physical characteristics
duration of light
brightness
noise
materials that compose it
physical characteristics
duration of light
brightness
noise
materials that compose it
inventor
dates of invention and development
process of development
first models
acceptance by society
inventor
dates of invention and development
process of development
type of energy
how the energy is used
physical description
leaves
stem
flowers
fruit
type of soil needed
Narrow Your Focus (in this essay, as in any essay). For example, if you compare two religions, focus on one particular aspect which you can discuss in depth and detail, e.g., sin in Buddhism vs. sin in Christianity, or salvation in two religions. Or if your topic is political, you might compare the Conservative attitude to old growth logging vs. the Green Party's attitude to old growth logging, or the Conservative attitude to the Persian Gulf War vs. the NDP attitude to the same war.
Each paragraph should deal with only one idea and deal with it thoroughly . Give adequate explanation and specific examples to support each idea. The first paragraph introduces the topic, captures the reader's attention, and provides a definite summary of the essay. It may be wise to end the first paragraph with a thesis statement that summarizes the main points of difference (or similarity). For example, "Submarines and warships differ not only in construction, but in their style of weapons and method of attack." This gives the reader a brief outline of your essay, allowing him to anticipate what's to come. Each middle paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that summarizes the main idea of that paragraph (ex. "The musical styles of Van Halen and Steely Dan are as differing in texture as are broken glass and clear water"). An opening sentence like this that uses a metaphor or simile not only summarizes the paragraph but captures the reader's attention, making him want to read on. Avoid a topic sentence that is too dull and too broad (ex. "There are many differences in the musical styles of Van Halen and Steely Dan").
VARY THE STRUCTURE
The structure of the comparison essay may vary. You may use simultaneous comparison structure in which the two things are compared together, feature by feature, point by point. For example, "The electric light bulb lasts 80 hours, while the gas lamp lasts only 20 hours . . . ." Or as in this example (comparing two American presidents):
Consider how perfectly Harding met the requirements for president. Wilson was a visionary who liked to identify himself with "forward-looking men"; Harding was as old-fashioned as those wooden Indians which used to stand in front of cigar stores, "a flower of the period before safety razors." Harding believed that statemanship had come to its apogee in the days of McKinley and Foraker. Wilson was cold. Harding was an affable small-town man, at ease with "folks"; he was an ideal companion to play poker with all Saturday night. Wilson had always been difficult of access; Harding was accessible to the last degree. etc.
Don't use simultaneous structure all the way through the essay, however. It becomes monotonous. Use it sparingly. For most of the essay, use parallel order structure .
In parallel order structure you compare the two things separately but take up the same points in the same order. For example, you may spend half a paragraph on "thing A" and the other half of the paragraph on the corresponding characteristics of "thing B." Or, if you have enough material, devote one paragraph to the physical characteristics of an electric bulb lamp, and the next paragraph to the physical characteristics of the gas lamp.
Or say everything there is to say about the electric bulb lamp (its physical characteristics, history of development and operation), followed by everything there is to say about the gas lamp.
For the sake of variety you may switch to simultaneous comparison at one point in the essay, and then switch back to parallel order structure for the rest of the essay. In fact, there are many ways to structure a comparison essay; use whichever organization works best for your particular paper. Here are a few sample organizational methods. "A" stands for "thing A" (ex. electric lamp) and "B" stands for "thing B" (ex. gas lamp). Each number (1,2,3, etc.) stands for a different aspect of that thing (ex. physical characteristics, operation, history of development).
A1 | A1 | A1 | |
B1 | A2 | B1 | |
A2 | A3 | B2 | Each separate line stands |
B2 | B1 | A2 | for a separate paragraph |
A3 | B2 | A3 | |
B3 | B3 | B3 |
What this handout is about.
This handout will help you first to determine whether a particular assignment is asking for comparison/contrast and then to generate a list of similarities and differences, decide which similarities and differences to focus on, and organize your paper so that it will be clear and effective. It will also explain how you can (and why you should) develop a thesis that goes beyond “Thing A and Thing B are similar in many ways but different in others.”
In your career as a student, you’ll encounter many different kinds of writing assignments, each with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis: when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.
Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples:
Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both.
But it’s not always so easy to tell whether an assignment is asking you to include comparison/contrast. And in some cases, comparison/contrast is only part of the essay—you begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more things and then use what you’ve learned to construct an argument or evaluation. Consider these examples, noticing the language that is used to ask for the comparison/contrast and whether the comparison/contrast is only one part of a larger assignment:
You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.
Sometimes you may want to use comparison/contrast techniques in your own pre-writing work to get ideas that you can later use for an argument, even if comparison/contrast isn’t an official requirement for the paper you’re writing. For example, if you wanted to argue that Frye’s account of oppression is better than both de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the main arguments of those three authors might help you construct your evaluation—even though the topic may not have asked for comparison/contrast and the lists of similarities and differences you generate may not appear anywhere in the final draft of your paper.
Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each one of the areas that doesn’t overlap; in those areas, you can list the traits that make the things different. Here’s a very simple example, using two pizza places:
To make a chart, figure out what criteria you want to focus on in comparing the items. Along the left side of the page, list each of the criteria. Across the top, list the names of the items. You should then have a box per item for each criterion; you can fill the boxes in and then survey what you’ve discovered.
Here’s an example, this time using three pizza places:
Pepper’s | Amante | Papa John’s | |
---|---|---|---|
Location | |||
Price | |||
Delivery | |||
Ingredients | |||
Service | |||
Seating/eating in | |||
Coupons |
As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?
