How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Block Method: Expert Tips
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Understanding the Compare and Contrast Essay Block Method
Compare and contrast essay block method, benefits of using the block method in compare and contrast essays, choosing an appropriate topic for a block method compare and contrast essay, structuring your compare and contrast essay using the block method, crafting effective introduction and thesis statements in a block method essay, developing clear and coherent body paragraphs in a block method essay, refining your compare and contrast essay through effective conclusion, frequently asked questions, closing remarks.
In academic writing, one common type of essay is the compare and contrast essay. This type of essay aims to explore the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. One popular approach to writing a compare and contrast essay is using the block method. The block method allows for a more thorough examination of the subjects being compared, providing a clear and organized structure.
With the block method, the writer divides the essay into two main sections: the introduction and the body. The introduction sets the stage by introducing the subjects and establishing the purpose of the essay. It should also provide a thesis statement that presents the main points of comparison. In the body section, each subject is discussed in separate paragraphs. Within each paragraph, the writer presents the similarities and differences between the subjects, using specific examples and evidence to support their claims. It is important to use transitional phrases to smoothly transition between paragraphs and ensure a coherent flow of ideas throughout the essay.
- Advantages of the block method:
- Clear organization and structure
- Allows for a detailed analysis of each subject
- Easy to follow for the reader
When using the block method, it is essential to maintain a balanced discussion of the subjects being compared. This means devoting equal attention and space to both subjects, highlighting both their similarities and differences. By doing so, the writer can provide a comprehensive comparison that helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of the subjects.
The block method is a highly effective approach for writing compare and contrast essays. It offers numerous benefits that can enhance the clarity and organization of your essay. By structuring your essay using this method, you can present a comprehensive analysis of the similarities and differences between two subjects.
One major benefit of the block method is its simplicity. This method allows you to focus on one subject at a time, making it easier for the reader to follow along. By dedicating entire paragraphs to each subject, you can thoroughly explore their characteristics, examples, and supporting evidence. This clear and straightforward structure ensures that your points are well-developed and easy to understand. Moreover, the block method provides a logical flow to your essay, allowing for a smooth transition from one subject to the next.
Another advantage of using the block method is that it allows for a more detailed and in-depth comparison. By allocating separate paragraphs to each subject, you can explore their similarities and differences more thoroughly. This method enables you to delve into specific aspects of each subject, providing a comprehensive analysis. By organizing your thoughts in this manner, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your essay is well-structured and coherent. Additionally, the block method allows you to present contrasting ideas side by side, enabling the reader to easily grasp the distinctions between the subjects being discussed.
In summary, the block method is a highly effective approach for writing compare and contrast essays. Its simplicity and logical flow make it easier for readers to follow along and understand your points. Furthermore, the block method allows for a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of the subjects being compared. Incorporating this method into your writing can greatly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your compare and contrast essays.
Once you’ve decided to write a block method compare and contrast essay, the next step is to carefully choose an appropriate topic. Selecting a topic that is suitable for this type of essay is essential to ensure a well-structured and meaningful comparison. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in choosing the right topic:
1. Brainstorm: Begin by brainstorming ideas and jotting down potential topics that interest you or are relevant to your field of study. Consider subjects that have distinct similarities and differences, as this will provide you with ample material for comparison.
2. Research: Once you have a list of potential topics, conduct some preliminary research to explore the available information. Make sure there is enough material to support your comparisons and that you can find credible sources to back up your arguments.
3. Balance: Aim to select a topic where the similarities and differences are reasonably balanced, allowing for a fair comparison. Avoid topics that are overwhelmingly one-sided, as this can make your essay appear biased.
4. Significance: Choose a topic that has significance and relevance within your academic field or the broader societal context. This will not only make your essay more interesting to read but also add value to the discussion.
5. Personal Interest: It is crucial to choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Writing about something you are passionate about will make the entire process more enjoyable and engaging, resulting in a more compelling and well-written essay.
When it comes to crafting a well-structured compare and contrast essay, using the block method can be an effective approach. This method organizes your essay by discussing all of the points related to one side of the topic, and then exploring all the points related to the other side. By using this method, you can provide a clear and organized analysis that allows your readers to easily comprehend the similarities and differences between the two subjects being compared.
To structure your compare and contrast essay using the block method, follow these steps:
1. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states the purpose of your essay. You can use an intriguing anecdote or a thought-provoking question to engage your audience from the beginning.
2. Create a thesis statement that clearly indicates the purpose of your essay and presents the main points you will discuss in your body paragraphs. Your thesis should provide a clear roadmap for your readers, outlining the focus of your essay and what they can expect to discover from your analysis.
3. Begin with the first subject and present all the relevant points or arguments related to it. Each point should be supported by evidence or examples to strengthen your argument. Use clear and concise language to ensure your readers can easily follow your train of thought.
4. Transition smoothly into discussing the second subject, and present all the relevant points or arguments related to it. Again, back up each point with evidence or examples to solidify your analysis. Make sure your arguments are as logical and well-supported as possible.
Crafting an effective introduction and thesis statement in a block method essay lays the foundation for a cohesive and well-structured piece of writing. By capturing the reader’s attention and clearly stating the argument, you can set the stage for a compelling essay that presents both sides of the topic. Here are some key tips to master this critical part of your essay:
1. Grab the reader’s attention: Start your introduction with a captivating hook that intrigues the reader and makes them want to continue reading. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid anecdote related to your topic. It’s crucial to make a strong first impression to engage the reader’s interest right from the beginning.
2. Provide background information: After hooking the reader, provide some context about your topic. Briefly explain the main issue or controversy you will discuss in your essay. This helps your readers understand the significance of the subject matter and its relevance in a broader context.
3. Clearly state your thesis: Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay and should be concise, clear, and argumentative. It should present a debatable claim that you will support throughout your essay. Make sure your thesis is specific and reflects the main points you will address in your essay. Bold it in your introduction to make it stand out and guide your readers.
Crafting an effective introduction and thesis statement in a block method essay requires careful consideration of your target audience and the overarching goal of your essay. By employing these strategies, you will create a strong foundation for your essay and captivate your readers from the very beginning.
When writing a block method essay, it is crucial to maintain a logical and organized structure in your body paragraphs. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and coherently, allowing your reader to easily understand your arguments.
Here are some tips to help you develop clear and coherent body paragraphs:
- Topic sentence: Start each body paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence that introduces the main idea you will be discussing. This sentence should act as a mini-thesis statement for that specific paragraph.
- Supporting evidence: Provide relevant supporting evidence, such as facts, statistics, or examples, to validate your claims and strengthen your arguments. Remember to cite your sources properly.
- Transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to smoothly connect your ideas and create a logical flow between paragraphs. Phrases like ”similarly,” “in contrast,” or ”on the other hand” can help guide your reader through your essay.
By employing these techniques, you will be able to craft body paragraphs that effectively present your ideas and arguments in a clear and coherent manner. Remember, the goal is to provide your reader with a well-structured and engaging essay that leaves no room for confusion.
When it comes to writing a compare and contrast essay, the conclusion is a crucial element that allows you to leave a lasting impression on your readers. A well-crafted conclusion not only summarizes the main points you have discussed but also adds depth to your analysis and helps tie everything together. Here are some tips to refine your compare and contrast essay through an effective conclusion:
- Revisit your thesis statement: Start your conclusion by reminding your readers of the main argument you presented in your introduction. This will help reinforce your central idea and keep your essay focused.
- Summarize your main points: Provide a brief summary of the key similarities and differences you discussed throughout your essay. Be concise, but ensure that all important points are included to leave a lasting impression on your readers.
- Pose a thought-provoking question: Engage your readers’ critical thinking by ending your essay with a powerful question related to the topic. This encourages further reflection and demonstrates your expertise on the subject matter.
