How to Write a Comparative Essay?

How to Write a Comparative Essay?

 Essay writing is a vital skill that enables you to demonstrate your knowledge and views on a topic. Students are often tasked to write comparative essays in universities or colleges. Knowledge of how to write a comparative essay will undoubtedly improve your writing skills and grades. In this blog, I will explain what you need to know about writing comparative essays.

What is a Comparative essay?

A comparative essay is an essay that compares at least two subjects, such as events, theories, or people. It is also referred to as compare and contrast essay. The writer outlines the similarities and differences between at least two subjects. The subjects might have a slight correlation or may be completely distinct from one another. Comparative essays cover various topics and are not confined to specific topics. For example, you can compare capitalism and communism. You can compare the socioeconomic significance of two historical events.

The goals of a comparative essay include the following:

 	
To provide clarity on the topic to the readers.
 	
To clearly outline the similarities and differences in an orderly manner.
 	
To analyze two subjects and depict their advantages and disadvantages.

A Comparative Essay Structure.

Comparative essays have different structures and are based on the appeal of the writers. A comparative essay's structure is crucial as it helps the reader understand the essay better. A well-structured essay can easily pique a reader's interest; conversely, a poorly structured essay can disinterest the reader. Therefore, it is imperative to meticulously organize your essay so that the reader can easily go through comparisons made in the essay. The two main methods used are:

 	
Point-by-point method
 	
Block method

Point-by-point method.

This method organizes the subjects based on their similarities and differences. It is a recommendable method, especially when dealing with two completely different subjects. It focuses on comparing the subjects regarding a specific point before moving to the next. This method ensures that the subjects are discussed in detail and depth. An embodiment of this structure is provided below.

Introduction

Body Paragraphs.

ü Paragraph 1: point 1[compare subjects A and B]

ü Paragraph 2: point 2[compare subjects A and B]

ü Paragraph 2: point 3 [compare subjects A and B]

Conclusion

Block method.

The block method is easier compared to the point-by-point method. In this method, you compare the characteristics of one subject exhaustively before moving to the next. This method is especially suitable when writing lengthy and intricate essays. It is apt if you are evaluating more than two subjects or if the subjects have few common points. However, it is important to write the subjects sequentially. An embodiment of this structure is provided below.

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

ü Paragraph 1: subject A [points 1,2,3]

ü Paragraph 2: subject B [points 1,2,3]

Conclusion 

The following key steps will expound on how to write a comparative essay:

 	
Understanding the instructions of the assigned comparative essay.
 	
Select a topic
 	
Generating a list of similarities and differences
 	
Understanding the basis of comparison.
 	
Creating the content of the essay
 	
Developing a thesis

Read and understand the instructions.

Each comparative essay is supposed to address specific needs. The student is, therefore, supposed to craft the essay to meet the specific needs. A student may have excellent ideas that are irrelevant to the comparative essay.

Select a topic

The selected topic should be informative, captivating, and one that can pique the readers' interest. Above all, the topic should be relevant to the comparative essay. A topic should not be too sophisticated. Keep it simple and interesting.

Generate a list of similarities and differences.

It is a comparative essay; it is almost obvious that a list of similarities and differences will be pivotal. The similarities and differences will form the basis of comparison. This is otherwise known as the outline of the comparative essay.

Understand the basis of comparison.

In most instances, the basis of comparison will be provided for you under the instructions of the comparative essay. If not, you will need to come up with a suitable basis. A basis is a foundation on which you compare subjects. The basis is unique for every comparative essay. You should strictly follow the basis of comparison throughout the essay.

Create content for the essay.

You create the content by gathering information from credible and trusted sources. Content encapsulates well-researched information from different sources and is assembled rationally. Research should be extensive to develop unique and interesting content.

An introduction

You begin by writing an introduction containing your comparison's topic and subjects. An Introduction should provide background information on your topic. This can include fascinating facts about the subjects you are about to compare. A thesis statement should be included in the introduction to indicate the main o objective of the essay.

The body.

The structure and framework of your outline should guide you in writing the body of your essay. You should at least use three points for comparison, if possible.

Develop a thesis

A thesis statement summarizes whether the similarities outweigh the differences or vice versa. It helps decide the take of the comparative essay. A thesis statement depicts the level of correlation or distinction between subjects. Therefore, you need to develop an elaborate and concise thesis statement. Finishing your essay with a powerful statement that establishes a strong impression is advisable. You can also end with a thought-provoking insight or a question on the topic.

Writing a comparative essay is a valuable writing skill worthy of mastering. It is an avenue for expressing your ideas on different subjects. A comparative essay allows you to establish the connection or lack of between subjects. This blog will be helpful in your pursuit of writing exemplary comparative essays.

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