How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

Writing a compare and contrast essay is an essential skill for many academic assignments. You can compare and contrast two different topics within a single essay. This type of essay is commonly used in literature, history, and the social sciences, although it is sometimes used in other subjects, too. Here is an outline of how to write a compare and contrast essay:

Step 1: Brainstorming

Before you start writing a compare and contrast essay, it is important to gather all of your information and decide which similarities and differences to focus on. To write a successful compare and contrast essay, you need to come up with a meaningful way to compare two topics. Make sure that you have enough information for each topic that you want to write about.

Step 2: Choose an Organizational Structure

When it comes to deciding how to structure your comparison and contrast essay, there are two main approaches:

• Subject-by-subject – with this structure, you address each topic one at a time, then move on to the other.
• Point-by-point – with this structure, you compare each distinct element of both topics, then move on to the next element.

Choose the structure that you think works best for your comparison and contrast essay. Each structure has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Step 3: Write an Introduction

Your introduction sets up the entire essay. Use it to describe the two topics that you are comparing and contrasting, and then explain how they are similar and different. Make sure to include a clear thesis statement that outlines the scope of your essay.

Step 4: Write the Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should be made up of several paragraphs. Each body paragraph should address one distinct comparison or contrast. For example, if you are comparing and contrasting two books, you might focus one body paragraph on the characters in each book, one body paragraph on the setting of each book, and one body paragraph on the plot of each book. Make sure to support each point with evidence.

Step 5: Write a Conclusion

Your conclusion should be a short summary of the essay. Restate the main points that you compared and contrasted, and then briefly explain why these points are important. Be sure to leave your reader with a strong final impression.