How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

What is a Compare and Contrast Essay

Compare and contrast is an expository essay that evaluates the differences and similarities of concepts or themes. It helps in examining topics from various viewpoints. In most cases, middle and high school students are assigned this type of expository essay to learn the analytical writing process, which prepares them for advanced academic writing. Notably, the structure of the essay features body paragraphs that illustrate the subjects before developing a final analysis of the essay. This indicates that the topic sentences, thesis statements, and descriptive details should cover all subjects. The essay necessitates critical thinking, which requires a writer to examine and evaluate the association between the concepts or themes. An excellent comparison expository essay provides a reader with information about current events, specific products, travel destinations, and political candidates.

The Purpose of Compare & Contrast Expository Essay

Writers compare objects or themes by discussing similar elements and contrast the things or themes by identifying different aspects. A compare and contrast essay evaluates and analyzes two subjects by contrasting and comparing them. The primary purpose of the contrast or comparison essay is to illustrate the understated similarities or unexplored differences. For instance, if a writer decides to contrast two subjects, he would not pick a car and a bicycle, but he should contrast and compare two types of vehicles or bicycles to identify the unknown differences. For instance, a Nissan is more of a specialized manufacturer, whereas a Toyota is an all-around brand. Identifying the differences between subjects and themes enables the reader to understand a theme, which is the primary purpose of the comparison essay.

How to Choose the Topic of the Compare and Contrast Essay

The topic can be selected from the field of the writer’s interest.
The writer can choose the topic founded on the specialist or class subject.

It is essential for the writer to discuss all arguments carefully and include details for opposing ideas.

A writer should conclude the essay by summarizing the views to enable readers to attain the answers they are looking for
The writer aims to identify the wrong and correct arguments in conclusion.
Before concluding the topic, a writer should discuss all ideas equally. The writer should not be biased because it can lower their grades.

How to Start Writing the Compare and Contrast Essay

After identifying the essay’s topic, a writer should create two columns that show the subject’s similarities and differences. The writer identifies the main key points, examines the theme from a far angle, and incorporates their reasoning. A Venn diagram helps visually illustrate the theme or subject’s similarities and differences. It is created by drawing two overlapping circles. The overlapping section presents the similarities, whereas the part of the circle that is not overlapping portrays the differences. The visual aid assists in organizing the differences and similarities, enabling the reader to perceive them. Also, the diagram provides a vivid concept of what the writer can write about. Moreover, the writer can create a list with two columns and simultaneously compare the characteristics of the themes or subjects.

Notably, a writer should avoid listing the similarities and differences of each subject because it will ruin the essay format. The essay should be founded explicitly on analyzing the similarities, differences, and conclusion of the two subjects and identifying the associations between them while adhering to a specific format

The Structure and Outline of a Contrast and Compare

The compare and contrast essay depends on factual analysis. An outline helps a writer to organize their facts. An outline can be structured using the block or point-to-point method. A block structure enables a writer to present his information for the first subject and explain the subject’s details and characteristics. In this case, the writer designs two blocks for the two themes. The point-by-point structure lets a writer list each subject’s differences and similarities simultaneously. For example, a writer can outline the classifications related to one of the subjects, accompanied by the difference or similarity to the other subject. The two formats have their merits and demerits. For example, it is much easier to use the block method because a writer only points out the information about the two subjects and allows the reader to identify the similarities and differences. On the other hand, the point-by-point structure needs a writer to examine the points while making the differences and similarities, which is much easier for the audience to understand.

The Point-by-Point Method of Writing a Comparative Essay

Introduction: The writer introduces the topic of the compare and contrast essay, identifies the subject or theme, and presents the thesis by covering the specific areas of the essay within a sentence.
1^st Body Paragraph: The writer formulates the topic sentence by stating a similarity or difference between the themes or subjects. The writer develops an argument centered on the specific difference between the two themes or subjects.

2^nd Body Paragraph: The writer develops the topic sentence by identifying another difference between the two subjects or themes. Also, the writer generates an argument focused more on explaining the differences between the two themes or subjects.

3^rd body paragraph: The writer identifies another difference or similarity between the two subjects and formulates the topic sentence. He then develops an argument focused on illustrating the difference or similarities.
Conclusion: The writer summarizes their writing in the article.

The Block Method of Writing a Comparative Essay

Introduction: The writer introduces the topic, identifies the specific theme, and develops a thesis that covers the particular areas of the essay in a sentence.
1^st Body Paragraph: The writer identifies the characteristics of the theme or subject and develops the topic sentence. They then discuss the specific aspect.

2^nd Body Paragraph: The writer identifies a particular feature of the other subject or theme. They then discuss the identified characteristics in depth.

3^rd Body Paragraph: The writer uses the final body paragraph to examine the similarities and comparisons and outlines why they are essential. When comparing the two subjects or themes, the writer should remember to use words such as “similar to, likewise, both, similarly, alike, the same as, and to compare to.” When contrasting the two subjects or themes, the writer should use words such as “unlike, to differ from, whereas, on the other hand, in comparison, dissimilar, but, while, by comparison, and in contrast.”

Present the Evidence

The writer should support the arguments for a comparative essay with efficient evidence. As such, the writer should utilize learning materials such as scholarly articles, books, newspaper articles, and personal experiences to develop a credible and sound argument.

Helpful Tips

Use powerful paragraph transitions.
Always clarify the ideas introduced in your essay.
Remember to proofread your work.
Have a friend look at your essay.