Remember, the conclusion is your last opportunity to make a lasting impact on your readers. Therefore, make sure to follow these tips to refine your compare and contrast essay, leaving your audience with a sense of satisfaction and an appreciation for your thoughtful analysis.
Q: What is a compare and contrast essay? A: A compare and contrast essay is a type of academic writing that requires you to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It helps develop critical thinking skills and enhances your ability to analyze information effectively.
Q: What is the block method? A: The block method is one of the most common approaches used to write a compare and contrast essay. In this method, you address one subject entirely in one paragraph, followed by another paragraph focusing on the second subject. The block method allows for a clear and organized presentation of ideas.
Q: How do I start my essay using the block method? A: Begin by introducing your two subjects and establish the purpose of your essay. Provide some background information to give your readers a context. This can be done through a brief description or an engaging anecdote. State your thesis statement, which should highlight the main points of comparison and contrast between the subjects.
Q: How do I organize the body paragraphs in the block method? A: Each body paragraph should focus on one subject entirely. Start by presenting the key points and supporting details relevant to that subject. Follow a logical order when presenting your arguments and be sure to use transitional phrases to improve the flow of your essay. Avoid mixing the information about the two subjects within the same paragraph to maintain clarity.
Q: How do I ensure coherence in my essay? A: To ensure coherence, it is important to establish a clear relationship between your points of comparison or contrast. Use topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to introduce the main idea, and provide evidence or examples to support your claims. Always refer back to your thesis statement to maintain the focus of your essay.
Q: How do I conclude my essay using the block method? A: In your conclusion, summarize the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs. Restate your thesis statement and provide a concise assessment of the similarities and differences between the two subjects. You can also offer some insights or suggest further areas of research. Make sure your conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Q: What are some tips for writing a successful compare and contrast essay using the block method? A: – Choose subjects that have clear similarities and differences. – Create a well-structured outline to organize your thoughts before you start writing. – Use appropriate transitional phrases to smoothly transition between ideas. - Make sure to provide evidence and examples to support your claims. – Proofread your essay to eliminate any grammar or spelling errors. – Seek feedback from peers or professionals to improve the content and clarity of your essay.
Q: Are there any other methods to write a compare and contrast essay? A: Yes, apart from the block method, you can also use the point-by-point method. In this approach, you alternate between discussing points related to both subjects throughout the essay. The choice between the block method and the point-by-point method depends on personal preference and the nature of the subjects being compared.
In conclusion, mastering the block method for writing a compare and contrast essay can enhance your skills and ensure an effective and organized argument.
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Comparative Essays
Writing a comparison usually requires that you assess the similarities and differences between two or more theories, procedures, or processes. You explain to your reader what insights can be gained from the comparison, or judge whether one thing is better than another according to established criteria.
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. A basis of comparison must apply to all items you are comparing, but the details will be different.
For example, if you are asked to “compare neoclassical architecture and gothic architecture,” you could compare the influence of social context on the two styles.
2. Gather the details of whatever you are comparing
Once you have decided what theme or idea you are investigating, you will need to gather details of whatever you are comparing, especially in terms of similarities and differences. Doing so allows you to see which criteria you should use in your comparison, if not specified by your professor or instructor.
- Appeal to Greek perfection
- Formulaic and mathematical
- Appeal to emotion
- Towers and spires
- Wild and rustic
- Civic buildings
Based on this information, you could focus on how ornamentation and design principles reveal prevailing intellectual thought about architecture in the respective eras and societies.
3. Develop a thesis statement
After brainstorming, try to develop a thesis statement that identifies the results of your comparison. Here is an example of a fairly common thesis statement structure:
e.g., Although neoclassical architecture and gothic architecture have [similar characteristics A and B], they reveal profound differences in their interpretation of [C, D, and E].
4. Organize your comparison
You have a choice of two basic methods for organizing a comparative essay: the point-by-point method or the block method.
The point-by-point method examines one aspect of comparison in each paragraph and usually alternates back and forth between the two objects, texts, or ideas being compared. This method allows you to emphasize points of similarity and of difference as you proceed.
In the block method, however, you say everything you need to say about one thing, then do the same thing with the other. This method works best if you want readers to understand and agree with the advantages of something you are proposing, such as introducing a new process or theory by showing how it compares to something more traditional.
Sample Outlines for Comparative Essays on Neoclassical and Gothic Architecture
Building a point-by-point essay.
Using the point-by-point method in a comparative essay allows you to draw direct comparisons and produce a more tightly integrated essay.
1. Introduction
- Introductory material
- Thesis: Although neoclassical and gothic architecture are both western European forms that are exemplified in civic buildings and churches, they nonetheless reveal through different structural design and ornamentation, the different intellectual principles of the two societies that created them.
2. Body Sections/Paragraphs
- Ornamentation in Text 1
- Ornamentation in Text 2
- Major appeal in Text 1
- Major appeal in Text 2
- Style in Text 1
- Style in Text 2
3. Conclusion
- Why this comparison is important?
- What does this comparison tell readers?
Building a Block Method Essay
Using the block method in a comparative essay can help ensure that the ideas in the second block build upon or extend ideas presented in the first block. It works well if you have three or more major areas of comparison instead of two (for example, if you added in a third or fourth style of architecture, the block method would be easier to organize).
- Thesis: The neoclassical style of architecture was a conscious rejection of the gothic style that had dominated in France at the end of the middle ages; it represented a desire to return to the classical ideals of Greece and Rome.
- History and development
- Change from earlier form
- Social context of new form
- What does the comparison reveal about architectural development?
- Why is this comparison important?
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The Comparative Essay
What is a comparative essay.
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)
- texts (e.g., Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth )
- events (e.g., the Great Depression and the global financial crisis of 2008–9)
Although the assignment may say “compare,” the assumption is that you will consider both the similarities and differences; in other words, you will compare and contrast.
Make sure you know the basis for comparison
The assignment sheet may say exactly what you need to compare, or it may ask you to come up with a basis for comparison yourself.
- Provided by the essay question: The essay question may ask that you consider the figure of the gentleman in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations and Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall . The basis for comparison will be the figure of the gentleman.
- Developed by you: The question may simply ask that you compare the two novels. If so, you will need to develop a basis for comparison, that is, a theme, concern, or device common to both works from which you can draw similarities and differences.
Develop a list of similarities and differences
Once you know your basis for comparison, think critically about the similarities and differences between the items you are comparing, and compile a list of them.
For example, you might decide that in Great Expectations , being a true gentleman is not a matter of manners or position but morality, whereas in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall , being a true gentleman is not about luxury and self-indulgence but hard work and productivity.
The list you have generated is not yet your outline for the essay, but it should provide you with enough similarities and differences to construct an initial plan.
Develop a thesis based on the relative weight of similarities and differences
Once you have listed similarities and differences, decide whether the similarities on the whole outweigh the differences or vice versa. Create a thesis statement that reflects their relative weights. A more complex thesis will usually include both similarities and differences. Here are examples of the two main cases:
Differences outweigh similarities:
While Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life” and Mistry’s “Of White Hairs and Cricket” both follow the conventions of the coming-of-age narrative, Callaghan’s story adheres more closely to these conventions by allowing its central protagonist to mature. In Mistry’s story, by contrast, no real growth occurs.
Similarities outweigh differences:
Although Darwin and Lamarck came to different conclusions about whether acquired traits can be inherited, they shared the key distinction of recognizing that species evolve over time.
Come up with a structure for your essay
Alternating method: Point-by-point pattern
In the alternating method, you find related points common to your central subjects A and B, and alternate between A and B on the basis of these points (ABABAB …). For instance, a comparative essay on the French and Russian revolutions might examine how both revolutions either encouraged or thwarted innovation in terms of new technology, military strategy, and the administrative system.
Note that the French and Russian revolutions (A and B) may be dissimilar rather than similar in the way they affected innovation in any of the three areas of technology, military strategy, and administration. To use the alternating method, you just need to have something noteworthy to say about both A and B in each area. Finally, you may certainly include more than three pairs of alternating points: allow the subject matter to determine the number of points you choose to develop in the body of your essay.
