The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to analyze the
differences and/or the similarities of two distinct subjects. A good
compare/contrast essay doesn’t only point out how the subjects are
similar or different (or even both!). It uses those points to make a
meaningful argument about the subjects. While it can be a little
intimidating to approach this type of essay at first, with a little work
and practice, you can write a great compare-and-contrast essay!
There are many things to pay attention to when writing a
comparison and contrast essay. After all, it is the most popular type of
assignment in US schools and other educational institutions due to
several reasons. It helps develop and improve such important skills as
critical thinking, rationality, and understanding. Here are a few things
to keep in mind when working on a comparison and contrast essay.
Pick two subjects that can be compared and contrasted. The first step to writing a successful compare and contrast essay is to pick two subjects that are different enough to be compared. There are several things to consider when choosing your subjects:
2) There are several techniques one might use to make their essay more engaging. One of them is creating a Venn diagram after you’ve finished researching but before writing anything down. It is ridiculously easy to make one, but the actual effect of visualizing your arguments is incredible. And if the prospect of actually drawing something terrifies you, try one of the on-line services instead.
3) If you have a more analytical mind, making a classical chart would be more helpful. Each of your columns should be dedicated to one of the subjects you are focusing on. After you have listed all the possible comparison points, eliminate the insignificant ones. Now, you essentially have your paragraphs in front of you!
4) Imagine yourself as the reader and think about the question your audience might want to find the answers to while reading your essay. There are some questions that are very topic specific, so you’ll have to determine what those are on your own. However, the generally accepted ones include the following: What does your professor expect you to write?; Where should the emphasis put?; Why is your topic relevant to?; etc.
5) As mentioned earlier, the structure and content of your essay will depend on who or what your subjects are. If your writing concentrates on physical objects, it might be smart to mention size, height, weight, and other physical characteristics. If you are contrasting the events, try asking yourself what the prerequisites and consequences of those occurrences were or could be. Finally, if your subjects are abstract ideas or theories, you should definitely focus on the people who came up with them, those who adhere to and defend them, as well as what influence they had on the world.
After you’ve finished with all the preparatory steps, it is time for writing. If you’ve followed the suggested course of research and refinement of ideas, the actual process of creating a text should not give you any trouble. Moreover, remember that the first drafts are rarely good, and multiple revisions will only improve your work.
You will have to face and cope with writing comparison and contrast essays at least once during your academic career, so the best thing to do is to use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Pick two subjects that can be compared and contrasted. The first step to writing a successful compare and contrast essay is to pick two subjects that are different enough to be compared. There are several things to consider when choosing your subjects:
- You could pick two subjects that are in the same “category” but have differences that are significant in some way. For example, you could choose “homemade pizza vs. frozen grocery store pizza.”
- You could pick two subjects that might appear to be the same but are actually different. For example, you could choose "The Hunger Games movie vs. the book."
Remember to explain the “why.” A common error many
writers make is to let the comparisons and contrasts “speak for
themselves,” rather than explaining why it’s helpful or important to put
them together. Don’t just provide a list of “ways Topic A and Topic B
are similar and different.” In your body paragraphs as well as your
conclusion, remind your readers of the significance of your evidence and
argument.
- For example, in a body paragraph about the quality of ingredients in frozen vs. homemade pizza, you could close with an assertion like this: “Because the ingredients in pizza you make at home are cheap, it can be less expensive for you than frozen pizza. It can also let you express your imagination. Pineapple and peanut butter pizza? Go for it! Using your own ingredients lets you have fun with your food.” Remember about the language. When you say that one of the things is cheap, use the superlative of cheap for another. This type of comment helps your reader understand why the ability to choose your own ingredients makes homemade pizza better.
2) There are several techniques one might use to make their essay more engaging. One of them is creating a Venn diagram after you’ve finished researching but before writing anything down. It is ridiculously easy to make one, but the actual effect of visualizing your arguments is incredible. And if the prospect of actually drawing something terrifies you, try one of the on-line services instead.
3) If you have a more analytical mind, making a classical chart would be more helpful. Each of your columns should be dedicated to one of the subjects you are focusing on. After you have listed all the possible comparison points, eliminate the insignificant ones. Now, you essentially have your paragraphs in front of you!
4) Imagine yourself as the reader and think about the question your audience might want to find the answers to while reading your essay. There are some questions that are very topic specific, so you’ll have to determine what those are on your own. However, the generally accepted ones include the following: What does your professor expect you to write?; Where should the emphasis put?; Why is your topic relevant to?; etc.
5) As mentioned earlier, the structure and content of your essay will depend on who or what your subjects are. If your writing concentrates on physical objects, it might be smart to mention size, height, weight, and other physical characteristics. If you are contrasting the events, try asking yourself what the prerequisites and consequences of those occurrences were or could be. Finally, if your subjects are abstract ideas or theories, you should definitely focus on the people who came up with them, those who adhere to and defend them, as well as what influence they had on the world.
After you’ve finished with all the preparatory steps, it is time for writing. If you’ve followed the suggested course of research and refinement of ideas, the actual process of creating a text should not give you any trouble. Moreover, remember that the first drafts are rarely good, and multiple revisions will only improve your work.
You will have to face and cope with writing comparison and contrast essays at least once during your academic career, so the best thing to do is to use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
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