Here are some general questions about different types of things you might have to compare. These are by no means complete or definitive lists; they’re just here to give you some ideas—you can generate your own questions for these and other types of comparison. You may want to begin by using the questions reporters traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? If you’re talking about objects, you might also consider general properties like size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, number, duration, and location.
By now you have probably generated a huge list of similarities and differences—congratulations! Next you must decide which of them are interesting, important, and relevant enough to be included in your paper. Ask yourself these questions:
Suppose that you are writing a paper comparing two novels. For most literature classes, the fact that they both use Caslon type (a kind of typeface, like the fonts you may use in your writing) is not going to be relevant, nor is the fact that one of them has a few illustrations and the other has none; literature classes are more likely to focus on subjects like characterization, plot, setting, the writer’s style and intentions, language, central themes, and so forth. However, if you were writing a paper for a class on typesetting or on how illustrations are used to enhance novels, the typeface and presence or absence of illustrations might be absolutely critical to include in your final paper.
Sometimes a particular point of comparison or contrast might be relevant but not terribly revealing or interesting. For example, if you are writing a paper about Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight,” pointing out that they both have nature as a central theme is relevant (comparisons of poetry often talk about themes) but not terribly interesting; your class has probably already had many discussions about the Romantic poets’ fondness for nature. Talking about the different ways nature is depicted or the different aspects of nature that are emphasized might be more interesting and show a more sophisticated understanding of the poems.
The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so they don’t get lost in the sea of points you are about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”
Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s, Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned earlier:
Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.
You may find our handout on constructing thesis statements useful at this stage.
There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:
Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you’re comparing/contrasting more than two things). If the paper is short, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item into a single paragraph, but it’s more likely that you’d have several paragraphs per item. Using our pizza place comparison/contrast as an example, after the introduction, you might have a paragraph about the ingredients available at Pepper’s, a paragraph about its location, and a paragraph about its ambience. Then you’d have three similar paragraphs about Amante, followed by your conclusion.
The danger of this subject-by-subject organization is that your paper will simply be a list of points: a certain number of points (in my example, three) about one subject, then a certain number of points about another. This is usually not what college instructors are looking for in a paper—generally they want you to compare or contrast two or more things very directly, rather than just listing the traits the things have and leaving it up to the reader to reflect on how those traits are similar or different and why those similarities or differences matter. Thus, if you use the subject-by-subject form, you will probably want to have a very strong, analytical thesis and at least one body paragraph that ties all of your different points together.
A subject-by-subject structure can be a logical choice if you are writing what is sometimes called a “lens” comparison, in which you use one subject or item (which isn’t really your main topic) to better understand another item (which is). For example, you might be asked to compare a poem you’ve already covered thoroughly in class with one you are reading on your own. It might make sense to give a brief summary of your main ideas about the first poem (this would be your first subject, the “lens”), and then spend most of your paper discussing how those points are similar to or different from your ideas about the second.
Rather than addressing things one subject at a time, you may wish to talk about one point of comparison at a time. There are two main ways this might play out, depending on how much you have to say about each of the things you are comparing. If you have just a little, you might, in a single paragraph, discuss how a certain point of comparison/contrast relates to all the items you are discussing. For example, I might describe, in one paragraph, what the prices are like at both Pepper’s and Amante; in the next paragraph, I might compare the ingredients available; in a third, I might contrast the atmospheres of the two restaurants.
If I had a bit more to say about the items I was comparing/contrasting, I might devote a whole paragraph to how each point relates to each item. For example, I might have a whole paragraph about the clientele at Pepper’s, followed by a whole paragraph about the clientele at Amante; then I would move on and do two more paragraphs discussing my next point of comparison/contrast—like the ingredients available at each restaurant.
There are no hard and fast rules about organizing a comparison/contrast paper, of course. Just be sure that your reader can easily tell what’s going on! Be aware, too, of the placement of your different points. If you are writing a comparison/contrast in service of an argument, keep in mind that the last point you make is the one you are leaving your reader with. For example, if I am trying to argue that Amante is better than Pepper’s, I should end with a contrast that leaves Amante sounding good, rather than with a point of comparison that I have to admit makes Pepper’s look better. If you’ve decided that the differences between the items you’re comparing/contrasting are most important, you’ll want to end with the differences—and vice versa, if the similarities seem most important to you.
Our handout on organization can help you write good topic sentences and transitions and make sure that you have a good overall structure in place for your paper.
To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you’ll want to be sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already have given the reader an idea of the points you’ll be making and the organization you’ll be using, but you can help them out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you in signaling your intentions:
For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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This entry aims to help support those participating in our Third Annual Connections Contest , in which students are invited to take something they are studying in school and show us, via parallels found in a Times article, how it connects to our world today. In other words, we’re asking them to compare ideas in two texts.
For even more on how to help your students make those kinds of connections, please see our related writing unit .
Making connections is a natural part of thinking. We can’t help doing it. If you’re telling a friend about a new song or restaurant or TV show you like, you’ll almost always find yourself saying, “It’s like _________” and referencing something you both know. It’s a simple way of helping your listener get his or her bearings.
Journalists do it too. In fact, it’s one of the main tools of the trade to help explain a new concept or reframe an old one. Here are just a few recent examples:
A science reporter explains the behavior of fossilized marine animals by likening them to humans making conga lines.
A sportswriter describes the current N.B.A. season by framing it in terms of Broadway show tunes.
