How to Write a Comparative Essay?
Many students need more skills to compose a comparative essay. The specific aspects of what you write in your essay will determine whether it is outstanding or not. A solid comparison and contrast essay will have a goal that adds value, just like any other literary work. Think about topics that pertain to your field of study. Effective comparison and contrast topics should increase the body of knowledge or offer proof for true claims that are yet unproven.
Below let's delve deeper into the process of producing a comparative essay with the help of our research writing experts.
How to begin a comparative essay: Think of similarities and differences.
Now that you are familiar with comparison and contrast essays and have decided on a topic, first, take a piece of paper and list the similarities and differences in two separate columns. Noting the most important and striking details first. Then, try using your imagination to view the subjects differently.
Let's examine a straightforward comparison and contrast essay example. Let apples and oranges serve as one of the themes. Create a list with two columns, one for each subject, and compare the qualities of the fruits as you brainstorm for your essay. With your thoughts prepared and structured, compare and contrast style will make writing your comparison and contrast paper argument a breeze.
One mistake you should avoid is listing all the similarities and differences for each subject. Sometimes when students write comparison and contrast essays, they get so wrapped up in finding parallels and contrasts that they write papers that seem like shopping lists. Your essay should follow a precise framework and focus on comparing the two themes, evaluating your conclusions, and drawing connections between them.
Comparison Essay Structure
The structure of your essay is one of the crucial factors determining its success. Following a suggested essay format is the only method to correctly organize and produce an essay, paragraph by paragraph, from start to finish, without making mistakes.
The two main methods used in a comparative essay are the subject-by-subject (or "block") pattern and the point-by-point (or "alternating") pattern.
Alternating Pattern
The alternating pattern is also known as "point-by-point comparison." If you apply this type of comparison, your essay will have five paragraphs.
You are required to compare each of the similarities and differences for the subjects.
- Mention your thesis in the introduction part.
- After that, combine the explanations of your two themes for each point of comparison and contrast.
- In conclusion, restate the argument and concisely summarize your paper.
Block Pattern
The block pattern is also known as "subject-by-subject comparison." Following this format, your comparison and contrast essay's body will be separated into two sections.
The first subject will be covered in the first half of the body, while the second subject will be covered in the second half:
- In the introduction, your thesis is mentioned.
- You begin with the first topic.
- The second subject is then covered in the second paragraph.
- In the conclusion, you restate the argument and briefly summarize your essay.
Below we look into steps to follow to write a compelling comparative essay
- Establish the comparison's starting point.
- Get acquainted with the references.
- Select a suitable structure.
- Create a plan.
- Compose your thesis statement in the introduction.
- Compose your essay's body.
- Create a conclusion in which you restate your primary ideas.
- Establish the basis for comparison.
Attentively read the assignment topic, determine the foundation for comparison, and strictly adhere to it throughout your essay. If the assignment does not mention its basis, and you can choose your own, choose at least three points for comparison. Determine if the assignment requires a comprehensive comparison or a particular one.
- Get acquainted with the references.
If your professor gives you study materials, study them in-depth. If the course has not given you any source materials, you may get them by researching the topics you'll be writing about. Be sure to concentrate on the resources pertinent to your essay and the reason for comparison. These sources range from textbooks and journal articles to books. Please carefully note the important concepts and insights as you read them.
- Select a suitable structure.
In a comparative essay, the structure relates to how you arrange your paper's body paragraphs. For this style of essay, there are three different types of structures:
Block arrangement
Block structure follows a subject-by-subject method and focuses on talking about the important aspects of one subject before moving on to the next. This can be the best action if you examine more than two subjects or discover that your subjects share few characteristics.
Alternating design
A point-by-point technique is used in an alternate framework, which focuses on contrasting the essay's subject with relation to one point before going on to the next. This is suited for topics with three or more connected points or more. For instance, you may talk about subject A in the first paragraph and then examine subject B's similarities and differences for the same issue in the second paragraph.
Woven architecture
The weaved structure contrasts issues from a particular perspective. This strategy could be helpful if you're discussing just two topics with multiple interconnected points. The key to this arrangement is making sure that you transition topics.
- Create a plan.
Based on your notes from reading source materials, outline your essay by listing the pertinent similarities and distinctions you want to discuss. Plan for your essay's structure: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Use keywords and bullet points to draw attention to your essential ideas. Discuss each point and each of its sub-points one portion at a time.
- Compose your thesis statement in the introduction.
In the opening paragraph, state the topic and subjects for your essay. To set the stage for your comparison, provide background information about your subject. Suppose your topic compares the social effects of two historical events. In that case, you may start by mentioning some intriguing details about these events, including how historians dispute their impact on society. Then, explain that the goal of your essay is to compare the pertinent features of the occurrences.
The major goal of your essay should be stated in your thesis statement, along with the rationale behind your choice of the foundation for comparison. How you construct your statement may change depending on how much your subjects differ and how similar they are. For example, suppose your essay subject contrasts the opinions of two experts on sustainability in business. In that case, you may write: Though both experts agree on the necessity of sustainability in the current business environment, they have divergent opinions on how to incorporate it into corporate procedures.
- Compose your essay's body.
Follow your outline's framework and structure when composing your essay's body. Keep in mind to compare at least three points for the subject. Start each paragraph with a subject sentence to make your reader understand it. Compare your subjects' points of similarity and distinction to the same weight. For instance, after outlining three points of similarity, move on to two or three points of difference.
Especially if you're employing the block format, establish links between the comparison's subjects. When changing subjects, use transitional language and phrases. These may consist of the following:
- similarly
- likewise
- In a similar way
- in a related vein
- conversely
- as opposed to
- on the other hand
- in an alternative way
- Create a conclusion in which you restate your primary ideas.
In the final paragraph, summarize your essay's main ideas from the body. To link your argument to your summary, you may repeat it. This can give your readers a more comprehensive comprehension of your argument and supporting data. Your essay should be concluded with a compelling statement that makes a lasting impact. You may finish with a query or a provocative observation on the subject.
Final Points of Interest
The most important advice that dissertation writing services can provide is approaching your compare-and-contrast essay with the proper mindset and actively involve the reader in the conversation. If you find it interesting, so will your reader! Below are additional tips to help you improve your comparison and contrast essay:
- Strong transitions are necessary for comparative essay. Utilize the terms from the "Compare and Contrast Structure and Outline" section.
- Always be sure to define any new ideas you present in your essay. Refrain from assuming the reader knows less well-known information.
- Remember to proofread. A poor grade can be obtained by making several little errors. Be mindful of your punctuation and grammar.
- Please have a friend or member of your family read your essay; they could catch anything you overlooked.