What is a Compare and Contrast Essay?
Compare and contrast essay simply evaluates the differences and similarities between the two subjects. These subjects will be of the same category but different. Such as two different kind of pets or two two books based on the same historical event.
The best way to demonstrate the thinking behind a good compare and contrast essay, is to assume a "fact situation." Comparing two ideas or methods can help us figure out which one we think might work better than another idea or method.
The main purpose of compare and contrast essay is to:
- Inform readers about two different or same subjects.
- Contrast draws out differences between the two subjects.
- Analyze two subjects.
There are two different ways you can structure your essay.
- Point by point: Each object’s similarity or difference is followed immediately by a corresponding comparison.
- Block structure: Draft first object information and then about the other object.
Moreover, this essay is common at university, where professors test student’s abilities by asking them to compare and contrast two theories, methods, or periods. Sometimes the whole essay will be dedicated to comparison and contrast, but sometimes it may be only part of the essay.
How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay?
A good compare and contrast essay requires proper planning and preparation. Therefore, for your help, we gathered some steps that will help you in your writing phase.
Choose your Subjects
To write a good compare and contrast essay, make sure to choose two subjects that belong to the same category. They might be different but have at least one thing in common, making them a part of this particular category.
Look for Similarities and Differences
The best way to indicate the similarities and differences between the subjects is to make a Venn diagram. It is a great way to brainstorm, compare and contrast essay topics because it can help you identify characteristics shared by both subjects.
To create a Venn diagram, draw two overlapping circles, one for each subject and another for the second subject. Also, the overlapping section contains the characteristics shared by both subjects.
Develop a Thesis Statement
Mapping out the similarities and differences between your topics will help you understand how they relate to one another. In addition, this prewriting process can help develop a thesis statement or topic sentences, depending on which type of essay it is.
| Example: Compare and contrast organic vegetables provide more benefits than those that are conventionally grown. |
Decide Compare and Contrast Essay Structure
When it comes to the essay structure, there are endless possibilities. One way of structuring an essay is with a block or point-by-point, which can be very helpful when you're writing a compare and contrast essay.
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?
A compare and contrast essay is written to indicate similarities and differences between the two subjects. Here are some steps that you should follow and create a well-written compare and contrast essay.
1. Create Compare and Contrast Essay Outline
If you’re wondering how to start a compare and contrast essay, then the trick is to start by developing an essay outline. Outlining is a crucial step in your writing process. It gives you a complete road map of your essay.
Below is a template of compare and contrast essay outline that you can use for your ease.
2. Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction
Once you have created the outline, the next step is writing the introduction paragraph. A good introductory paragraph sets the tone for your entire essay.
‘What is a good introduction for a compare and contrast essay?’
- Start the introduction with a strong hook statement.
- Make a list of all the points you are going to discuss in the introductory paragraph. Then, write them down as simply and concisely as possible, in the most logical order that comes to mind.
- Now list the issues and subjects you are going to discuss without stating their similarities and differences.
- Compose a strong thesis statement of 1-2 sentences. It should state the main argument and your purpose in comparing and contrasting the subjects.3.
3. Compare and Contrast Essay Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs lay the basic foundation of the essay and explain all the things with facts. In the first section of your body paragraphs, discuss the significance of comparing and contrasting two subjects. Then, describe the final factors of both subjects in the last section to write a comparison. Also, in a compare and contrast essay, not to state the obvious differences or similarities.
4. Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion
A good compare and contrast essay requires a strong conclusion. It is the last part of your essay where you leave a good impression on the readers, making it impressive.
Conclude by summarizing the main points of the compare and contrast essay and restate the thesis statement. Also, do not add new information and ideas.
Proofread your Essay
Once you are done writing your essay, always revise and proofread your document at the end. Look for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes in your essay and try your best to make your document completely flawless.
Sometimes, while reading the same essay over and over again, some mistakes can get overlooked by the writer. To avoid this, you can ask a friend to help you proofread your document with fresh eyes.
Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
Below are some great essay topics that will help you make your essay stand out from the rest.
- What are the differences between Bachelor's and Master's Degree?
- What are the similarities between attending a College or distance-based learning?
- What are the differences or similarities between writing a research paper and composing a creative writing paper?
- What are the underlying differences between the US education system and that of the UK?
- What is the most effective way of completing an assignment? Doing it at home or a library?
- How are young adult relationships similar to teenage relationships?
- Compare and contrast highschool and college life.
- The difference between apples and oranges.
- Apple and oranges.
- Saving money or not.
Compare and Contrast Essay Examples
Here are some examples to give you an overall idea of how to structure and write an effective compare and contrast essay.
Tips To Write Compare And Contrast Essay
The following are the tips that you should follow and are recommended by our experts.
- Choose an attention-grabbing essay topic.
- Focus on contrasting two subjects.
- Never forget to create an essay outline.
- Select two objects that are connected in a meaningful way.
- Each body paragraph analyzes two subjects by comparing them.
- Conclude the essay properly.
- Never submit the essay without proofreading.
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