Writing a comparison essay is a difficult task for many students because it requires a lot of effort and plan. Students have to write in-depth details about the topic they are comparing.
A comparison essay is a type of academic writing in which students analyze the differences and similarities between two topics. The introduction is the first step in writing a comparison essay.
Weather they are comparing historical events, literature, a well-written comparison essay will provide insights into the relationships between the topics or concepts they are analyzing.
It should grab the reader’s attention, provide background information on the topic, and present a thesis statement that clearly states what you will be comparing and contrasting.
But many students are not able to write a comparison essay because they don’t know how to write. That’s why we have created this blog to provide best steps on how to write a comparison essay.
If you want to compare two topics effectively, then you have to follow the right steps. Here we have provide the best steps that will help you with this. So let’s get started.
What Is Comparison Essay?
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A comparison essay (also known as a Compare and Contrast essay) is a typical writing assignment in high school and college classrooms ranging from art to science. You should critically study any two subjects in a comparison essay, locating and pointing out their parallels and differences.
Such essays might be comparative only (looking at similarities), contrasting only (calling out contrasts), or both comparative and contrasting, depending on your assignment.
What Makes A Good Comparison Essay Topic?
Many students don’t know how to write a comparison essay. What you exactly write in your paper can decide the success or failure of your essay. Like any other academic work, a good comparison and contrast essay will have a purpose that offers value. Consider subjects that are relevant to the field of study. Effective comparison and contrast subjects should expand the scope of knowledge or provide evidence for valid statements that have yet to be proven. The following are a few examples of possible topics:
- Economics: Fiscal vs. Monetary Policy – An study of the Great Depression and the Stagflation Era
- Political Science: Barack Obama vs. George W. Bush: Inspiring orator vs. modest disposition
- Literature: Faulkner and Hemingway: A Prose Paradox
- Philosophy: Utilitarianism and Existentialism
- Law: When it comes to property, Common Law vs. Statute Law
When you start college, you may be assigned to create a decent application comparison essay in addition to these academic areas. These subjects could be lighter, such as comparing your youth to your adolescent years or contrasting two close friends.
Comparison Essay Structure
One of the most critical aspects of success is to think about the structure of your essay. The only way to properly outline and compose an essay, paragraph by paragraph, from beginning to end, without errors, is to follow a recommended essay structure.
There are 2 recommended patterns for a comparison essay: the point-by-point (“alternating”) pattern and the subject-by-subject (or “block”) pattern.
Alternating Pattern
“Point-by-point comparison” is another name for the alternating pattern. Your essay will have five paragraphs if you use this style of comparison.
You’ll have to compare and contrast each of the similarities and differences in the following subjects to complete it:
- Your thesis is stated in the introduction.
- Then, for each point of comparison and contrast, you explain both of your topics together.
- You repeat the thesis and briefly summarise your essay in conclusion.
Block Pattern
“Subject-by-subject comparison” is another name for the block pattern. The body of your compare and contrast essay will be divided into two parts according to this structure.
The first half of the body will be devoted to the first subject, while the second half will be focused on the second:
- Your thesis is stated in the introduction.
- You start with the first topic.
- Then you move on to the second topic.
- You repeat the thesis and briefly summarise your essay in conclusion.
How To Write a comparison essay and Compare Essay?
Here we will tell you how to write a comparison essay. A proper essay outline and organizational framework are required for comparing and contrasting essays.
When writing a decent compare and contrast essay, keep the following ideas in mind.
Selecting the Objects
The selection of the objects to compare is the first stage, and they should be distinct but belong to the same category. Instead of reaching an artist to a politician, a writer could compare two separate artists. This is the first step on how to write a comparison essay.
Identify the Differences and Similarities
In the second phase, a writer must pinpoint the Differences and Similarities. This approach is generally aided by drawing a Venn diagram with two overlapping circles, and it helps with the organization of data. This is the second step on how to write a comparison essay.
Create a Thesis Statement
The goal of this essay is to use similarities and contrasts to create a thesis statement. The thesis statement aids in the development of a focused argument and the creation of a road map for the reader. Determine what your essay will say about the topics. This is the third step on how to write a comparison essay.