When do I use the alternating method?
Professors often like the alternating system because it generally does a better job of highlighting similarities and differences by juxtaposing your points about A and B. It also tends to produce a more tightly integrated and analytical paper. Consider the alternating method if you are able to identify clearly related points between A and B. Otherwise, if you attempt to impose the alternating method, you will probably find it counterproductive.
Block method: Subject-by-subject pattern
In the block method (AB), you discuss all of A, then all of B. For example, a comparative essay using the block method on the French and Russian revolutions would address the French Revolution in the first half of the essay and the Russian Revolution in the second half. If you choose the block method, however, do not simply append two disconnected essays to an introductory thesis. The B block, or second half of your essay, should refer to the A block, or first half, and make clear points of comparison whenever comparisons are relevant. (“Unlike A, B . . .” or “Like A, B . . .”) This technique will allow for a higher level of critical engagement, continuity, and cohesion.
When do I use the block method?
The block method is particularly useful in the following cases:
- You are unable to find points about A and B that are closely related to each other.
- Your ideas about B build upon or extend your ideas about A.
- You are comparing three or more subjects as opposed to the traditional two.
Written by Vikki Visvis and Jerry Plotnick, University College Writing Centre
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How to Write a Comparison Essay From Start to Finish
Ah, how well I remember the panicked days of frantically googling “How to write a comparison essay?” and "what is a comparative essay"??" and even in my darkest moments, “what is an essay????”
Also called a comparative essay or a contrast essay , this type of essay is a kind of academic writing where you, the author, analyze any similarity or difference between two subjects.
These can be ideas, people, events, books, concepts, or other pretty much anything. The main point purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to shed light on the subjects and provide clarity on their relative characteristics.
Usually, you get assigned these as a student, or as a college essay assignment. But sometimes you have a professional writing reason to write them: perhaps writing research paper, maybe as a reviewer or a critic, or if you're a journalist or an academic. It's also a common essay prompt in exams.
They are actually one of my favorite types of essay writing because they involve a lot of research and giving opinions– which I adore doing.
Let's dive into exactly how to write one of these essays, step by step. For the sake of illustration, I'll be using the essay topic of contrasting and comparing my two cats, Astrid and Chumbo, as an example.
How sweet are these two!
Step Zero: Laying the groundwork: Pick two topics
(You can skip this if you already have topics selected.)
Part of the fun of any good research paper is selecting what you're going to compare and contrast. These are your main two goals:
Stay on target
Make sure you're not trying to compare apples to oranges.
The subjects you choose to compare should be relevant to the context or purpose of your essay. If you're writing for a literature class, pick two novels, or two characters. If you're in biology class, pick two separate evolutionary theories or two famous researchers.
Your subjects don't have to be identical, but they should have enough in common to warrant a comparison – hence the essay. For instance, comparing two different genres of music can be insightful, but comparing music to a type of food might be too disparate unless you have a very specific and unique angle in mind.
Tip: I find it useful to outline my essay before I start my writing process, just to make sure I'll have enough to compare and contrast on. If you're hesitating, go ahead and follow the steps in an essay outline format, rather than writing the whole thing.
If you're really struggling, you can use a Venn diagram to visually understand the difference and similarities between your topics before writing anything.
Step One: Begin at the beginning
Every essay needs an introduction, and a compare and contrast essay is no different. Your comparative essay introduction should include:
An introduction of each topic. Briefly explain to your reader what each topic is.
A thesis statement . This is where you'll spoil the ending and explain which of the two topics you prefer best, and why, or explain why you're comparing or contrasting the two topics.
For example, my essay introduction could be something like:
“Since getting my two cats, Astrid and Chumbo, people have often asked me which my favorite is. Astrid is smaller, more cuddly, but also more anxious. Conversely, Chumbo is large and in charge – but not as affectionate. In this essay, I'll compare and contrast the two cats.”
The first sentence is my thesis statement, and the next statement shows a brief intro of each topic for my contrast essay.
Writing a good thesis statement
Your main goals: be clear, tell your readers what they should take away from all your research, and be the heart of your essay.
Here are some examples:
Both Darwin's theory of evolution and Lamarck's theory of evolution provide insights into the development of species, but they differ fundamentally in their explanations of trait inheritance.
While both '1984' by George Orwell and 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley depict dystopian futures, they differ significantly in their portrayal of individual freedom and the means of societal control.
You can see that these are specific, direct, and let you build on these to draft your contrast essay to completion.
Step Two: Research time.
I remember when I first wrote my very first contrast essay. We were assigned to write a comparison between sea and tree octopodi.
Hilariously, if you google Tree Octopus, you do get a hit. But it's all fake information, created to help teach students not to rely on everything they read on Google (or ChatGPT, more probably in these days).
For your important textual evidence – AKA the specific details, quotes, facts, or information from a text (like a book, article, or document) that you use to support the details in your essay – you want something a little more reliable.
Where will you find the information you need for this contrast essay? Here are my three tips to stay sharp and make sure you're only writing based on real, trustworthy info:
Start with Scholarly Databases: Platforms like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or PubMed have loads of academic papers and articles.
Use Libraries: Physical and online libraries have curated collections of books, journals, and more. Librarians are also an excellent resource to ask for help or direction.
Evaluate Online Sources: Not all online sources are created equal (as we've seen). Check the author's credentials, the publication date, and the reputation of the website or publication.
Step Three: Pick your poison.
Luckily for you, there are two pretty widely accepted methods of writing a comparative essay: the Block Method and the Point-by-Point Method.
Block Method
With this method of writing, each of your two topics gets its own contrasting section, or block. You'll first write a sentence introducing your two topics, like, “In this essay, I will compare and contrast Astrid and Chumbo.”
This is known as your topic sentence .
Then, dig into Topic A, detail by detail, each housed in a body paragraph. After that, you'll explore your second subject, by the same points, paragraph by paragraph.
For example, my contrast essay could compare Astrid and Chumbo like this:
Topic A: Astrid.
Physical appearance: slender, long, orange and white fur, pink nose
Personality: nervous, goblin-like, cuddly
Likes and dislikes: Loves tuna, cuddles. Hates being alone, dogs.
Topic B: Chumbo
Physical appearance: chunky, floofy, big
Personality: friendly, clownish.
Likes and dislikes: Loves chicken, going outside. Hates rain.
You can see how I contrast the two topics by section.
By contrast, a point-by-point essay is structured by individual points, rather than topic. Each paragraph should cover one argument for both topics.
For example, in my hypothetical Astrid vs Chumbo compare and contrast essay, I might structure it like this:
Item A: Physical appearance
Astrid: slender, long, orange and white fur, pink nose
Chumbo: chunky, floofy, big
Item B: Personality…
And so on for each point. This allows you to highlight each similarity and difference, even very subtle differences, to better effect.
When should you use each type of essay structure?
Each essay type has its place, though I prefer the PbP method almost always for an entire essay, and only use the Block Method if I'm including a section on differences inside a difference kind of essay, such as a reflective essay or a narrative essay. For lengthy essays, the PbP is clearest.
P-b-p method:
Use this one for deeper, more detailed essays where you don't want your reader losing track of where they are in a longer paragraph.
Here's a contrast essay example that uses this method on Netflix vs Hulu.
Block method:
By comparison, use this one when you want to compare things on a more casual level, or if you're only writing a short section to contrast two topics.
Here's a contrast essay that uses the block method, looking at the difference between certain drugs.
Step Four: The comparison or contrast touches
One of the criterion of writing that distinguishes this essay from other kinds are the transitional words used throughout.
Here's a list of some of the best transition words to use:
Comparison Transition Words:
in comparison
in the same way
equivalently
in a similar manner
"Astrid is a very loyal cat, in that she never leaves my side. Comparably , Chumbo is not as physically snuggly, but he will almost always be in the same room as me."
