How to Write a Comparison Contrast Essay
Evaluating Similarities and Differences in a Well-Organized Paper
Sep 19, 2009
The purpose of a comparison/contrast essay is to illustrate how two or more things are similar and how they are different. A well-organized essay should introduce the reader to the topic in the first paragraph, and then guide the reader through the similarities and differences
Prewriting Techniques for a Comparison/Contrast Essay
Take some time to choose an appropriate topic for the essay. The subjects chosen for evaluation should have enough similarities and differences to cover the topic effectively.
Use a graphic organizer such as a Venn diagram to brainstorm how the subjects are alike and different. An evaluation of the best pet for a child, for example, would show that cats do not require much maintenance, use a litter box, and can damage furniture with their claws while dogs tend to be friendlier, need to be let outside, and can be trained easily. Both cats and dogs have fur that sheds, need regular visits to the veterinarian, and can be dangerous around small children.
Writing a Thesis Statement
Once a broad topic is determined, the writer can then narrow the topic into a specific thesis statement. The thesis statement for a comparison/contrast essay should address the overall point of the paper. It should have a specific focus rather than simply stating that the two topics have many similarities and differences.
EXAMPLE: Dogs and cats both make good pets, but dogs tend to require more of a time commitment from an owner.
Developing Details for the Essay
Brainstorming will help the writer expand on each point in the essay. Details should be relevant and clearly support the overall thesis. Using the example about cats and dogs above, the writer could devote a few sentences or an entire paragraph to each main point. The fact that cats don’t require much maintenance, for instance, could be expanded to explain that cats don’t need to be walked and can be left alone in the house for days as long as they have fresh food and water.
Points that cannot be expanded upon should be questioned. They may not be relevant to the paper, or they may simply be too small to work with.
Choosing a Method of Essay Organization
Most comparison/contrast essays follow one of two formats: the point-by-point format and the subject-by-subject format. Keep in mind that most well-written essays start with a clear introductory paragraph that draws the reader into the topic and includes a strong thesis statement.
In the point-by-point format, a point is made about the overall topic, and each subject is then evaluated against that point. For instance, a writer could compare cats and dogs by the amount of time commitment required. A paragraph would then be devoted to how cats and dogs compare in terms of time commitment. Another paragraph would address the companionship provided by cats and dogs.
In the subject-by-subject format, one subject is covered in its entirety, and then the next subject is covered. For example, after an effective introductory paragraph, cats would be discussed. The writer would talk about cats as pets, maintenance, costs, food, etc. Dogs would not be mentioned in the cat paragraph.
The writer would then use a transition to the next subject. This section would compare the second subject to the first. In this case, dogs would be compared to cats throughout the discussion.
Both formats require a strong conclusion that wraps up the main points.
Writing Effective Transitions
Transitions are essential to a successful comparison/contrast essay. They give the reader clues that a new idea is about to be expressed. Some effective transitions that show differences include:
- yet
- but
- despite/or in spite of
- rather than
- although
- by contrast/in contrast
- different from
- unlike
- on the other hand
- conversely
- however
Transitions that show similarities include:
- like
- both ... and ...
- in addition
- moreover
- likewise
- just as
- in the same way
- by the same token
- similarly
- too
- thus
Comparison/contrast essays are fun to write and provide valuable information for readers. Organization and transitions are the key to an effective paper.
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