An Op-Ed contributor compares today’s mainstreaming of contemporary African art to “an urban neighborhood undergoing gentrification.”
Sometimes a journalist will go beyond making a simple analogy and devote a whole piece to an extended comparison between two things. Articles like these are real-world cousins of that classic compare/contrast essay you’ve probably been writing in school since you could first hold a pen.
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A compare and contrast paper discusses the similarities and differences between two or more topics. The paper should contain an introduction with a thesis statement, a body where the comparisons and contrasts are discussed, and a conclusion.
Because this is a compare and contrast paper, both the similarities and differences should be discussed. This will require analysis on your part, as some topics will appear to be quite similar, and you will have to work to find the differing elements.
Just like any other essay, a compare and contrast essay needs a thesis statement. The thesis statement should not only tell your reader what you will do, but it should also address the purpose and importance of comparing and contrasting the material.
Transitions are important in compare and contrast essays, where you will be moving frequently between different topics or perspectives.
For more information, check out our transitions page.
Consider how you will present the information. You could present all of the similarities first and then present all of the differences. Or you could go point by point and show the similarity and difference of one point, then the similarity and difference for another point, and so on.
It is tempting to just provide summary for this type of paper, but analysis will show the importance of the comparisons and contrasts. For instance, if you are comparing two articles on the topic of the nursing shortage, help us understand what this will achieve. Did you find consensus between the articles that will support a certain action step for people in the field? Did you find discrepancies between the two that point to the need for further investigation?
When drawing comparisons or making contrasts, be sure you are dealing with similar aspects of each item. To use an old cliché, are you comparing apples to apples?
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A step-by-step guide with instructions, outlines, and samples
Writing a great comparative essay means highlighting the similarities and differences between two things in a systematic manner. Start by choosing the parameters (items) to compare, write an outline, and fill in the details for each section. Make sure to have an introduction and conclusion.
The comparative essay is one form of document that you will probably be expected to write at some point over the course of your college career. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a thorough overview of the comparative essay. Specific things that will be addressed include:
Explanation of comparative models, how to analyze subjects, elements of a good comparative essay, how to write a great comparative essay.
By the end of this article, you should feel more confident about your own knowledge of what a comparative essay is and the best ways to go about writing one (if you haven't decided to buy a comparative essay from Ultius ).
The fundamental purpose of a comparative essay is to elaborate the similarities and differences between two things in a systematic manner.
An effective comparative essay will leave the reader with much greater clarity about the natures and properties of the things that have been compared.
This could potentially serve as a basis for making a decision in favor of one or the other thing.
A comparative essay is different from, for example, an argumentative essay in that the comparative essay does not make a case for either of the two things under comparison. Rather, the point is to simply set up the comparison so that the reader will have as much information about the two things as possible.
Argumentative essay | Comparative essay | |
To make a clear case for a position on a given subject or a plan of action | To highlight the similarities and differences between one object and another object | |
Objective, first-person or third-person, appeals to reason and evidence, some subjective anecdote allowed | Objective, third-person, appeals to reason and evidence, personal anecdote should be avoided | |
"The Republican Party is a threat to the long-term stability and well-being of America, so everyone must vote Democrat." | "The Republicans and the Democrats disagree on a lot, but they also have some underlying similarities." | |
Philosophical journals, political magazines, editorials | Scholarly journals, more viewpoint-neutral magazines |
The comparative essay is an important form of document because when you have to make a decision or choose a side in an argument, you will want to know as much as possible about the two options under consideration—and a good comparative essay on the subject can bring out both the similarities and the differences between the options, thereby clarifying the stakes at play.
For example, a comparative essay could address the similarities and differences between any of the following pairs:
By developing a comparative essay on any of these pairs, you can not only understand each item of under comparison is a more thorough way, you can also get closer to figuring out which item you prefer.
For example, a solid comparative essay on revolution vs. reformism could not only help you understand what each of these items entails, it can also help you figure out whether you would rather be a revolutionary or a reformist. Likewise, if you only have time to binge watch one show, then a comparative essay could help you figure out whether you would prefer to go with Game of Thrones or Westworld .
When writing a comparative essay, there are several models you can use in order to ensure that you set up your comparison as effectively as possible.
The Venn diagram is a classic, and surely, you're familiar with it. This is the model of two overlapping circles, where each circle belongs to one item of comparison: features shared by both items (similarities) go in the overlapping middle zone, whereas features that are not shared go in the outer areas. For example, here is a Venn diagram that compares humans against gorillas.
When using the Venn diagram model, it is important to note that the differences must be symmetrical. In other words, every difference you list on one side of the comparison must be matched by a difference on the other side.
For example, if you were comparing Apple and Amazon, then for the parameter of "founder," you can list "Steve Jobs" in one circle and "Jeff Bezos" in the other. But it wouldn't make sense if you just listed one or the other: you must list something for each of the items of comparisons under the selected parameter of comparison.
In the Venn diagram above, the first parameter is "language," so for humans it is listed that we have a capacity of language, whereas for gorillas it is listed that they do not.
You don't need to worry about this kind of symmetry when it comes to the similarities, since you will list the same thing for both items of comparison (which means you only have to list it once, in the overlapping zone). In the example, above, the fact that both humans and gorillas are mammals is thus listed just once in the middle.
The dialectical method is important within the discipline of philosophy, and it has been used to great effect by thinkers such as Socrates and Hegel and Kierkegaard.
