Compare or contrast essays look at issues from multiple angles. This type of essay, usually assigned in high school and middle school, helps students understand the writing process that is analytical and helps them prepare for more complex kinds that require academic writing. They are fairly easy to compose when you follow a straightforward procedure step-by-step guide on how to write a compare and contrast essay.
What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?
The compare and contrast paper is a kind of essay that provides the reader with a comparison of two topics. As per its title, it demonstrates how subjects are alike in some ways but different in other aspects. The structure of the essay is usually composed of body paragraphs that describe the two subjects before wrapping it up with a concluding analysis.
What Is the Purpose of a Compare and Contrast Essay?
Writing a compare-and-contrast essay lets you juxtapose two subjects on the same document. That means thesis statements, topic sentences, and descriptive information must be able to include both topics. Comparison and contrast papers require an analytical approach. In order to create one, you need to do more than just descriptive writing and analyze the connection between your subject matter. A well-written comparison essay will give information on the current political climate, current events, and travel destinations, as well as products.
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
As with any essay, the compare and contrast essay should be organized in a clear structure that makes your most important points own paragraphs.
1. Begin by Brainstorming With a Venn Diagram.
The most effective essay on contrast and comparison shows an excellent degree of analysis. That means that you are required to come up with ideas prior to you start writing. A Venn diagram is an excellent visual aid for brainstorming ideas for a compare and contrast essay. Venn diagrams are a great way to brainstorm ideas for compare and contrast essays. A Venn diagram is a collection of circles that overlap. The first circle showcases the characteristics of the initial subject, while the second circle depicts the features of the second subject. An area that overlaps between the two circles has traits shared by both subjects.
2. Develop a Thesis Statement.
After you’ve identified the similarities and distinctions between your subjects, you’ll begin to comprehend the relation among your topics. This process of prewriting will help you to create your thesis statement and subject sentences. Your thesis statement should act as a guideline to guide your essay.
3. Create an Outline.
After you’ve worked with your information, the process of writing your essay is now moving to outline. A well-constructed outline for a compare and contrast essay follows the typical essay format: an introduction followed by body paragraphs and a conclusion. Keep your outline in mind when you write. An outline that is well-crafted distinguishes targeted essays from rambling ones.
4. Write the Introduction.
A well-written introduction paragraph will set the tone for your whole essay. The most effective introductions start with a hook, such as a rhetorical query or a bold assertion. After you have your hook, present the subjects you’ll explore within your paper. The thesis statement should be placed in the final paragraph of your introduction.
5. Write the First Body Paragraph.
Begin with a topic phrase that describes a particular point of difference between your primary subject and your second subject. Judging from examples of a compare and contrast essay, if you have two subjects from different nations and your topic is the political structure, you could begin with a broad description of the political process of each country. It is then possible to spend about two or more sentences on how their political systems are similar and two sentences explaining what they have in common.
6. Repeat the Process for the Next Paragraphs.
Comparative essays generally focus on their subjects from multiple perspectives of comparison. Thus, you must plan to write at minimum three body paragraphs which tackle your two topics from different perspectives. Your paragraphs should be linked with the words that transition.
7. Write the Conclusion.
A good compare-and-contrast essay requires an effective conclusion. In this section, you’ll have proved your thesis on the way the two subjects are distinct and similar. The final paragraph of your paper is the chance to present any insights you have gained and consolidate the main idea of your paper in general. Avoid introducing brand-new details in your closing paragraph. Use it to summarize the whole document.
8. Proofread.
Your essay isn’t completed until you’ve made an accurate proofreading pass. Be sure that each of your subjects is given equal space in your essay. Be sure to take your position regarding how the subjects are alike and different. Also, make sure to check spelling, punctuation, spelling along with overall clarity.
