So you've come to our page to learn how to write a comparison and contrast essay.

Great! This article is the definitive reference to assist you in understanding the objective of this writing, the method of uncovering similarities and differences to outline, and the structure of compare/contrast essays to bear in mind while generating A-worthy works.

There is also actionable advice and examples, so let the game begin!

What is a Contrast and Compare Essay?

A comparison and contrast essay is a sort of academic writing that examines the similarities and contrasts of two related themes, such as historical personalities, pets, literary works, research methodologies, and so on.

What does it mean to compare and contrast?

• Compare definition: The process of showing the similarities between two subjects or ideas.

• Contrast definition: The process of showing the differences between two subjects or ideas.

The ability to compare and contrast is essential in academic writing because it helps you to construct arguments, which are the foundation of essays.

While it may appear difficult to write about two issues in one essay, this is not the case. The key thing is to select a topic and two things to compare and contrast.

The Goal of Comparing and Contrasting in Writing

When writing a comparison and contrast essay, you (the author) want readers to have a deeper understanding of the subject. So you choose another subject to serve as a frame of reference for them:

It is simpler to grasp two relative concepts when we see them next to one other and read explanations of their similarities and contrasts.

But:

The goal here is not to express the obvious, but to highlight features of a comparable category to highlight unexpected parallels or subtle distinctions. Your objective is to help the reader comprehend that area better.

Unlike persuasive or informative essays, comparison and contrast writing focus on two or more themes rather than just one. You do not discuss a single subject, but rather compare and contrast multiple connected notions to illustrate your point.

How do I know if I need to compare and contrast something in my essay?

Two examples:

First, the assignment may urge you to make a comparison.

For example, you may be given a prompt such as "Compare the handling of terror in the prose of Bram Stoker with H.P. Lovecraft." "Compare and contrast offline and online learning," for example. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? ”

Second, while the assignment may not explicitly require you to compare or contrast anything, it may appear that a compare-and-contrast strategy would be most effective in dealing with the problem.

For example, it can state, "Discuss the impacts of the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland." In this case, you would wish to contrast the circumstances before and after the volcano, explosion to better illustrate the contrasts and repercussions.

It's worth mentioning that the compare-contrast method works for a variety of academic papers: while writing a book criticism or review, you may wish to compare various studies on it; when dealing with dialectic essays, you'll assess the pros and cons of various arguments, and so on.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay: 7 Steps

Now for some practice:

The seven steps to creating a comparison and contrast essay are outlined here. The most difficult step is formulating a thesis and agreeing on a framework, but don't worry: we've got you covered!

The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Select a Topic

Literature, historical events and persons, sociology, psychology, and other fields can all be used as compare and contrast essay themes. In most cases, the subject is assigned by an instructor, so you won't have to worry about whether yours is excellent enough to cover.

However, if no specific topic is available and you must select one on your own, the sole guideline to follow is:

Two or more issues that you will discuss in an essay should be distinct yet related to the same category. In other words, comparing and contrasting two artists is preferable to comparing and contrasting a musician and a politician.

Alternatively, it is preferable to compare and contrast ebooks and textbooks rather than e-books and movies.

The following is a collection of compare and contrast essay ideas that you may use as needed:

Step 2: Identify Similarities and Dissimilarities

Now that you've chosen a topic and things to compare, it's time to identify the similarities and contrasts that will be highlighted in your essay.

The most popular method is to make two lists: one for similarities and one for differences. However, although it works well for identifying similarities, a list of differences may get complex since you will need to expand it further to clarify how each difference relates to each of the contrasting subjects.

The more comfortable method is to make a table:

List the qualities you wish to emphasize in your essay, and then fill out the table for each subject you'll compare/contrast. Let's put this strategy to the test with something most of us enjoy: pizza!
 

A Venn diagram is another simple approach to comparing and contrasting two objects. Draw overlapping circles with a shared region in the center: this area will be used to define similarities, while those that are not overlapping will be used to express contrasts. As an example:

Tables, graphs, and charts all perform well for data visualization in essays, especially during the research stage. You may use whatever you want to assist you to come up with ideas and references for your work.

Step 3: Write a Thesis

Please keep in mind that your comparison and contrast essay is not about listing similarities and differences between two subjects. Remember the goal?

You employ a comparing and contrasting method, concentrating on subtle factors, to help readers comprehend your point.

You must go beyond listing and present a compelling thesis:

• What do you want to say about this comparison? What’s the ground for it?

• Why did you choose these particular objects to contrast? How do they relate to one another?

• What’s your point?