Select an Appropriate Organizational Structure
It’s critical to pick a framework that makes sense for your core point. Choose one of the appropriate structures from the list above and write your essay appropriately. By following a strict format, the entire essay will remain on track. This is the fourth step on how to write a comparison essay.
Craft an Outline
Create an outline for your essay based on your organizational structure. An article typically includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. If you have a lot of information to cover, you can always increase body paragraphs.
You can explore the similarities and contrasts in a single paragraph if you use a point-by-point structure. If you use the block structure format, each subject gets its paragraph. This is the fifth step on how to write a comparison essay.
Provide evidence to back up your thesis statement
Support your argument with extra evidence. Evidence can be gathered by extensive research, reading, or firsthand observation. When comparing two types of cats, for example, it is acceptable to utilize personal thoughts. In this approach, your argument will make a great impression on the reader’s mind. This is the sixth step on how to write a comparison essay.
Use Strong Transition Words
To ensure a smooth transition from one statement to the following, powerful transitional words should be used. When comparing, use words like both, likewise, and similarly. This is the seventh step on how to write a comparison essay.
Proofread Carefully
Do not read your article right after you finish it. Proofread for at least an hour or a day. It helps in the detection of more grammatical and spelling errors.
You can also use an online spell-check tool to help you. Additionally, have someone else read your article and point out any flaws. This is the eighth step on how to write a comparison essay.
How to Begin a Comparison Essay
In a comparison essay, you should assess two subjects and bring out their similarities so that the reader may create an informed opinion about them.
The manner you begin a comparison essay has a significant impact on your readers. It is critical to remember that the nature of your introduction impacts whether or not your readers will become interested in your article or abandon it.
As a result, here’s a rundown of some of the techniques you might use to grab your audience’s interest.
- Give your readers a brief history of your issue to assist them in grasping it.
- Begin with a narrative to attract the reader to learn more about your topic.
- Make a terrific remark, either happy or shocking.
- Use statistics to show the scope of the problem.
Comparison Essay Outline Example
An outline is helpful for organizing your thoughts and ideas before you begin writing your comparison essay. Here is an example of an outline for a comparison essay:
Introduction
- Background information on the topic
- Brief overview of the items or concepts to be compared and contrasted
- Thesis statement that clearly states what will be compared and contrasted
Body Paragraphs
- Compare and contrast point 1
- Evidence and examples for topic or concept 1
- Evidence and examples for topic or concept 2
- Analysis of how point 1 relates to the overall comparison and contrast
- Compare and contrast point 2
- Evidence and examples for topic or concept 1
- Evidence and examples for topic or concept 2
- Analysis of how point 2 relates to the overall comparison and contrast
- Compare and contrast point 3
- Evidence and examples for topic or concept 1
- Evidence and examples for topic or concept 2
- Analysis of how point 3 relates to the overall comparison and contrast
Conclusion
- Summary of main points
- Restatement of thesis
- Final thoughts and insights on the comparison and contrast
This is a basic outline example and you can modify it according to your requirements and the specific demands of the essay. The important thing is to have a clear structure that allows you to present your comparison and contrast points in a logical and organized way.
Conclusion
In this blog, you have learned about how to write a comparison essay. I hope you have understood how to write a comparison essay easily. A comparison and contrast essay is critical for assisting readers in making educated selections when deciding between two objects or situations. To determine what to choose, a reader must first read the article, consider its various elements, and then settle in favor of one. Contact us for Top Quality Essay Writing Help if you don’t know how to write a comparison essay and contrast essay. how to write a comparison essay
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
In compare and contrast essays, what are the most regularly utilized transition words?
The following are the most typical compare and contrast essay transition words:
In the same way
In like manner
Likewise
Similarly
By the same token
What does a compare and contrast essay serve?
The main goal of a compare and contrast essay is to show how two items are alike and dissimilar, and they also necessitate the application of critical thinking skills. A good comparison essay can teach readers about current events, political candidates, vacation places, and items.