This involves holding two ideas or items in tension with each other, to better clarify not only the ideas themselves but also the dynamic relationship that exist between the ideas. The first idea is called the thesis , and the second idea is called the antithesis .
For example, Romanticism could be dialectically compared against the Enlightenment that came before it, because Romanticism was in some ways a rejection of the previous worldview.
Need help? Essay writing services from Ultius can help you produce a great sample compare and contrast essay.
So, by setting up a comparison between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, it becomes possible to see both the continuities (or similarities) between the one and the other, as well as the contradictions (or differences) between them.
Enlightenment | Romanticism | |
reason, logic | imagination, passion | |
Western Europe | Western Europe | |
science, rationality, objective truth | poetry, enchantment, subjective truth | |
superstitious religion | overbearing rationality | |
yes | yes |
Berlin, Isaiah. The Roots of Romanticism . Princeton: Princeton U P, 2013. Print.
From the table above, it is clear that we are able to understand both Romanticism and the Enlightenment better if we set them up in terms of dialectical contrast.
Clearly, they are different in some important ways (logic vs. passion, for example), but we can also see that they are in continuity with each other (both happened in Western Europe and responded to previous developments). This comparison also leads one to wonder about whether it would be possible to make a synthesis that takes the best from both the thesis and the antithesis
A good comparative essay can lead one to ask such questions and pursue such lines of inquiry.
To analyze your subjects for a comparative essay, you need to identify clear parameters, or axes, in terms of which your two selected items can be compared. For example, in the table above, Romanticism and the Enlightenment were compared along the axis of " epistemology ". But that axis won't be relevant to all subjects.
Your job when preparing to write a comparative essay is to identify the specific axes that are relevant for the items that you are comparing. Why is the comparison interesting, and what insights are you trying produce? The answers to those questions will determine how you decide to frame your comparison.
For example, we could compare the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) against the Democratic Party in terms of the axis of membership. This would reveal that the DSA has far fewer registered members than does the Democratic Party.
We could also compare them on the axis of healthcare policy, where it may be found that the DSA and the Democratic Party agree about the importance of universal coverage. When we look at the axis of economics, though, we may find that the DSA is much more radical in its proposals than the Democratic Party.
Axis | DSA | Democratic Party |
relatively few members | one of the major parties | |
values universal coverage | values universal coverage | |
calls for a radical restructuring of all economic relations | tends to seek reform and regulation within capitalism |
In principle, any one thing in the world could be compared with any other thing in the world. For example, you could compare your shoe with the moon, and conclude that one similarity is that they both exist within the Milky Way galaxy.
But this would be a meaningless point (even if it may make for some interesting poetry). It is important for you to figure out what exactly you are trying to determine through your comparative essay. What is your purpose for writing it?
This will help you choose two items where setting up a dialectical contrast between them will produce actual insight, and it will also help you to choose the proper parameters by which to compare those items.
For example, suppose that you are running a business, and there are two expansion options open in front of you. It would be logical for you to compare and contrast these options, since this will help ensure that you are making your decision with as much knowledge and insight as possible.
Likewise, one parameter that you are sure to consider is: which option will make your business the most money? If you pick parameters that are meaningless, then you will obtain no real insight that can help you make the important decision.
Once you have identified both the two items of comparison and the axes along which they will be compared, you can proceed to analyze the items by applying the axes in the form of a table or rubric.
This is what has been done, for example, in the tables that have been developed above in this article. In the left-most column, list the parameters you have selected in order to compare your items. Then, in the top-most row, list the items.
Then go ahead and list the relevant details for each parameter for each of the two items. This will produce a table where you can see how each item measures up against the other for each parameter.
Business axis | Marketing | Human Resources |
Profits | Raise prices | Cut staff |
Increase customer base | Pursue advertising | Hire expert |
Saving money | Cut ad budget | Cut/reduce staff |
The important thing is to be systematic when you are making your comparison: it should not seem random or arbitrary. Thus, it is important to carefully select both the items and the parameters for comparison, and then to proceed to address each item/parameter combo in turn.
There are several elements that are a part of any good comparative essay.
A strong comparative essay has well-chosen items for comparison, with the comparison producing actual insights of value through the juxtaposition of the two items. If the items appear to be chosen for no apparent reason, or if the comparison does not in fact produce insight, then the comparative essay would be quite weak (or at any rate pointless).
The comparative essay is not meant to make an argument in favor of one thing or another, but it is meant to produce knowledge and insight about the two things under comparison. In order to compare and contrast items in an effective way, the two items must be different enough from each other, but they should also not be so different that it just feels absurd to even compare them at all.
Items | Good or bad? | Rationale |
Democracy and communism | Good | They belong to the same class (ideology), but they are substantially different on some parameters (like liberty) |
Democracy and potatoes | Bad | They don't belong to the same class, so there is no natural basis for comparison |
Potatoes and rice | Good | They belong to the same class (food), and there's an obvious axis of comparison (nutrition) |
A good comparative essay not only includes well-selected items of comparison, it also includes well-selected parameters of comparison. Between any two selected items, you could theoretically make an endless number of comparisons.
But a good comparative essay identifies parameters of comparative in terms of salience , or the reasons why anyone would be interested in the comparison in the first place. This can be difficult, because in principle, any comparison could be interesting, depending on the audience of the comparative essay and the intended purpose of the essay.
For example, one could use the parameter of zodiac sign to compare Romantic artists against Enlightenment artists.
This could be very interesting to people who are very serious about the zodiac, but it would probably seem ridiculous to just about everyone else.
