to Hamlet
- Physical and mental stress
- The difference between culture and religion
Writing a compare and contrast essay requires a lot of effort and skill. Students sometimes have to opt for approaches that are often unfamiliar to them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most commonly used transition words in compare and contrast essays?
Following are the most common transition words for compare and contrast essay:
- In the same way
- In like manner
- Likewise
- Similarly
- By the same token
How to start a compare and contrast essay?
Following are the steps to start a compare and contrast essay:
- Choose a topic
- Conduct a research
- Create a draft of comparison according to each section of an essay
- Start writing
What is th purpose of compare and contrast essay?
The main purpose of compare and contrast essay is to tell how two things are similar and different. They also require critical thinking. A good comparison essay can provide information about current events, political candidates, travel destinations, or products.
