Comparison Essays
The essay evaluates the similarities and differences between two or more arguments or positions. Topics in a comparison essay should be in the same category but different, for instance, capitalism vs. socialism. It's a common type of assignment given to students in various courses in high school and college.
In this guide, we will help you craft a persuasive comparison project that keeps your reader engaged and interested.
What is a Comparison Essay?
A comparison essay assignment can ask you to look for similarities in a subject only. Sometimes, it may require you to point out the differences only or for both. To write a good essay, you need to find a topic - here are a few examples you can write about in a comparison essay;
- Smoking cigarettes vs. vaping - which one is better?
- World war I and World war II
- Kibble vs. raw food diet for dogs
- Capitalism vs. socialism
- Windows vs. android
There are numerous other subjects you could write about in a comparison essay that will demonstrate your skills and help you to get a good grade. Ensure that the subject of your choice is comparable in a meaningful way.
Comparison Essay Structure
Once you have your subject, you need to find research facts or points to compare and contrast. Conversely, you will need to organize your paragraphs to captivate your readers - here are the steps to follow;
1. Understand the Specifics of The Topic
Start your assignment by understanding the idea your instructor has asked for and carefully note down a list of key phrases or elements that can help you find an argument. Also, pick a theme to work with: authority and leadership, motivation, success, creativity, happiness, etc.
Before you attempt to write the paper, think about the meaning of the topic you're working with to understand the task.
Some essays will have a simple structure where you compare two different elements, while others will require you to begin with a framework you develop into an argument. Stick to the recommended format so that you can outline and write with ease.
You can use two types of patterns when writing a comparison essay - the alternating pattern and the block pattern.
- Alternating Pattern
In the alternating method, you include related points that are common in the central subject. It's a point by point technique which compares and contrasts the introduction, discusses the issue, and writes a conclusion to summarize the essay.
The method addresses points in order and helps to keep the reader's attention, especially when writing lengthy essays.
When Do I Use the technique?
Most instructors prefer the alternating pattern because it highlights the similarities and differences of a subject better than any other method. It also produces a well structured and analytical paper.
- Block Pattern
When you use the block technique to write your essay, you discuss all similarities of a topic in the first half of the project and make comparisons in the next half. It's a subject-by-subject method that allows critical engagement, continuity, and cohesion.
When Do I Use the technique?
The method is applicable when you're unable to find sufficient points closely related to one another or when similarities outweigh the difference or vise versa. Conversely, the technique makes an excellent choice when you're comparing more than two subjects.
The pattern allows you to discuss a subject in greater detail, especially if the topics are radically different.
2. Develop a List of Similarities and Differences of Your Subject
List down all the similarities of your subject and also the differences for a more comprehensive essay. Examine and provide valuable insights into how two elements relate or contrast.
The list you generate is not yet the outline of your essay but allows you to create an initial plan for your project. Read the list and identify a theme you will work with as a building block of your thesis.
3. Develop a Thesis Statement
Although you may not need all the points listed in the similarities and differences, choose the most substantial facts to help you craft a thesis statement. The sentence must be exact and concise and explain why you're comparing the two items.
Additionally, your thesis should express a strong argument about why items relate or differ from each other. Although you need to understand what you're comparing and contrasting thoroughly, you may not require in-depth research for the particular assignment.
Suppose your essay contains historical events and issues affecting society. In that case, you may need more research, but if you're dealing with two works of literature, you may not need any research.
4. Crafting the Outline
Writing your essay from start to finish without an outline can be challenging-craft an overview to help you make a structure that will guide you when writing the project. The method should include; an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a summary.
5. Writing the Body Paragraphs
When writing the body paragraphs, include the data you have compiled to see what kind of story you will be working on and prepare the reader to know what you want to talk about to the audience. Logically organize your paragraphs and don't address the same subject in the same section.
Ensure that you talk about different aspects of the subject to help the reader understand how the elements compare and contrast.
6. Crafting a Compelling Summary
In the last paragraph, you should draw a low-level conclusion and make a robust comparison of the two subjects you're covering. It would help if you made the reader understand why two or more topics compare or differ.
The conclusion should be brief and summarize the points you've cohesively covered in the body.
Conclusion
Take time to go through the essay and make the necessary revisions. Editing is a crucial step in producing a good piece of paper.
You may find a comparison essay daunting, primarily if you have never written one before. If you're still unsure how you can write a compelling comparison essay, follow the above steps.
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