How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

Compare and contrast essay is quite a popular type of essays in the US curriculum. As the name suggests, this essay requires you to compare and contrast any number of ideas such as people, theories, books, etc. You can organize a compare and contrast essay in two ways- Point by Point method and Block method. Before checking out how to write a compare and contrast essay, let’s understand what this essay means.

What Is The Point Of Writing A Compare and Contrast Essay?

A compare and contrast essay highlights the differences and similarities between the two ideas. You get to talk about the ways in which the ideas are similar when you compare. However, you describe their respective differences when you contrast them. The main purposes of writing a compare and contrast essay are:

• Encourages you to connect two or more ideas

• Engages you in critical thinking

• Helps you go beyond summaries or descriptions so that you can generate interesting analysis

All in all, this essay lets you understand what’s most important about both the ideas. Now that you know what it means, let’s check out the tips for writing a compare and contrast essay.

3 Steps for Writing A Compare and Contrast Essay

‘How to begin a compare and contrast essay?’- This has been a popular query on Google among students. The following steps will help you start and complete the essay successfully.

Pick an arguable topic

You must choose topics from the same category to write a proper compare and contrast essay. Let’s say you choose the category ‘animals.’ So, you need to compare and contrast only animals such as dogs and snakes.

Discuss both the ideas equally

A compare and contrast essay is not about taking a stand on one perspective. It is about gaining a deeper understanding of both ideas. So, you need to evaluate both the ideas equally in this essay through their differences and similarities.

Follow the right structure

Different universities may have different structures. However, this is the basic compare and contrast essay template you can follow if you aren’t aware of your university guidelines.

Introduction - This is the opening paragraph of your essay.

• Write a general statement about your topic.

• State the title, author and general ideas of what you are comparing & contrasting.

Thesis statement - This highlights the main purpose of your essay.

• Restate the topic and make your claims

• State the specific similarities and differences

• Write it in one or two sentences at the end of the introduction.

Body paragraphs- This section analyses and evaluates the similarities and differences between your ideas.

1st body paragraph

• Topic sentence- Introduces the first similarity or difference

• Examples- Shows the similarity or differences in real-world

• Explanation- Makes the comparison clear

• Concluding statement- Restates the ideas you have discussed

2nd body paragraph

• Topic sentence- Introduces the second similarity or difference

• Examples- Shows the similarity or differences in real-world

• Concluding statement- Restates the ideas you have discussed

Conclusion- This provides closure to your readers regarding the topic

• Restate the thesis statement, but in your new words.

• Write down your final thoughts.

• Connect to broader concepts relevant to both the ideas discussed in your paper.

The compare and contrast essay structure may vary depending on how you choose to organize the details in your essay. There are two ways to do that. Let's find out.

Two Ways You Can Organize Information In Your Compare & Contrast Essay

Each of the following methods consists of individual advantages and disadvantages. Pick the one that suits your purpose of writing the essay the best.

Block Method - Addresses each subject or idea in separate paragraphs.

First and second body paragraphs

• The first paragraph will describe a characteristic of subject A.
• So, the second paragraph will address the same point for Subject B.

Third and fourth body paragraphs

• The third paragraph will address another characteristic of Subject A.
• The fourth paragraph will describe the same point for Subject B.

Example

Topic: Video rentals vs. Theatres

The point to be discussed - Saving money

Video Rentals

You can save a lot of money if you rent a video to watch at home. Video rentals cost approximately $3.99. Everybody can enjoy the movie at the same price right in the comfort of your homes. With video rentals, you needn’t have to worry about buying expensive snacks if you don't want to. You can make something at home and enjoy it.

Movie Theatres

A single ticket at the movie theatre, on the contrary, costs around $5.00. You may have to pay for each ticket, including the children at the theatre. You can make something at home and enjoy it. But, you may have to buy something expensive to eat at the theatre since outside food is not allowed in such fancy places.

Point by Point Method - Examines one aspect of one subject and the same aspect of the other subject in the same paragraph.

First body paragraph

• Mention one characteristics of Subject A.
• Then show how Subject B is similar or dissimilar with respect to that characteristic.

Second body paragraph

• Mention another characteristic of Subject B.
• Again show how Subject B is similar or dissimilar with respect to that characteristic.

Example:

Topic: Video rentals vs. Theatres

Characteristic to be discussed in the first body paragraph- Saving money

You can save money by renting a video to watch at home. Video rentals cost approximately $3.99. A single ticket at the movie theatre, on the contrary, costs around $5.00. Everybody can enjoy the movie at the same price right in the comfort of your homes. However, you may have to pay for each ticket, including the children at the theatre. With video rentals, you needn't have to worry about buying expensive snacks if you don't want to. You can make something at home and enjoy it. But, you may have to buy something expensive to eat at the theatre since outside food is not allowed in such fancy places.

For both the methods, you can increase the number of paragraphs according to the number of similarities and differences you have for each idea. Also, create a rough outline for compare and contrast essay first. This will help you complete the task hassle-free.

Wrapping Up,

The online samples of compare and contrast essays can help you understand the guidelines better. Pick a suitable method to organize the essay and start writing. You can also check out the various comparison and contrast essay examples before writing your paper. Do not hesitate to consult with your professors whenever you get stuck while working on the essay. Good Luck.

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