This is the complete guide on how to write a compare and contrast essay, step-by-step.
Compare and contrast essays sound easy. In fact, they seems like all you need to do is pick two different topics, list their similarities and differences, and that’s it … right?
Wrong.
As easy as they may sound, writing a compare and contrast essay is not that simple - not if you want to write an exceptional essay and get amazing grades.
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But, if that’s not what you’re looking for, don’t worry. This article is a detailed guide on how to write a killer comparing and contrasting essay.
It has been put together by our acclaimed experts here at Help for Assessment and covers the following:
What Is A Compare And Contrast Essay?
As the name suggests, a compare and contrast essay is one that holds up two subjects, persons, and ideas and picks out the similarities or differences between them for the purpose of establishing links between them.
There are two main types of these essays depending on the basis of comparison methods used:
As you can see, these two types of essays are distinct and unique.
The purpose of such an essay is not to show the obvious, but rather to critically illustrate unexpected but important points of similarity or difference. That is why we said writing a compare and contrast essay is not as straightforward as you may believe at first.
There are also two ways to structure compare and contrast essays, leading to two different types of formats. It has to do with the arrangement of ideas for each subject and its arguments.
Block format - In block format, you take the first subject and list all of its similarities and differences, then do the same for the other. This way, you have two “blocks” of arguments, although you may choose to end the essay with a summary section comparing the two side by side. In that case, that will be a combination method. For this structure, it will be increasingly impossible to write a 5 paragraph compare and contrast essay.
Alternating format - in the alternating format, you pick a point of similarity or difference then compare both subjects in parallel.
Nevertheless, the two subjects you choose for your compare and contrast essay must have enough similarities for the essay to make sense. Ideally, they should share a particular category e.g. an academic discipline, ideology, biological classification, time age, etc.
Qualities Of A Good Compare And Contrast Essay
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
A compare and contrast essay follows a very simple structure, one used in almost every other essay: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.
It will usually be at least 5 paragraphs long, although it can be a bit longer depending on the number of comparison points discussed.
We are going to show you how to structure each of these sections as well as what is required of you. But first, let us look at a sample format.
Sample Compare and Contrast Essay Outline
IntroductionTell the reader what you are going to be talking about and ease them into the main body. It has three main parts: Hook - a striking statement meant to interest the reader into reading the rest of the essay. It can be a surprising observation, shocking statement, question, or even a funny anecdote. Context - in a few sentences, give a brief background of the topic as the context for your essay. Let the reader know where you’re coming from. Thesis statement - one sentence summarizing what your essay is about. Mention the two subjects under comparison, main findings, and give a hint of your conclusion. BodyAt least three body paragraphs detail a point each depending on the comparison format chosen. Whichever one you choose to use, make sure to cue in your reader and introduce the flow of ideas by using compare and contrast terminology. These include words like in contrast, on the other hand, and however. Body paragraphs should follow a particular structure to make sure that the ideas flow properly. The most commonly used is the TEEL structure: Topic sentence - start each paragraph with a statement that introduces the main idea. Explanation - explain and elaborate on your topic sentence. Evidence/examples - give the supporting evidence for our topic sentence, preferably from a real-life scenario or an authoritative source. Link - link your idea or argument to the rest of the essay, and especially to the thesis statement. ConclusionThe conclusion simply restates the main arguments used in the essay. No new ideas should be expressed at this point. You can also restate the thesis statement, along with showing the significance of your findings in academia and to the world. |
Step By Step Guide To Writing A Compare And Contrast Essay
- Select your theme and topic. As stated, we have an entire article about this step here.
- List down the similarities and differences between your two subjects. Write down as many as you can, no matter how obvious.
- Formulate your approach. By now, you will have to know whether you will be comparing or contrasting the subjects. Choose a unique similarity or difference that will be the highlight of your essay, and decide on the comparison format you will use.
- Write down an outline. With your listed points, you will be able to create a thesis statement, come up with an appropriate flow of ideas. This compare and contrast essay outline ensures your essay is coherent.
- Find supporting evidence and the links between the evidence and the main argument(s).
- Write your essay following the structure you have decided on. Use lots of transitional words and remember to use the TEEL structure in body paragraphs.
- Revise your essay at least twice. Not only does this help to remove language errors, but it also helps you to identify weak arguments and any factual errors and correct them before submission.
Expert Tips on Writing an Excellent Compare and Contrast Essay
By now, you have learned how to write compare and contrast essays. However, we have just a few more points for you.
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