But if you were writing for an audience of zodiac fanatics, then this comparison could actually be a success.
So, there is no parameter of comparison that is "inherently" bad. Rather, the point is to find parameters that highlight specific salient aspects of the selected items.
For example, when comparing Romanticism against the Enlightenment, core values would be a solid parameter of comparison, because that will surely help produce insights about how worldviews changed from the one paradigm to another.
If you want your comparative essay to be a success, then it absolutely must have strong organizational structure . This is because an effective comparison must be easy for your reader to follow. It can't just jump all over the place at random, which not only be confusing but could also result in the reader forgetting what the point of the comparison was in the first place.
In general, there are two ways in which you can organize your comparative essay. In the first format, each of the parameters would be considered in the section for similarities and the section for differences.
In the first format the comparative essay is organized in terms of similarities and differences, whereas in the second format the essay is organized in terms of parameters of comparison.
In the second format, both similarities and differences would be considered within each of the parameter sections.
Both these are formats are good, and a strong comparative essay could be built around either one.
The important thing is to have a clear system and to not make your comparisons random.
There needs to be an organizational structure that your reader can easily follow.
There are steps you can follow in order to ensure that your comparative essay has all the elements that will be required in order to make it great.
If you have selected two items for your comparative essay, then you should start by asking yourself why you selected those two items. What is it about the two items that made you think it would be a good idea to compare them? (Or if you were assigned the two items, then why do you think those items were selected by your professor?)
The point here is that the items selected for a comparative essay are non-random. They are selected because that specific comparison should be able to yield interesting insights (unlike research papers ).
For example, if you are writing a comparative essay on the dogs vs. cats, then are you writing this from the perspective of evolutionary biology? Or are you perhaps writing it in order to inform potential pet owners who are debating whether they want a dog or a cat?
The purpose of your essay will determine what parameters you will select in order to compare your two items. This means that you should have an intended audience in mind, and you should also have specific questions you would like to know more about.
Intention | Example of an appropriate parameter |
To better understand the evolution of dogs and cats | Biological taxonomy |
To determine whether someone should get a dog or a cat | Risk of allergies |
To evaluate the relative popularity of dogs vs. cats | Number of pet owners in the nation |
In short, in order to develop effective parameters for your comparative essay, you have to ask yourself why you are writing it and who would be interested in the insights produced by the essay. This can help ensure you select both appropriate items and appropriate parameters for comparison.
It is very important that you do not just jump into your comparative essay and start writing it without a plan. That is a recipe for disaster, and the comparisons will almost certainly turn out random and confusing. Rather, you should begin with a solid outline .
A good outline will do three main things:
For example, here is how an outline could look for a comparative essay on Romanticism vs. the Enlightenment.
In this sample outline, the format that is used dedicates a paragraph to each of three parameters of comparison, and both similarities and differences are addressed for each of those parameters.
This is the kind of logical flow that you will need to have in order for your comparative essay to turn out great.
A comparative essay is not a place to get too creative with your writing, whether in terms of organization or in terms of style.
Rather, you should focus on simply carrying out your comparison, point-by-point and in a way that is easy for your reader to follow. This can get a little tedious, so if that is a problem for you, then you should make sure that you set aside enough time to work on your comparative essay little by little.
For example, if your essay has three parameters, then you could write a section on the first parameter today, the second parameter tomorrow, and the third parameter the next day.
The important thing is for you to ensure that you consider each of your two selected items in terms of each of your selected parameters. This needs to be done in a smooth and logical manner, such that your reader knows where you are in the comparison. There should be no jumping around, and there should be no departure from the basic format or structure.
Best practices/tips.
We have now arrived at the end of this guide, and you should have a much better idea of what makes a comparative essay successful and how you can go about writing one. It may be helpful to now summarize some of the main points that have been addressed here.
Let's address five main points.
The two items that will be compared in your comparative essay should be carefully selected. The items should have some shared features and be in the same "class" of items, but they should also have substantial differences to which you are trying to call attention. If the items are too similar, then there would be no point in the comparison, but if they are too different, that can also make the comparison meaningless.
Your comparative essay shouldn't compare anything and everything between your two items; rather, the parameters should be specifically selected to highlight specific, salient similarities and differences. In order to determine what parameters would be effective, you have to ask yourself why you are writing your comparative essay and what sort of insights you intend to produce about the items being compared.
The Venn diagram is one tool that can be very helpful in conceptualizing your comparative essay, especially if you are a more visual kind of learner. Tables, rubrics, and outlines will also work to help ensure that you are developing a strong backbone of logic and systematic reasoning for your comparative essay. These and other tools may even help you reconsider your initial choices of items and parameters, if you realize that significant insights are not being produced.
There are two main ways in which to structure an effective comparative essay, which have been described above. You can dedicate one section to similarities and one section to differences; or, you can dedicate a section to each of the parameters of comparison. This second option is usually more effective, especially if you are new to comparative essays. But either way, it is crucial that you stick to your chosen format and do not jump around and confuse the reader.
If you are still uncertain about how to write a successful comparative essay, then Ultius is here to help. Our writer help section has many tools like this one available on various types of essays; we have a huge writer help section that contains all sorts of information on pretty much any writing-related questions you may have; and we also have elite professional writers who can produce a sample comparative essay for you on any subject of your choosing. We are here for you, and if you have any further questions about how to write a comparative essay, then you should feel free to reach out.
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Tips and strategies for crafting a well-structured and insightful comparative essay.