Contrast Transition Words :
in contrast
on the contrary
on the other hand
“In terms of size, Chumbo is a hefty 22.4 pounds, whereas Astrid is a daintier 12.3 pounds.”
Step Five: Bring it home.
Last but not least, you'll want to write a comparative essay conclusion repeating either your learned opinion on the better of the two, or explaining what the reader should take away.
Normally, writers find it easiest to simply reword their thesis statement, highlight some of the most compelling reasons why, and call it a day.
“In conclusion, Astrid and Chumbo are both superb cats, each with their own merits. Astrid is snugglier and more affectionate, while Chumbo is the more handsome of the two, and has a goofier personality.”
There should not be any new information in the conclusion.
And you're done! You've written your essay like an absolute champ. Hand it in and congratulate yourself on a job very well done.
FAQ Section
Still have questions? Here's the FAQ section.
How long should a comparison essay be?
As long as it needs to be! If you're in high school, it's probably on the shorter end - 300 to 500 words or so. If you're in college, it's probably closer to 1000-2000 words. If it's a professional assignment, you (or your boss) knows better than me.
Can I compare more than two topics in one essay?
Certainly. For the block method, just add another block, repeating the same items per block. For the PbP method, simply include the information on your third (or nth) topic per point.
What if I can't find enough similarities or differences?
Then that means you either haven't done enough research, or you didn't pick good topics. Go back to the drawing board, dig through some more papers or articles on the subject, and try again.
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Comparing and Contrasting
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.”
Introduction
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.
Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments
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:
- Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression.
- Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars.
- Contrast Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the major differences in their poetry?
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:
- Choose a particular idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and consider how it is treated in two Romantic poems.
- How do the different authors we have studied so far define and describe oppression?
- Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? Which is more accurate?
- In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers who served in different wars offer differing accounts of their experiences and feelings both during and after the fighting. What commonalities are there in these accounts? What factors do you think are responsible for their differences?
You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.
Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects
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.
Discovering similarities and differences
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:
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.
Two historical periods or events
- When did they occur—do you know the date(s) and duration? What happened or changed during each? Why are they significant?
- What kinds of work did people do? What kinds of relationships did they have? What did they value?
- What kinds of governments were there? Who were important people involved?
- What caused events in these periods, and what consequences did they have later on?
Two ideas or theories
- What are they about?
- Did they originate at some particular time?
- Who created them? Who uses or defends them?
- What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each? What conclusions do they offer?
- How are they applied to situations/people/things/etc.?
- Which seems more plausible to you, and why? How broad is their scope?
- What kind of evidence is usually offered for them?
Two pieces of writing or art
- What are their titles? What do they describe or depict?
- What is their tone or mood? What is their form?
- Who created them? When were they created? Why do you think they were created as they were? What themes do they address?
- Do you think one is of higher quality or greater merit than the other(s)—and if so, why?
- For writing: what plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and type of narration are used?
- Where are they from? How old are they? What is the gender, race, class, etc. of each?
- What, if anything, are they known for? Do they have any relationship to each other?
- What are they like? What did/do they do? What do they believe? Why are they interesting?
- What stands out most about each of them?
Deciding what to focus on
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:
- What’s relevant to the assignment?
- What’s relevant to the course?
- What’s interesting and informative?
- What matters to the argument you are going to make?
- What’s basic or central (and needs to be mentioned even if obvious)?
- Overall, what’s more important—the similarities or the differences?
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.
Your thesis
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.
Organizing your paper
There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:
Subject-by-subject
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.
Point-by-point
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.
Cue words and other tips
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:
- like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.
For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:
- Compared to Pepper’s, Amante is quiet.
- Like Amante, Pepper’s offers fresh garlic as a topping.
- Despite their different locations (downtown Chapel Hill and downtown Carrboro), Pepper’s and Amante are both fairly easy to get to.
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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Comparative Essay
How to Write a Comparative Essay – A Complete Guide
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Comparative essay is a common assignment for school and college students. Many students are not aware of the complexities of crafting a strong comparative essay.
If you too are struggling with this, don't worry!
In this blog, you will get a complete writing guide for comparative essay writing. From structuring formats to creative topics, this guide has it all.
So, keep reading!
- 1. What is a Comparative Essay?
- 2. Comparative Essay Structure
- 3. How to Start a Comparative Essay?
- 4. How to Write a Comparative Essay?
- 5. Comparative Essay Examples
- 6. Comparative Essay Topics
- 7. Tips for Writing A Good Comparative Essay
- 8. Transition Words For Comparative Essays
What is a Comparative Essay?
A comparative essay is a type of essay in which an essay writer compares at least two or more items. The author compares two subjects with the same relation in terms of similarities and differences depending on the assignment.
The main purpose of the comparative essay is to:
- Highlight the similarities and differences in a systematic manner.
- Provide great clarity of the subject to the readers.
- Analyze two things and describe their advantages and drawbacks.
A comparative essay is also known as compare and contrast essay or a comparison essay. It analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The Venn diagram is the best tool for writing a paper about the comparison between two subjects.
Moreover, a comparative analysis essay discusses the similarities and differences of themes, items, events, views, places, concepts, etc. For example, you can compare two different novels (e.g., The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Red Badge of Courage).
However, a comparative essay is not limited to specific topics. It covers almost every topic or subject with some relation.
Comparative Essay Structure
A good comparative essay is based on how well you structure your essay. It helps the reader to understand your essay better.
The structure is more important than what you write. This is because it is necessary to organize your essay so that the reader can easily go through the comparisons made in an essay.
The following are the two main methods in which you can organize your comparative essay.
Point-by-Point Method
The point-by-point or alternating method provides a detailed overview of the items that you are comparing. In this method, organize items in terms of similarities and differences.
This method makes the writing phase easy for the writer to handle two completely different essay subjects. It is highly recommended where some depth and detail are required.
Below given is the structure of the point-by-point method.
Block Method
The block method is the easiest as compared to the point-by-point method. In this method, you divide the information in terms of parameters. It means that the first paragraph compares the first subject and all their items, then the second one compares the second, and so on.
However, make sure that you write the subject in the same order. This method is best for lengthy essays and complicated subjects.
Here is the structure of the block method.
Therefore, keep these methods in mind and choose the one according to the chosen subject.
Mixed Paragraphs Method
In this method, one paragraph explains one aspect of the subject. As a writer, you will handle one point at a time and one by one. This method is quite beneficial as it allows you to give equal weightage to each subject and help the readers identify the point of comparison easily.
How to Start a Comparative Essay?
Here, we have gathered some steps that you should follow to start a well-written comparative essay.
Choose a Topic
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.
Develop a List of Similarities and Differences
Create a list of similarities and differences between two subjects that you want to include in the essay. Moreover, this list helps you decide the basis of your comparison by constructing your initial plan.
Evaluate the list and establish your argument and thesis statement .
Establish the Basis for Comparison
The basis for comparison is the ground for you to compare the subjects. In most cases, it is assigned to you, so check your assignment or prompt.
Furthermore, the main goal of the comparison essay is to inform the reader of something interesting. It means that your subject must be unique to make your argument interesting.
Do the Research
In this step, you have to gather information for your subject. If your comparative essay is about social issues, historical events, or science-related topics, you must do in-depth research.
However, make sure that you gather data from credible sources and cite them properly in the essay.
Create an Outline
An essay outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, organizing key elements into a structured format.
With your topic, list of comparisons, basis for comparison, and research in hand, the next step is to create a comprehensive outline.
Here is a standard comparative essay outline:
How to Write a Comparative Essay?
Now that you have the basic information organized in an outline, you can get started on the writing process.
Here are the essential parts of a comparative essay:
Comparative Essay Introduction
Start off by grabbing your reader's attention in the introduction . Use something catchy, like a quote, question, or interesting fact about your subjects.