Here is an example of a thesis for a comparison and contrast essay:

Examine your lists of similarities and differences and attempt to identify the most relevant ones. What do they have to say about the subject?

Do they complement, correct, contradict, or dispute one other? Your major argument, or thesis, will be the response to this question, which specifies the link between your two chosen items. It should do two things:

1. Address the comparison

2. Contain the categories on which you’ll hang facts to make it

Let’s make it clearer with the example.

Is the comparison addressed? Yes, it explains what Judaism and Christianity share and where they diverge. Does it include the categories? Yes, both politically and culturally. These categories will serve as the foundation for your essay's paragraphs.

Try- Help In Homework provides the best subject matter experts to nail your thesis statement.

Step 4: Decide on a Structure

Compare and contrast papers, like any other essay kind, have a typical 5-paragraph structure: you write an introduction, a body (normally 3 paragraphs, although you are encouraged to write 2 or 4 if required), and a conclusion.

However, before you begin planning and writing your essay's draft, you must decide how you will arrange its body's compare-contrast paragraphs.

There are two approaches:

1. Block, aka whole-to-whole or subject-by-subject: You discuss all the points/criteria about Subject 1 first and then move to the same points/criteria about Subject 2.

2. Point-by-point: You discuss Subject 1 and Subject 2 simultaneously, point by point.

The block style is easier to write, but the point-by-point method is clearer since it emphasizes the similarities and distinctions.

Let’s try structuring a compare-contrast paragraph for the topic “Academic writing vs. professional writing.”

Assume that you have three points/criteria to address for each of these two topics: paragraph structure, point-of-view, and tone. This is how your paragraph may appear if you typed it in blocks:

First, you go over all three aspects of Subject 1 (academic writing), and then you go over all three aspects of Subject 2. (professional writing).

Here's an example of the same paragraph written in a point-by-point manner:

You go over both subjects — academic writing and professional writing — point by point: first, you talk about their paragraph structure, then their point of view, and ultimately their tone.

Step 5: Write an Outline

Whatever way you use to format your comparison and contrast essay's paragraphs, it is vital to create an outline before you begin writing:

An essay outline is a framework for your writing. It helps arrange all of the arguments, making it easy to write and understand the strategy you'll follow for each paragraph so you don't forget anything.

Outline for a compare and contrast essay:

1. For the introduction, state a hook, a topic, and a thesis.

2. For body paragraphs, specify the similarities and differences for each point you’re going to cover about the subjects.

3. For the conclusion, summarize the points, restate a thesis, and think of what decision/solution you’ll introduce to readers about the topic.

Step 6: Start a Draft

Write a hook to pique the reader's interest (it might be a question, a unique fact, or a strong statement about your topic); next, present the topics you'll cover; and lastly, establish your thesis after the introduction paragraph.

It's time to start writing the first body paragraph:

Begin with a topic phrase that illustrates how your two themes are similar. Then, dedicate at least two sentences to similarities and the remaining two to differences.

Finish with a final phrase that explains which subject you prefer and why, or simply reveals the goal of this comparison.

Apply the same logic to the other paragraphs. Remember the construction approach you choose (block or point-to-point) and design the draught appropriately. The precise outline will assist you in adhering to the framework and organizing the paper.

Writing advice:

• Back up your points with evidence: research, books, statistics, and other references.

• Ensure you use compare-contrast linking words throughout an essay. They will help you show the relationship between the ideas and connect your points.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion:

Finish your essay with a concluding paragraph that proves your thesis about how two subjects are related to each other and how they vary and are similar. Explain your preference for the subject and why.

Be persuading: Your essay conclusion should synthesize the entire document and leave the reader with an impression of your point of view.

Step 7: Proofread and Edit Your Essay

Proofreading and editing the draft is the final stage of essay writing. Read it multiple times to ensure there are no spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors.

Pro tip: Read it aloud. It will assist you in "hearing" every misspelling, ensuring that you do not miss anything.

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Examples of Compare and Contrast Essays

The following is a compare and contrast essay focusing on the similarities between American and Turkish fast food:
 

Source

For more examples, check these resources:

• Elementary School and Middle School: The Differences and Similarities

• Large Leap

• Comparing and Contrasting London and Washington, DC

Please do not use any of these as your work: they are only examples to help you better grasp the nature and structure of comparison and contrast essays.

Do You Need Essay Writing Assistance?

Now that you understand how to write a comparison and contrast essay, it's time to impress your professor with well-written work! Choose a topic, decide on similarities and contrasts to compare, write an outline, and remember to edit your essay after the drought is complete.

Still in doubt if you can do that like a boss?

Hire a professional writer here at Help In Homework to help you with the assignment or Essay!