When it comes to crafting a compelling comparative essay, it is crucial to navigate through the complexities of comparing and contrasting different subjects. This essay type challenges writers to critically analyze multiple perspectives, revealing both similarities and differences. By employing a systematic and meticulous approach, you can unlock the secrets behind writing a remarkable comparative essay. This step-by-step guide will provide you with the essential tools and techniques to create a well-structured, engaging, and thought-provoking piece of written work.
Exploring the art of comparison
The key to crafting an outstanding comparative essay lies in the art of comparison. This process involves analyzing and contrasting different aspects of the subjects under discussion, shedding light on their similarities and differences. By employing various literary devices and techniques, such as symbolism, imagery, and rhetorical devices, you can effectively convey your ideas and arguments to the reader. Additionally, diving deep into the historical, cultural, and social contexts of the subjects will provide you with invaluable insights, enriching your analysis and elevating the overall quality of your essay.
Structuring your essay for clarity and coherence
A well-structured essay is essential for clear communication and coherent flow of ideas. Begin your comparative essay with a compelling introduction that captures the reader’s attention and introduces the main subjects of comparison. Following this, dedicate separate paragraphs to each aspect or theme you wish to compare, ensuring you provide detailed evidence and analysis to support your arguments. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and offering a balanced perspective, leaving the reader with a lasting impression.
Before beginning your comparative essay, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the assignment prompt. The instructions provided by your instructor or professor will give you insights into the specific criteria and expectations for your essay. By comprehending the task requirements, you can ensure that you stay focused and meet all the necessary criteria.
The assignment prompt may include details about the topic, the scope of the comparison, and any specific texts, sources, or themes that need to be addressed. It is crucial to read the prompt carefully and identify keywords or phrases that highlight the main objectives of the assignment. Understanding these key elements will help you define the boundaries of your essay and guide your research and analysis.
In addition to content requirements, the assignment prompt may also provide instructions regarding the format, structure, and length of the essay. Pay attention to any guidelines regarding the organization of your essay, such as whether to use a point-by-point or block method of comparison. Understanding the formatting expectations will ensure that your essay is well-structured and coherent.
Key Points | Importance |
---|---|
Topic and scope | Defining the focus of the essay |
Required texts and sources | Assessing the material to be analyzed |
Themes and objectives | Identifying the main points of comparison |
Format and structure | Ensuring a well-organized essay |
By understanding the assignment prompt, you can begin your comparative essay with a clear direction and purpose. It allows you to select and analyze relevant material while adhering to the specific requirements set by your instructor. Taking the time to grasp the assignment prompt will ultimately lead to a more successful and cohesive essay.
One of the most crucial steps in writing a comparative essay is selecting a clear and concise thesis statement. Your thesis statement serves as the main argument of your essay, guiding the reader through your points of comparison and analysis. It should be a well-defined statement that clearly states your position and sets the tone for the rest of your essay.
When choosing your thesis, it is important to consider the specific topic or prompt of your essay. Take the time to analyze the similarities and differences between the subjects or texts you are comparing and think about the main point you want to make. Your thesis should reflect this main point and provide a roadmap for your essay.
A clear and concise thesis statement not only helps you stay focused on your argument, but it also helps your readers understand the purpose of your essay. By clearly stating your position and guiding your readers through your points of comparison, you can ensure that your essay is well-organized and persuasive.
Tips for choosing a clear and concise thesis: |
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1. Brainstorm your ideas and gather evidence: Before crafting your thesis, spend time brainstorming and gathering evidence for your points of comparison. This will help you formulate a strong, well-supported argument. |
2. Make a claim: Your thesis statement should make a claim or take a position on the topic of your essay. Avoid vague statements or general observations. |
3. Be specific: Your thesis should clearly state the main points of comparison and provide a sense of direction for your essay. |
4. Consider the scope of your essay: Depending on the length and requirements of your essay, your thesis may need to be narrower or broader in scope. Consider the limitations of your essay and choose a thesis that is appropriate for your topic. |
5. Revise and refine: Once you have drafted your thesis statement, take the time to revise and refine it. Ensure that it is clear, concise, and accurately represents the main argument of your essay. |
By taking the time to choose a clear and concise thesis statement, you can set yourself up for success in writing a strong comparative essay. Your thesis will not only guide your writing process but also provide a solid foundation for your analysis and interpretation of the subjects or texts you are comparing.
In order to write a compelling comparative essay, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research on both subjects being compared. By thoroughly investigating each subject, you will be able to identify their similarities, differences, and unique characteristics. This research is crucial for developing a well-informed and insightful analysis of the subjects, ensuring that your essay is both informative and engaging.
Start by gathering relevant information from a variety of credible sources, including books, journals, scholarly articles, and reputable websites. Take detailed notes as you explore each subject, making note of key concepts, important facts, and pertinent examples. This will help you build a solid foundation of knowledge about each subject and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of their respective contexts.
Furthermore, it is important to consider different perspectives and interpretations of each subject. Engage with a diverse range of sources that offer varying viewpoints, as this will enable you to develop a more nuanced understanding of the subjects and their significance. By evaluating different arguments and opinions, you will be able to construct a well-rounded comparative analysis that takes into account multiple perspectives.
Additionally, be sure to identify any potential biases or limitations in your sources and strive to include a balanced representation of information. This will help you present a fair and objective comparison of the subjects, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the evidence you provide.