Then, give a quick background so your reader knows what's going on.
The most important part is your thesis statement, where you state the main argument , the basis for comparison, and why the comparison is significant.
This is what a typical thesis statement for a comparative essay looks like:
Comparative Essay Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs are where you really get into the details of your subjects. Each paragraph should focus on one thing you're comparing.
Start by talking about the first point of comparison. Then, go on to the next points. Make sure to talk about two to three differences to give a good picture.
After that, switch gears and talk about the things they have in common. Just like you discussed three differences, try to cover three similarities.
This way, your essay stays balanced and fair. This approach helps your reader understand both the ways your subjects are different and the ways they are similar. Keep it simple and clear for a strong essay.
Comparative Essay Conclusion
In your conclusion , bring together the key insights from your analysis to create a strong and impactful closing.
Consider the broader context or implications of the subjects' differences and similarities. What do these insights reveal about the broader themes or ideas you're exploring?
Discuss the broader implications of these findings and restate your thesis. Avoid introducing new information and end with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression.
Below is the detailed comparative essay template format for you to understand better.
Comparative Essay Format
Comparative Essay Examples
Have a look at these comparative essay examples pdf to get an idea of the perfect essay.
Comparative Essay on Summer and Winter
Comparative Essay on Books vs. Movies
Comparative Essay Sample
Comparative Essay Thesis Example
Comparative Essay on Football vs Cricket
Comparative Essay on Pet and Wild Animals
Comparative Essay Topics
Comparative essay topics are not very difficult or complex. Check this list of essay topics and pick the one that you want to write about.
- How do education and employment compare?
- Living in a big city or staying in a village.
- The school principal or college dean.
- New Year vs. Christmas celebration.
- Dried Fruit vs. Fresh. Which is better?
- Similarities between philosophy and religion.
- British colonization and Spanish colonization.
- Nuclear power for peace or war?
- Bacteria or viruses.
- Fast food vs. homemade food.
Tips for Writing A Good Comparative Essay
Writing a compelling comparative essay requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning. Here are some valuable tips to enhance the quality of your comparative essay:
- Clearly define what you're comparing, like themes or characters.
- Plan your essay structure using methods like point-by-point or block paragraphs.
- Craft an introduction that introduces subjects and states your purpose.
- Ensure an equal discussion of both similarities and differences.
- Use linking words for seamless transitions between paragraphs.
- Gather credible information for depth and authenticity.
- Use clear and simple language, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
- Dedicate each paragraph to a specific point of comparison.
- Summarize key points, restate the thesis, and emphasize significance.
- Thoroughly check for clarity, coherence, and correct any errors.
Transition Words For Comparative Essays
Transition words are crucial for guiding your reader through the comparative analysis. They help establish connections between ideas and ensure a smooth flow in your essay.
Here are some transition words and phrases to improve the flow of your comparative essay:
Transition Words for Similarities
- Correspondingly
- In the same vein
- In like manner
- In a similar fashion
- In tandem with
Transition Words for Differences
- On the contrary
- In contrast
- Nevertheless
- In spite of
- Notwithstanding
- On the flip side
- In contradistinction
Check out this blog listing more transition words that you can use to enhance your essay’s coherence!
In conclusion, now that you have the important steps and helpful tips to write a good comparative essay, you can start working on your own essay.
However, if you find it tough to begin, you can always hire our college paper writing service .
Our skilled writers can handle any type of essay or assignment you need. So, don't wait—place your order now and make your academic journey easier!
Frequently Asked Question
How long is a comparative essay.
A comparative essay is 4-5 pages long, but it depends on your chosen idea and topic.
How do you end a comparative essay?
Here are some tips that will help you to end the comparative essay.
- Restate the thesis statement
- Wrap up the entire essay
- Highlight the main points
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The compare/contrast essay is an excellent opportunity to help students develop their critical thinking and writing skills. A compare and contrast essay examines two or more subjects by comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences.
Compare and contrast is high on Bloom's Taxonomy of critical reasoning and is associated with a complexity level where students break down ideas into simpler parts in order to see how the parts relate. For example, in order to break down ideas for comparison or to contrast in an essay, students may need to categorize, classify, dissect, differentiate, distinguish, list, and simplify.
Preparing to Write the Essay
First, students need to select pick comparable objects, people, or ideas and list their individual characteristics. A graphic organizer, like a Venn Diagram or top hat chart, is helpful in preparing to write the essay:
- What is the most interesting topic for comparison? Is the evidence available?
- What is the most interesting topic to contrast? Is the evidence available?
- Which characteristics highlight the most significant similarities?
- Which characteristics highlight the most significant differences?
- Which characteristics will lead to a meaningful analysis and an interesting paper?
A link to 101 compare and contrast essay topics for students provides opportunities for students to practice the similarities and differences such as
- Fiction vs. Nonfiction
- Renting a home vs. Owning a home
- General Robert E. Lee vs General Ulysses S. Grant
Writing the Block Format Essay: A, B, C points vs A, B, C points
The block method for writing a compare and contrast essay can be illustrated using points A, B, and C to signify individual characteristics or critical attributes.
A. history B. personalities C. commercialization
This block format allows the students to compare and contrast subjects, for example, dogs vs. cats, using these same characteristics one at a time.
The student should write the introductory paragraph to signal a compare and contrast essay in order to identify the two subjects and explain that they are very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and differences. The thesis statement must include the two topics that will be compared and contrasted.
The body paragraph(s) after the introduction describe characteristic(s) of the first subject. Students should provide the evidence and examples that prove the similarities and/or differences exist, and not mention the second subject. Each point could be a body paragraph. For example,
A. Dog history. B. Dog personalities C. Dog commercialization.
The body paragraphs dedicated to the second subject should be organized in the same method as the first body paragraphs, for example:
A. Cat history. B. Cat personalities. C. Cat commercialization.
The benefit of this format is that it allows the writer to concentrate on one characteristic at a time. The drawback of this format is that there may be some imbalance in treating the subjects to the same rigor of comparing or contrasting.
The conclusion is in the final paragraph, the student should provide a general summary of the most important similarities and differences. The student could end with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher.
Point by Point Format: AA, BB, CC
Just as in the block paragraph essay format, students should begin the point by point format by catching the reader's interest. This might be a reason people find the topic interesting or important, or it might be a statement about something the two subjects have in common. The thesis statement for this format must also include the two topics that will be compared and contrasted.
In the point by point format, the students can compare and/or contrast the subjects using the same characteristics within each body paragraph. Here the characteristics labeled A, B, and C are used to compare dogs vs. cats together, paragraph by paragraph.
A. Dog history A Cat history
B. Dog personalities B. Cat personalities
C. Dog commercialization C. Cat commercialization
This format does help students to concentrate on the characteristic(s) which may be may result in a more equitable comparison or contrast of the subjects within each body paragraph(s).
Transitions to Use
Regardless of the format of the essay, block or point-by-point, the student must use transition words or phrases to compare or contrast one subject to another. This will help the essay sound connected and not sound disjointed.
Transitions in the essay for comparison can include:
- in the same way or by the same token
- in like manner or likewise
- in similar fashion
Transitions for contrasts can include:
- nevertheless or nonetheless
- however or though
- otherwise or on the contrary
- in contrast
- notwithstanding
- on the other hand
- at the same time
In the final concluding paragraph, the student should give a general summary of the most important similarities and differences. The student could also end with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher.
Part of the ELA Common Core State Standards
The text structure of compare and contrast is so critical to literacy that it is referenced in several of the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards in both reading and writing for K-12 grade levels. For example, the reading standards ask students to participate in comparing and contrasting as a text structure in the anchor standard R.9 :
"Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take."
The reading standards are then referenced in the grade level writing standards, for example, as in W7.9
"Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.g., 'Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history')."
Being able to identify and create compare and contrast text structures is one of the more important critical reasoning skills that students should develop, regardless of grade level.
