Have you always disliked writing a compare and contrast essay? And the hatred was evident in your grades, which came down like a crashing plane because you could not present a readable essay? Do not fret.
Since we know why you are here, we have something up our sleeve. We are here, standing by with our highly constructive, easy-to-understand steps of writing a compare and contrast essay.
And if writing a compare and contrast essay always felt like an uphill battle, pluck up the courage to fight this battle with us today. Are you ready?
We will start by defining compare and contrast essays in a simple language so that your understanding of this essay type becomes simpler.
What is compare and contrast essay?
A compare and contrast essay provides you with points of comparison between two subjects. True to its name, its purpose is to show the reader the similarities and variances of a topic in certain respects.
And now, we will move on to the next vital step- presenting the purpose of writing a compare and contrast essay to you.
What is the purpose of comparing or contrasting in writing?
The purpose of writing compare and contrast essay is to compare similar discussion elements and contrast different writing elements.
The key to an engaging compare and contrast essay is to choose two compelling subjects that connect meaningfully. The sole purpose of conducting the contrast is to highlight subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For instance, if you wanted to focus on comparing two topics, you would not pick oranges and apples; instead, you might choose two types of apples or two types of oranges to highlight subtle differences.
And now that you know the purpose of writing compare and contrast essay, do you know how to structure one? No? We have got you covered here as well.
How to structure a compare and contrast essay?
The hardest part of structuring a compare and contrast essay is knowing when to talk about which subject. Essentially, you have three options:
- Altering method:Here, you discuss one subject’s take on a specific aspect and then another subject’s interpretation immediately afterwards, followed by a network of aspects. This approach works the best when you wish to emphasise the link between your topics or lack thereof.
- Block method:You discuss one subject in full and then move on to the next subject. The block method is usually divided into paragraphs: a paragraph about one subject and a new section about another subject. Using the block method, you can cover as many topics as possible. This approach is the best for giving each subject its attention but slightly weakens the linkage between the two.
- Similarities and differences:You discuss all the similarities between your subjects and then all the differences, or vice versa.
And now, finally, we will answer the question you have been waiting for.
7 Steps to Write Comparing & Contrasting Essays
Like any good essay, a compare and contrast essay paper must contain a clear organisational structure that gives places the most vital points in their body paragraphs.
- Brainstorming with a Venn Diagram
The best-written compare and contrast essays show a high level of analysis. An in-depth analysis roots in brainstorming, without any doubt. So, you will require plain brainstorming before penning down a readable compare and contrast essay.
A Venn diagram is an excellent tool for brainstorming compare and contrast essays. Comprising a set of overlapping circles: One circle shows the characteristics of the first subject, and another process shows the aspects of the second subject; an overlapping section between the circles contains elements shared by both issues.
- Create a thesis statement
Once you have mapped out the differences and similarities between your topics, you will begin to understand the relationship between your subjects. The brainstorming-prewriting process will enable you to develop your thesis statement and topic sentences. Your thesis statement should function as a road map for your essay.
- Develop an outline
So, after you have laid out your brainstormed data and written the thesis statement, your prewriting process moves on to outline. An intelligible compare and contrast essay outline follows the standard essay format: introductory, body, and concluding paragraph. Remain faithful to your outline as you write. Great outlining distinguishes focused, tight essays from meandering ones.
- Write the introduction
A good introductory paragraph sets the tone for your entire essay. The best introduction always starts with an engaging hook- such as a rhetorical question or a bold statement. After your hook, introduce the subjects you will evaluate in your essay. Your thesis statement should come at the end of the introduction.
- Write body paragraphs and repeat
Begin with a topic sentence that explains one area of comparison between your first subject and your second subject. For instance, if your subjects are two different countries and your paragraph topic is a political structure, you can start by broadly describing each country’s political processes. Then, you can equally devote at least two sentences to how the country’s politics are similar and two sentences to how they are different.
Comparative essays usually take their subjects through several points of contrast. Henceforth, plan on writing three body paragraphs that tackle your two subjects from various angles. Finally, link your sections with transition words.
- Write the conclusion
A great compare and contrast essay requires a great conclusion. By this point, you will hopefully have proven your thesis about how the two subjects you have chosen are alike and different. Writing an effective conclusion is your chance to share any final insights and reinforce your overall paper’s thesis. Do not introduce brand new data in this paragraph. Instead, use it for summarising the entire document.
Read More: How To Write And Format Commercial Law Assignment In A Short Period Of Time?
- Edit and proofread
Your essay will remain incomplete unless it is properly edited and proofread. Make a careful proofread pass and ensure that each of your subjects gets equal space in the essay. Finally, you want to correct all the spelling and grammatical mistakes in your draft. Elsewise, you can hire a professional proofreader to make this phase a breeze.
In conclusion,
Essays with one subject are confusing enough. Not to mention, articles with two topics get even more complicated. One of the biggest obstacles with compare and contrast essays is communicating so your audience knows which points relate to which subjects and the conclusion the entire essay is building toward. But with the structure and process of writing a compare and contrast essay at your disposal, every obstacle vanishes away. So, follow this blog to excel as a student and bag in the grades of your dream.
Good luck!
Author’s Bio: Ethan Taylor holds a PhD in English and is actively associated with Myassignmenthelp.com. He works on Paraphrasing Tool Online Free for students. So, whenever you need any assistance regarding Essay Bot, you can resort to him.