Ultimately, conducting thorough research on both subjects is essential for writing a successful comparative essay. By immersing yourself in the relevant literature and critically analyzing different viewpoints, you will be able to develop an in-depth understanding of the subjects and present a compelling analysis that highlights their similarities and differences. Through this detailed research process, you will be able to craft an informative and engaging essay that showcases your analytical skills and knowledge of the subjects at hand.
Before diving into the writing process, it is crucial to create an outline for your comparative essay. An outline serves as a roadmap that guides you throughout the essay, helping you organize and structure your thoughts in a logical and coherent manner.
When creating an outline, start by identifying the main points or themes that you want to compare and contrast in your essay. These can be specific elements or aspects of the subject matter that you find interesting or relevant. Once you have identified the main points, organize them in a logical order, considering the flow of your essay.
Next, break down each main point into subpoints or supporting evidence. These subpoints should provide more specific details that help to support your main points and strengthen your overall argument. Consider using examples, data, or evidence from reliable sources to support your claims and make your essay more persuasive.
As you create your outline, remember to maintain a clear and parallel structure. This means that each main point and subpoint should be phrased in a consistent manner. Use headings, subheadings, or formatting techniques such as numbering or bullet points to clearly delineate the different levels within your outline.
Furthermore, while creating your outline, be flexible and open to changes. It is common for your ideas and arguments to evolve as you research and analyze your subject matter more deeply. As a result, you may need to revise or reorganize your outline to accommodate any new insights or findings.
Finally, the outline should serve as a visual representation of your essay’s structure. It should provide you with a clear overview of the content and organization of your essay, making the writing process smoother and more efficient.
When writing a comparative essay, it is important to use effective language and transitions which can enhance the clarity and coherence of your arguments. By carefully choosing your words and utilizing proper transitions, you can create a seamless flow between your ideas and help your readers easily follow your train of thought.
One of the key aspects of using effective language is to be concise and direct in your writing. Instead of using excessive jargon or complex sentences, try to convey your ideas in a straightforward and understandable manner. This will not only make your essay more accessible to a wider range of readers but also make your arguments more convincing and persuasive.
In addition to using concise language, it is also crucial to use strong and persuasive words to express your ideas. By using words that convey a sense of certainty and confidence, you can make your arguments more compelling. For example, instead of saying “there might be a correlation between the two variables”, you can say “there is a clear correlation between the two variables”. This simple change in language can greatly enhance the impact of your arguments and make your essay more persuasive.
Furthermore, the effective use of transitions is essential for creating a cohesive and well-structured essay. Transitions act as bridges between different ideas and help readers understand the connection between them. By using transitional words and phrases such as “however”, “in contrast”, “similarly”, and “on the other hand”, you can clearly indicate the relationship between different points in your essay. These transitions will not only make your essay more coherent but also help your readers navigate through your arguments more easily.
In conclusion, using effective language and transitions is crucial for writing a successful comparative essay. By employing concise and direct language, as well as strong and persuasive words, you can make your arguments more persuasive. Additionally, by utilizing appropriate transitions, you can create a seamless flow between your ideas and enhance the overall coherence of your essay.
When writing a comparative essay, it is essential to provide evidence and examples to back up your comparisons. This will help strengthen your arguments and make your essay more convincing. Without adequate evidence and examples, your comparisons may seem unsubstantiated and lack impact.
One way to provide evidence is to reference authoritative sources. Citing scholarly articles, books, or reputable websites can lend credibility to your arguments. These sources can provide factual information, expert opinions, or statistical data that support your comparisons. Be sure to properly cite these sources in your essay to avoid plagiarism.
In addition to using external sources, you can also rely on examples from the texts or materials that you are comparing. These examples can be specific quotes, scenes, or events that illustrate the similarities or differences between the subjects of your essay. By including these examples, you give your readers concrete evidence to consider and analyze.
When selecting evidence and examples, it is important to choose ones that are relevant and significant to your comparisons. This means that they should directly relate to the aspects or criteria that you are examining in your essay. Avoid including irrelevant or peripheral information that does not contribute to your main argument.
Furthermore, it is crucial to analyze and explain the evidence and examples you provide. Simply presenting them without any commentary or analysis will leave your comparisons feeling incomplete. Take the time to explain how the evidence supports your comparisons and what it reveals about the subjects being compared. This will help your readers understand the significance of your comparisons and the broader implications they may have.
In conclusion, providing evidence and examples is crucial when writing a comparative essay. By referencing authoritative sources and using examples from the texts or materials being compared, you can strengthen your arguments and make your essay more convincing. Remember to choose relevant and significant evidence, and to analyze and explain the evidence and examples you provide. These steps will help ensure that your comparisons are well-supported and persuasive.
Once you have completed a rough draft of your comparative essay, it’s important to dedicate time to revise and edit your work. This step is crucial in ensuring that your essay is clear and coherent, allowing your ideas to flow smoothly and making it easier for your readers to understand the points you are trying to convey.
During the revision process, focus on refining your essay’s structure and organization. Ensure that your introduction effectively introduces the topic and provides a clear thesis statement. Check that each paragraph is logically connected to the ones before and after it, using appropriate transitions to guide your readers through your comparison.
In addition to structure, pay attention to the clarity of your language and the coherence of your arguments. Use clear and concise sentences to express your ideas, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complex language. Make sure that your points are supported with evidence and examples, and that your analysis is thorough and well-reasoned.
As you revise, consider the overall flow and organization of your essay. Does each paragraph contribute to your central argument? Are there any parts that could be rearranged or omitted for clarity? Take the time to read your essay aloud or have someone else read it to you to identify any areas where the writing may be confusing or unclear.