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Comparison and Contrast Essay: Block Method
There are two basic patterns writers use for comparison/contrast essays: the block method and the point-by-point method . in the block method, you describe all the similarities in the first body paragraph and then all the differences in the second body paragraph. the guideline below will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a comparison/contrast essay using the block method..
Block Method Student Essay
Fighting the Battle against Drugs
The use of drugs has increased in recent years, according to numerous articles in medical journals. They threaten communities all over the world because of how affect the organs of the body and their functions. Crack and cocaine are two of these dangerous drugs. Thus, it is important for health care professionals to have knowledge about them in order to deal with any problems related to their use that patients may experience. While they may appear similar at first glance, in fact they have three major differences.
Crack and cocaine have three similar effects on the human body. Although crack is heat resistant and cocaine is destroyed by heat, both cause hypertension. Also, crack and cocaine bring about physiological and psychological damage, depending on pre-existing conditions and the extent of drug use. For example, hallucination, psychosis, paranoia and aggressive behavior may occur, and an overdose of either may cause cardiac collapse or convulsion. Finally, use of both drugs can lead to addiction.
Despite crack and cocaine’s similarities, they have three major differences. First, although crack and cocaine are derived from the coca plant, they differ in form. Crack has the form of flakes whereas cocaine is found in the form of powder, which can be dissolved. Furthermore, both crack and cocaine contain cocaine, but in various percentages: crack contains as much as 90 percent pure cocaine whereas cocaine contains from 15 to 25 percent pure cocaine. Another major difference is how they enter the body. For example, crack is smoked in a pipe or cigarette. It enters the body by the lungs into the bloodstream. Cocaine, on the other hand, is inhaled as a powder or is injected if dissolved. It enters the body via the nasal mucosa into the bloodstream or, if injected, directly via the bloodstream.
In conclusion, it can be seen that, while being alike in three ways, these two drugs differ in three ways. They affect the body in similar ways. Both can lead to physiological problems such as convulsions and psychological problems such as hallucinations. Furthermore, their use may result in addiction. However, cocaine and crack differ in form, content of pure cocaine and method of entry into the body. Therefore, it is important that health care professionals know about these drugs.
Comparative Essay
Pdf download, what is a comparative essay .
A comparative essay usually requires you to complete these three tasks:
- Compare and contrast at least two items.
- Why does the comparison matter?
- What does the comparison suggest about the items?
- Sometimes your assignment guidelines will provide a basis for a comparison that sets the criteria.
Even though your professor may call it a “comparison”, it is usually expected that you will discuss both the similarities and the differences between the items.
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 of the items you are comparing. To get started, you may need to complete some preliminary research about your topics or speak with your professor to understand the assignment expectations.
2. Identify the Similarities and Differences.
Gather information about the items that you will be comparing. You’ll need to identify the similarities and differences for each of the items.
Remember, your end goal is NOT to list out the similarities and differences between the items. You need to move beyond basic identification to explaining the significance of the similarities and differences.
Writing Tip: Use a graphic organizer to collect the similarities and differences.
Try using a Venn diagram or a chart to organize your ideas.
3. Develop a Thesis Statement
Create a thesis statement based on the results of your comparison. Remember, your thesis needs to be arguable and appropriate for your course.
Create an arguable thesis
Go beyond the identification of similarities and differences by explaining their significance. Explain why this comparison matters. Your thesis will become arguable once you add in this portion.
For instance, you might have compared two islands with similar goat overpopulation for a science course. It’s useful to set the context of these islands and the interventions that people used to deal with the goat overpopulation, but your thesis is not arguable if you only state facts. Adjust your thesis to explain why the similarities and differences matter. For instance, you might explain how the differences in the intervention impacted the ecosystem and the island populations. Depending on your assignment guidelines, you could make suggestions about a future intervention that could be effective in handling goat overpopulation on islands.
Try these strategies for creating an arguable thesis:
- Cause and Effect : Identify how the differences and similarities lead to an outcome. For instance, you might discuss how the two different endings in Great Expectations affect how readers understand Pip’s relationship with Estella.
- Degree of Similarity or Difference : Are there more similarities or more differences between the items you’re comparing? You can create a thesis based on the degree of similarity or difference, but it can become descriptive if you don’t explain why the comparison matters. For example, you could write about the characteristics of Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter series. Both characters have similar challenges in their early lives, but the paths they choose lead to different outcomes.
4. Structure your essay
There are two basic structures that are typically used for comparative essays.
Point-by-point method
The point-by-point method alternates between the items. In this style, you pick a common point of comparison and describe the first item and then the second item. Here is an example of a point-by-point method essay outline.
Introduction
Introductory material: Describe the wizarding world of Harry Potter and the key characters in the comparison.
Thesis: Although Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy are both pure-blood wizards, their interactions with other magical creatures reveal the different values in their socialization.
Body 1: Discrimination towards House Elves
- Ron’s opinion of House Elves and their role in the wizarding world
- Draco’s opinion of House Elves and their role in the wizarding world
- Comment upon the origin in the differences in opinion and how the opinions changed through socialization
Body 2: Discrimination towards Giants
- Ron’s perception of Hagrid
- Draco’s perception of Hagrid
Conclusion
- Explain why this comparison between Ron and Draco matters
Block Method
The block method identifies themes to compare and describes all your items together. Here is an example of an essay method outline.
Introductory material : Describe the wizarding world of Harry Potter and the key characters in the comparison.
Thesis : Although Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy are both pure-blood wizards, their interactions with other magical creatures reveal the different values in their socialization.
Block A: Ron Weasley – Discrimination towards magical creatures
- Ron’s social context and how he learns about the magical hierarchy
- How Ron discriminates against other magical creatures
Block B: Draco Malfoy – Discrimination towards magical creatures
- Draco’s social context and how he learns about the magical hierarchy
- How Draco discriminates against other magical creatures
- Analysis – significance of the similarities and differences between Ron and Draco
- Why this comparison matters
More resources for comparative essays
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The Block Method on Writing an Essay
Therese rochon.
There are many ways of organizing a comparison and contrast essay. One of the most popular is the block method, also known as the summary approach or the one side at a time approach. The writer provides an introduction stating the comparisons, the contrasts and the thesis statement. Then, the writer provides body paragraphs detailing the similarities and another body paragraphs explaining the differences. Following the body paragraphs is a conclusion that paraphrases the essay and the thesis statement.
Explore this article
- Doing the Block Method
- Brainstorming
- Ensuring Unity
- Other Methods
1 Doing the Block Method
The block method works best on short papers about simple topics. To do the block method, first write an introduction. In the introduction, draw the reader’s attention, give background information, state the two things being compared and contrasted, and provide a thesis statement. Using the introduction as a blueprint, write paragraphs about the comparisons. Then, write paragraphs about the differences. After completing all body paragraphs, write a conclusion that ties in all your points and restates your thesis. In addition to comparison and contrast essays, you can use the block method in essays weighing disadvantages and advantages.
2 Brainstorming
If you are planning to write an essay in the block format, you must first brainstorm for ideas. The most common method for a comparison and contrast is a Venn diagram. To do a Venn diagram, draw two big circles that overlap in the middle. In the circle on the left, write the unique features of side A. In the circle on the right, write the unique features of side B. In the middle, the place of overlap, write the similar features of sides A and B.
Other brainstorming methods are simply listing all the thoughts that come to mind with little attention paid to organization. Another, more organized, brainstorming method is arranging ideas into clusters.
While brainstorming, do not censor yourself. Get something down on paper as quickly as possible.
3 Ensuring Unity
Although essays written in block format can be well written and effective, the biggest hurdle is disunity. You never want to jump from point to point. To avoid disunity, use transitional phrases, such as “in addition,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in contrast,” “similarly,” “however,” and “nevertheless” from paragraph to paragraph. Another way to transition is by linking ideas. For example, briefly mention the very last idea from a previous paragraph in the first few sentences of the next paragraph.
