What is a comparative essay? That is an essay that will ask you to compare and contrast two things or two items. You should note that while making a comparison, this is not limited to only two things; you could be comparing more than two things at a time. By comparison, this could either mean similarities or similarities and differences. A contrasting essay only means you write the difference.
This kind of essay is meant to encourage you to make connections between ideas and different texts. In so doing, you will find that you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter at hand in comparison to simply summarizing or giving a description of the items that you will compare and contrast. Comparing objects may be very confusing, but our writers are ready to help you 24/7!
Some of the things that you may be asked to compare and contrast may include:
- Figures. For example, compare the profit company X made in 2014 and 2015 events such as World War 1 and World War 2
- Theories such as communism and capitalism
- Texts in a book
- Basis for Comparison
Before you go ahead to make a list of the similarities and differences that exist, you need to have a clear grasp on the basis of your comparison. If you’ve been asked to compare two particular subjects that we have mentioned above, then you can go ahead and make a list of the similarities and differences. If not, then it may be a case where you are required to come up with your own basis for comparison. The basis of the comparison you choose should be based on one of the things that we have mentioned above.
List down the similarities and the difference
Now that you have your basis for comparison, it becomes much easier to list the required similarities and difference. You should note at this point, even though you are being asked to write a comparison essay, it’s important to note down the differences or contrasting material. That is normally implied. This list doesn’t quality to be your outline yet, but it should provide you with the initial plan.
Based on the basis for your comparison, evaluate the list. That will help you point out which points best fit the basis of your comparison.
Develop a thesis
Developing your thesis will be based on your list of similarities and differences. Do the similarities outweigh the difference, if so, and then this will form your thesis. The vice versa is also true. That simply means that whichever of the two that outweighs the other gets to form the basis of your thesis. A complex thesis will include both the similarities and the difference.
Your thesis statement needs to be very clear and concise.
Comparison essay structure
There are two types of essay structures that you can use for your writing. You’ll either use Block method or Alternating method.
1. Block Method. It is also referred to as the subject-by-subject pattern. For example, if your basis is on events, A will stand for World War 1 and B will stand for World War 2. You’ll start off by discussing all of A and then all of B if you’re to use the block method. You should be careful to point out the similarities and difference despite covering A first and then B. They shouldn’t be two essays joined as one.
It’s most useful when you’re unable to find points on A and B; that are closely related, or you’re comparing more than two subjects, or your thoughts on B are built from those in A.
2. Alternating Method. Also known as the point-by-point pattern; as the name suggests, you’ll alternate your writing between A and B. for example, the first paragraph will be about A and the second paragraph will be on B. They will then keep alternating throughout the essay.
It’s a method that does a better job in highlighting the similarities and difference and in the end produces a paper that is more integrated and analytical.
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