Finally, pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A polished and error-free essay indicates attention to detail and professionalism. Proofread your essay carefully, using online tools or asking a friend or colleague to review it for you. Correct any mistakes you find, ensuring that your essay is flawless and well-presented.
By revising and editing your essay for clarity and coherence, you can elevate the quality of your writing and enhance your ability to communicate your ideas effectively. Take the time to carefully review and refine your work, and you will be rewarded with a well-crafted comparative essay that engages and informs your readers.
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COMMENTS
Matt Ellis. Updated on June 2, 2022 Students. A compare-and-contrast essay is a style of essay that points out the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It's ideal for showing what separates and unites related things or concepts, particularly if the subjects are often confused for each other or unjustly lumped together.
A comparative essay is a form of academic writing that examines and analyzes two or more subjects, identifying their similarities and differences. This type of essay allows students to develop critical thinking skills by evaluating and contrasting various topic elements. For example, a comparative analysis of the Roman Empire and the Aztec ...
In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you're comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you've already said about the first. Your text is structured like this: Subject 1. Point of comparison A.
Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. 2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject. 3.
A comparative essay asks that you compare at least two (possibly more) items. These items will differ depending on the assignment. You might be asked to compare. positions on an issue (e.g., responses to midwifery in Canada and the United States) theories (e.g., capitalism and communism) figures (e.g., GDP in the United States and Britain)
Step 2: Determine the Basis for Comparison. The key to answering the comparative analysis essay question effectively is to identify the basis for comparison. This step involves selecting the specific aspects or criteria you will use to evaluate the subjects. For instance, if you are comparing two novels, your basis for comparison might include ...
4.1: Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay. The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. Comparison and contrast is simply telling how two things are alike or different. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to ...
How to Write a Comparative Essay. 1. Pick a basis for your comparison. You need a specific basis for your comparison. Without one, there will be too much information to research. Your assignment guidelines may already include a scope of focus for you to write about. If not, your basis should be an idea, category, or theme that applies to each ...
How to Write a Comparative Essay. 1. Establish a basis of comparison. A basis of comparison represents the main idea, category, or theme you will investigate. You will have to do some preliminary reading, likely using your course materials, to get an idea of what kind of criteria you will use to assess whatever you are comparing.
1. Pick Two Subjects to Compare and Contrast. A compare and contrast assignment will ask you, unsurprisingly, to compare and contrast two things. In some cases, the assignment question will make this clear. For instance, if the assignment says "Compare how Mozart and Beethoven use melody," you will have a very clear sense of what to write ...
4. Outline your body paragraphs based on point-by-point comparison. This is the more common method used in the comparison and contrast essay. [6] You can write a paragraph about each characteristic of both locations, comparing the locations in the same paragraph.
The foremost step in writing a comparative essay is to choose a suitable topic. Choose a topic or theme that is interesting to write about and appeals to the reader. An interesting essay topic motivates the reader to know about the subject. Also, try to avoid complicated topics for your comparative essay.
2. Use a mixed paragraphs method. Address both halves of the comparison in each paragraph. This means that the first paragraph will compare the first aspect of each subject, the second will compare the second, and so on, making sure to always address the subjects in the same order.
Comparative analysis asks writers to make an argument about the relationship between two or more texts. Beyond that, there's a lot of variation, but three overarching kinds of comparative analysis stand out: Subordinate (A → B) or (B → A): Using a theoretical text (as a "lens") to explain a case study or work of art (e.g., how Anthony Jack ...
Don't use simultaneous structure all the way through the essay, however. It becomes monotonous. Use it sparingly. For most of the essay, use parallel order structure.. In parallel order structure you compare the two things separately but take up the same points in the same order. For example, you may spend half a paragraph on "thing A" and the other half of the paragraph on the corresponding ...
Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you're considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common.
Contact Sales Learn More. Compare and contrast essays examine topics from multiple viewpoints. This kind of essay, often assigned in middle school and high school, teaches students about the analytical writing process and prepares them for more advanced forms of academic writing. Compare and contrast essays are relatively easy to write if you ...
Here are some tips, with student examples to illustrate each. 1. Make sure you're focusing on a manageable theme or idea. One of the first ways to get on the wrong track in writing a comparative ...
Use Clear Transitions. Transitions are important in compare and contrast essays, where you will be moving frequently between different topics or perspectives. Examples of transitions and phrases for comparisons: as well, similar to, consistent with, likewise, too. Examples of transitions and phrases for contrasts: on the other hand, however ...
Writing a great comparative essay means highlighting the similarities and differences between two things in a systematic manner. Start by choosing the parameters (items) to compare, write an outline, and fill in the details for each section. Make sure to have an introduction and conclusion. The comparative essay is one form of document that you ...
4. Provide evidence: Support your comparisons with evidence from the subjects you are analyzing. This could include quotes, statistics, or examples. 5. Use transitions: Transition words and phrases help to guide the reader through your essay and make it easier to follow your arguments. 6. Revise and edit: After you have written your essay, be ...
Brainstorm your ideas and gather evidence: Before crafting your thesis, spend time brainstorming and gathering evidence for your points of comparison. This will help you formulate a strong, well-supported argument. 2. Make a claim: Your thesis statement should make a claim or take a position on the topic of your essay.
A comparative essay is a form of academic writing that examines the similarities and differences between two ideas. College students and those involved in the field of research or education write comparative essays to support their theories about a text, issue, event or other impactful topics. Another name for this method of writing is to ...