4 Other Methods
The block method is not the only way of writing a comparison and contrast essay. In the point-by-point method, each paragraph gives a point (or idea) and its similarities and contrasts. In the combination method, you combine the point-by-point method with the block method.
- 1 Comparison and Contrast Essays
- 2 How do I Write a Comparison and Contrast Essay
About the Author
Therese Rochon is a college student and freelance writer from St. Louis. She is studying English and Spanish literature at Washington University and plans to attend law school in the future. She speaks two languages and, in 2011, will au pair in Europe to learn two more languages. She has been writing online since 2005.
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Compare and Contrast Essay Outline: Template and Example
High school and college students often face challenges when crafting a compare-and-contrast essay. A well-written paper of this kind needs to be structured appropriately to earn you good grades. Knowing how to organize your ideas allows you to present your ideas in a coherent and logical manner
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This article by our custom-writing team delves into all the fine details of structuring your compare-and-contrast paper. It also provides practical examples of the two main outlining methods you may use. Keep reading to up your writing game!
- 👀 Comparison Essay Outline Types
- 🔍 Before You Start
- ✍️ How to Write an Outline
- ✅ Outline Template
- 📑 Outline Examples
🔗 References
👀 compare and contrast essay outline types.
A compare and contrast paper studies similarities and differences between two or more subjects. But how do you present the points of comparison? Well, in this kind of essay, there are two methods of structuring the text: point-by-point and block .
Before composing your essay, it’s crucial to choose the approach that suits your assignment best. Your choice will depend on how you want to approach and present your ideas.
Let’s examine these two methods in more detail.
Point-by-Point Comparison Essay
The point-by-point method implies discussing one point of comparison at a time. For example, if you’re comparing two cities, you may dedicate separate paragraphs to their size, population, and architecture.
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The point-by-point arrangement has advantages and disadvantages. Keep them in mind before deciding whether to use it or not.
Block Method Compare and Contrast Essay
The block method, also known as subject-by-subject comparison, is a way of outlining your assignment that involves discussing each subject separately. For example, in an essay about different types of fruit, you will discuss the features of one fruit at a time.
This approach has shortcomings and strengths that may affect how you want to handle your essay.
🔍 Comparative Essay Outline: Before You Start
After you’ve chosen a topic (you’re welcome to consult our list of compare-and contrast essay topics for inspiration,) you enter the pre-writing stage. It involves brainstorming, researching, and determining which points are the most important. Here’s how to do it:
- Brainstorming and in-depth research are vital when working on a compare-and-contrast essay. It helps you figure out the direction your paper will take and provides you with source materials. At this initial stage, your main goal is to identify various similarities and differences between the things you want to write about.
- After determining the similarities and differences between your subjects of choice, decide which points are the most significant . They will assist you in developing your essay’s thesis statement and paragraphs.
It’s important to remember that you can leave some things out of your assignment. There may be so much material to cover that you will never finish the paper in the first place!
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So, how do you determine what’s worth including in your paper? Consider the following factors:
Useful Tip:
You can draw a Venn diagram and list the similarities and differences to make your comparison easier. Simply draw large intersecting circles and name each one to reflect the traits or subjects you are comparing. Write all the similarities inside the circles’ intersections and differences in the remaining space of each one.
Here’s an example of a Venn diagram comparing the US and Canada with crosses and checkmarks representing what’s different and similar between them, respectively:
✍️ How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline
Do you need some more guidance in outlining your paper? Well, look no further! Here is a comprehensive coverage of how to write a perfect outline for your compare-and-contrast essay.
Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction
Your essay’s introduction is arguably its most important section. It gives readers a solid summary of your paper’s contents and helps them understand what to expect as your comparison essay progresses.
Here’s what a good introduction is made of:
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- Background information about your topic that the readers need to know before proceeding.
- A catchy hook that captures and retains your audience’s attention up to the end.
- A thesis statement that provides a direction and ties up your whole assignment. All your arguments will focus on defending this statement.
Hook for Compare and Contrast Essay + Example
Ways of creating a hook can differ based on your essay’s purpose and overall tone:
Here is a hook example to inspire you. It uses statistics in the form of a question:
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Need more ideas on how to start your essay? Check out our article on hooks in writing !
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Thesis
Formulating your paper’s thesis statement is critical to drafting the outline. In most cases, its purpose is to clarify what features make the subjects of comparison different or similar.
Note that your essay’s thesis may vary depending on its function. For instance, it might serve an informational or judgmental purpose:
- If your thesis is informative , you only need to enumerate differences and similarities between your subjects of comparison.
- But if your thesis is judgmental , you should state which similarities or differences are the most significant.
Check out these examples to understand the difference better:
Comparison Essay Outline: Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs in a contrast essay support your thesis about the subjects you are comparing.
Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the passage’s main idea. The rest depends on the type of outline you’re using: you either discuss the features of one subject of comparison or focus on one criterion and describe it in relation to each topic.
Let’s see it in more detail. Say, we’re comparing subjects A and B according to their features 1, 2, and 3:
📌 Point-by-Point Body Paragraphs Arrangement
📌 Block Method Body Paragraphs Arrangement
Compare and Contrast Essay Transition Words
A compare and contrast essay features a set of similar and distinct items. To make the comparison easier to understand, you can use words that create a smooth transition between your ideas and thoughts.
Transition words serve 4 essential purposes in a compare and contrast assignment:
- They make transitioning and linking between thoughts easier.
- They make your writing more dynamic.
- They improve readability in your paper.
- They set the stage for ideas that will be introduced next.
Here are transition words you can use to show similarities in your comparison essay:
Similarly, too, just as, also, both, comparatively, same as, like, in the same way.
For contrasting, use appropriate transition words to give your paper a more logical, coherent flow. These include:
However, in contrast to, conversely, while, more than/less than, rather than, unlike, although, compared with.
Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion
Finally, it’s time to wrap up your comparison essay. Your conclusion should contain 2 core elements:
- Summarized key points. Sum up the main arguments you’ve presented throughout your essay. Make sure to refrain from introducing any new ideas at this point!
- A restated thesis. Your essay’s conclusion should also restate your thesis and prove that you’ve effectively defended it in the body paragraphs.
- A final thought. A good conclusion leaves the reader with something to think about. In a compare-and-contrast essay, it can be a statement that connects it to the broader context or underlines the topic’s significance.
✅ Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Template
Now, let’s sum up everything you’ve learned about different ways to outline your compare-and-contrast essay using the block or point-by-point approaches. Here are the templates you can use for structuring your paper:
📌 Point-by-Point Method Outline Template
📌 Block Method Outline Template
📑 Compare and Contrast Outline Examples
Are you stuck with your paper and need an outline example to inspire you? You’ll find it below!
Here are 2 outline samples done using point-by-point and block methods.
📌 Point by Point Outline Example: Differences between Fresh and Canned Foods
📌 Block Method Outline Example: Differences between Backpacking and Staying in Hotels
We hope these insights and template examples will inspire you to master the structure of the compare-and-contrast essays. Use these ideas to excel in your studies and do your homework quickly!
Further reading:
- Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips and Examples
- Literature Review Outline: Examples, Approaches, & Templates
- Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline: Examples & Strategies
- How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
❓ Compare and Contrast Essay Outline FAQs
You can use different approaches to hook your readers from the get-go. Start your paper using an anecdote, a relevant question, or an exciting fact about the subjects you compare. You may also use a related quote from a famous person.
The body paragraphs in a comparative essay provide a detailed and systematic analysis of the similarities and differences between the two or more. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point of comparison and provide evidence to support the argument.
Subject-by-subject comparison is a method of organizing and presenting a comparison essay in which you first discuss all aspects of one subject, followed by a discussion of all aspects of the next subject. This approach is also sometimes called a point-by-point comparison.
A point-by-point comparison is a method of organizing a compare-and-contrast essay in which you discuss specific points of comparison between the subjects. You select the criteria and discuss each one in a separate paragraph or section.
To end a compare and contrast essay, restate the thesis statement, summarize the main points, and provide a final thought. This creates a clear and concise summary of the essay’s argument and proves its significance to the reader.
- Comparison and Contrast: University of Minnesota
- Comparing and Contrasting: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- How to Write a Compare-and-Contrast Essay: Grammarly
- Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast: Kellogg Community College
- Compare & Contrast Essay: Excelsior University Site
- Comparison and Contrast Essays: Saint Mary’s University
- Compare & Contrast Assignments: The University of Arizona Global Campus
- Organizational Patterns for the Comparison/Contrast Essay: San José State University
- Compare/Contrast Papers: University of Washington
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Comparative Analysis Essay
Comparative analysis essay generator.
In school, we are asked to write about different forms of essay. It can be descriptive essay , comparative literature essay , experience essay and more. Some essays would allow you to compare and contrast two different things, terms, figures, process and the like. Some things have crucial differences, while others really have something in common. Sometimes, we are faced with surprisingly unrelated similarities and differences which makes it difficult for us to begin with the topic. We may feel confused and often ask ourselves about how do we start constructing a paper. In this article, you will know what a comparative analysis essay is all about and how to write one.
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What is a Comparative Analysis Essay?
A comparative analysis essay is a type of essay that involves comparing and contrasting two things. This is a higher level of analysis in an essay. In this essay, you may be asked to compare or contrast different positions with regards to a particular issue, theories, figures, events or texts in literature. This assumes to consider both the similarities and differences of what you have compared and contrasted.
When comparing and contrasting two things, make sure that you can come up with the basis for comparison. Once you are able to know the basis for comparison, you should be bale to think critically between the things that you are comparing.
How to Conduct a Good Comparative Analysis Essay?
You might have brilliant ideas about your essay , but you lack knowledge about what does comparative mean. The first thing you should do is research about your topic and know about the principle of compare and contrast. Below are some tips on how to conduct a comparative analysis essay.
Identify your basis of comparison
First on the list is to develop a basis for the comparison. It is usually that the question that will provide the basis of comparison, but there are are times that the author has to develop one. For example, a question may ask you to compare between the philosophical principles of Immanuel Kant and John Locke. This already has a very clear objective. You don’t to look for something else.
Plan for the content of your essay
You should be able to identify the features of your essay in which it mainly involves comparing and contrasting. List down the similarities and differences of two different subjects. This will help you develop an initial plan for your comparative essay . After listing, evaluate it and make sure that it is only the main points are considered in your essay.
Come up with a thesis
Every essay needs a good thesis statement that enables the author to easily identify which part he or she currently is during the writing process. Before you finalize your thesis statement, assess if the your list has more similarities than differences. Your thesis statement reflects how the subjects written in your list share more of the similarities than the differences or vice versa.
Develop a structure for your essay
All of the essays have a specific structure to follow. Every comparative essay must be written in an organized way just like any essay should be. In that way, it would be easier to the readers to understand.
What are the methods to be used in making a comparative analysis essay?
You may use either of the three methods: the alternating method, mixed paragraphs method or the block method. The alternating method makes the entire aspect of comparison contained only in one paragraph. The mixed paragraphs method devotes a single paragraph in providing for an explanation about the way subjects are being compared. The block method is the easiest method, yet the dangerous one. This divides the essay into two parts in which the first part is devoted into one subject and the second part is devoted to another subject.
When to use alternating method, mixed paragraphs method and block method?
You are going to use the alternating method when you are going to provide cases where detailed comparison is needed. Use mixed paragraphs method when you have to deal with long comparative analysis essay. Use block method when you are short essays and simple subjects.
COMMENTS
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.
A: The block method is one of the most common approaches used to write a compare and contrast essay. In this method, you address one subject entirely in one paragraph, followed by another paragraph focusing on the second subject. The block method allows for a clear and organized presentation of ...
Introduction: Your first paragraph should introduce both topics to your reader, briefly summarizing each, and lead to your thesis statement. Your thesis will often state which topic you prefer and why. Body Paragraphs: Arrange your paragraphs using either the block method or the point-by-point method: Block Method Organization: Each paragraph discusses all the points for one topic first, then ...
A compare and contrast essay, also called a comparison or comparative essay, is used to explain the similarities and differences between two subjects. These types of essays usually use specific ...
For example, a comparative essay using the block method on the French and Russian revolutions would address the French Revolution in the first half of the essay and the Russian Revolution in the second half. If you choose the block method, however, do not simply append two disconnected essays to an introductory thesis.
Building a Block Method Essay Using the block method in a comparative essay can help ensure that the ideas in the second block build upon or extend ideas presented in the first block. It works well if you have three or more major areas of comparison instead of two (for example, if you added in a third or fourth style of architecture, the block ...
by-Point essay longer than the Block essay. When it comes to the actual analysis, Block Format . organizes . the information in the first paragraph by describing one item on all points without mentioning the second item. Then in the next paragraph, Block Format . only . compares the second item to the
For example, a comparative essay using the block method on the French and Russian revolutions would address the French Revolution in the first half of the essay and the Russian Revolution in the second half. If you choose the block method, however, do not simply append two disconnected essays to an introductory thesis.
Here's a contrast essay example that uses this method on Netflix vs Hulu. Block method: By comparison, use this one when you want to compare things on a more casual level, or if you're only writing a short section to contrast two topics. Here's a contrast essay that uses the block method, looking at the difference between certain drugs.
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 ...
For example, a comparative essay using the block method on the French and Russian revolutions would address the French Revolution in the first half of the essay and the Russian Revolution in the second half. If you choose the block method, however, do not simply append two disconnected essays to an introductory thesis.
This video explains what the structure of the Block Method is for the Comparison and Contrast Essay in English. Watch this to learn what paragraphs you need ...
Block Method . The block method is the easiest as compared to the point-by-point method. In this method, you divide the information in terms of parameters. ... 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.
When organizing the content of a comparative essay, you have two options: • Pattern 1: The Block Method Used with shorter papers, this method first presents all of the information related to Text A and then presents parallel information for Text B, and so on. The drawback to this method is that the sections
The block method for writing a compare and contrast essay can be illustrated using points A, B, and C to signify individual characteristics or critical attributes. This block format allows the students to compare and contrast subjects, for example, dogs vs. cats, using these same characteristics one at a time.
The guideline below will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a comparison/contrast essay using the block method. 1. Attract the reader's attention. 2. Provide background information about your topic. 3. Identify the two things being compared and contrasted. 4. State the purpose for making the comparison and/or contrast.
4. Structure your essay There are two basic structures that are typically used for comparative essays. Point-by-point method The point-by-point method alternates between the items. In this style, you pick a common point of comparison and describe the first item and then the second item. Example of Point-by-point method essay outline Introduction
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 ...
There are many ways of organizing a comparison and contrast essay. One of the most popular is the block method, also known as the summary approach or the one side at a time approach. The writer provides an introduction stating the comparisons, the contrasts and the thesis statement. Then, the writer provides body ...
#Essay #Essay Writing #English EssayIn this lesson, we're going to talk about compare and contrast essays. Compare means to look at what is similar between t...
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 transition words you can use to show similarities in your comparison essay: Example: Similarly, too, just as, also, both, comparatively, same as, like, in the same way. For contrasting, use appropriate transition words to give your paper a more logical, coherent flow. These include:
Yes. This three basic parts of an essay are referred to as the introduction, body of paragraphs and the conclusion. A comparative analysis essay has a primary purpose of allowing you to compare two different subjects. It may be people, events, objects, theories, etc. Its main focus is to identify the similarities and differences.
In this approach, you dedicate one entire section — or block — of your essay to each subject. Using the same example above, you would first discuss all the relevant points and aspects of the first subject in block one, then do the same with the other subject in block two. This method is best for dealing with many distinct and nuanced topics.