The best Guide on Compare and Contrast Essay: Topics, Outline, Example
Sep 15, 2019
Learning how to write a assess essay is just a rite of passage for several college students, as this essay type is amongst the most common assignments in academy, especially in the first year. Writing a compare and contrast essay helps students develop and improve upon skills such as for instance critical reasoning, scientific argumentation, and organized systematic writing. The best essays of this type have a clear purpose, such as shedding light on a complex idea or clearing up misconceptions about a difficult topic. Still another purpose could be illustrating how one subject is better than still another or perhaps highlighting a new way of thinking about something. The individual assignment will vary, obviously, and each should have its rubric. Pay close attention to the rubric, as it will outline what your teacher is seeking, and ensure you understand the assignment before beginning. If you have a question in regards to the essay assignment, do not be afraid to ask your teacher for help.
What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?
The compare and contrast essay format resembles that of other essay types. The writer must state a thesis in the introduction, argue the thesis within the body, and then form a conclusion. However , with a assess essay, the aim is to show how one subject is similar to still another (i. e., compare them), as well as how it is different (i. e., contrast them). Such an essay requires upfront planning to ensure the writer has a firm grasp on both subjects. One way to policy for a assess essay is always to create a Venn diagram to exhibit how two subjects are similar and differing, such as this one. Here’s an example:
You might find that you need to create several of these diagrams before guess what happens your thesis is and what your two subjects are. Most probably to different possibilities. The initial two subjects you diagram may not be the people you want to compare in your essay, but creating that diagram can provide you some useful some ideas.
Compare and Contrast Essay Outline
According to our write an essay for me service professionals, it could also be considered a good idea to create an overview before you begin writing. The outline is like a template you could follow to help keep your essay on track through the entire writing process, and it will include the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Introduction
The conventional compare and contrast essay format shows that the author should start a paper with a concise, to-the-point, and clear introduction. The good news is that the opening paragraph in this type of essay is not much different when compared with other papers. It is a clause that introduces and outlines the general topic of the paper.
When writing a comparing and contrasting essay intro, you'll need to ensure it has the following elements:
A hook and explanation of the general topic - The first sentence of your essay should be a hook that grabs attention and encourages readers to keep reading. Then follow general details linked to the topic.
Subjects of comparison - Next in your assess essay introduction, you should mention the specific subjects that will be compared and contrasted in the paper.
thesis - Finally, the opening paragraph should close with a clear and concise thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs
Once you've dealt with the introduction, it’s natural to wonder how exactly to write a body paragraph for a compare and contrast essay.
Let’s start with the exact distance. The number of human anatomy paragraphs can differ depending on the general word limit and how many criteria against which you will compare contrast your subjects. But, usually, there should be at the least 2-3 paragraphs. Every paragraph should wrap around one specific criterion (either a significant difference or similarity) of the comparison.
When it comes to contents, each paragraph should have:
Topic sentence;
Details collected for the duration of research;
Substantial data, evidence, stats, and so on to support the claim;
Transition to the next part.
Pro tip: Feel free to use connector phrases (e. g., both, likewise, compared to, on the other hand, unlike, and so on ) and words in your comparison to give your paper a logical flow and ensure the cohesion of all your points.
conclusion
If you have your intro and human anatomy ready, you are able to move on to shaping your compare and contrast essay conclusion. Usually, this is the simplest part to publish. A conclusion in assess essay should wrap up every thing discussed through the paper and provide it an expression of completion.
Listed here are the main points on how to write a conclusion for a compare and contrast essay:
Supply a summary of the key ideas/points - Start by recapping the main a few ideas from your human anatomy paragraphs, but keep it very concise and directly to the point.
Give a general evaluation - Shortly analyze the outcomes of one's comparison and provide it one last evaluation (e. g., finalize whether the subjects have more differences or similarities).
Emphasize the significance - In the end, restate your thesis and stress the importance of the overall topic, as well as your assess points.
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In terms of the question of just how to structure a compare and contrast essay, there are a few strategies that students can stay glued to. Namely, the 2 methods of organizing your paper are called a Point-by-Point Method and Block Method.
Let’s take a look at each method at length.
Point-by-Point Method
As you can easily guess, this type of structure of a compare and contrast essay implies comparing and contrasting the subjects point by point. This process works best when you're planning to compare 2 or maybe more subjects which can be more or less similar or, to the contrary, different.
That will help you grasp the concept, here is how a normal body paragraph should look if you use the Point-by-Point Method:
Topic sentence
Subject 1
Detail (point of comparison) 1
Detail (point of comparison) 2
…
Subject 2
Detail (point of comparison) 1
Detail (point of comparison) 2
…
As you care able to see, using this method of organization, you will end up reviewing all subjects by certain points within the exact same body paragraph, not dividing them. The important thing thing to consider is that most points within one paragraph should relate solely to each other, and there should be one general idea per paragraph.
Block Method
Unlike the Point-by-Point Method that organizes a compare and contrast essay based on specific criteria of comparison, the Block compare essay structure implies organizing the paper based on your items. This process will work most readily useful when the subjects of comparison are definitely different and you also have multiple criteria against which you will undoubtedly be contrasting them. In this case, every paragraph in the essay body will focus on a particular item.
This is how the body of one's paper should look like in the event that you choose this comparing and contrasting essay format:
Body paragraph 1 (Item 1)
Criteria for contrasting 1
Criteria for contrasting 2
Criteria for contrasting 3
…
Body paragraph 2 (Item 2)
Criteria for contrasting 1
Criteria for contrasting 2
Criteria for contrasting 3
…
Body paragraph 3 (Item 3)
Criteria for contrasting 1
Criteria for contrasting 2
Criteria for contrasting 3
…
As you care able to see, each human anatomy paragraph investigates a single item, spanning most of the criteria making it different from other items. In the event that you pick this process, the main rule to stay glued to is to only mention one item per paragraph and always use connectors to ensure smooth transitions from item to a different.
How exactly to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?
End your introduction with a thesis sentence. It'll allow readers to grasp your opinion of the compared subject matters, and it will logically draw their attention to the primary idea.
In the thesis, provide one idea or perhaps a statement that unites both subject matters. Even if you can see more differences than similarities between your subject matters, you ought to be able to find at least one element that they have in keeping and include it as part of your main idea.
Within the body, present the maximum amount of support for the thesis as you can. Support can come in the shape of statistics, research results, interviews, or other sources. Some writers choose to mention the evidential base in the thesis, but others choose to wait before the body of the essay.
Draw a conclusion at the end of one's essay in line with the similarities and differences you have presented throughout the paper. The conclusion shouldn't introduce any new some ideas but should bring closure to the paper.
Choose Your Topic
The subjects of a compare/contrast essay can differ from some physical objects to historical figures and events. The core thing to remember when selecting compare and contrast topics is that the subjects you will compare must be different. But, at precisely the same time have some common features. For instance , you may compare Democrats and Republicans, Extroverts and Introverts, etc .
Brainstorm Similarities and Differences
If you should be wondering steps to start a assess essay, the clear answer is simple - with some brainstorming. When you define the subjects, the second thing you need to do is always to brainstorm what similarities and differences they've.
To obtain things right, look at your two subjects separately and analyze them. Then, make two lists, one for similar points and the other one for differences, where you'll be writing down all points which come into your brain.
Pro tip: If you should be wondering just how to compare and contrast your subjects, making lists is unquestionably helpful. But, if you are more of a visual person, you may find it more convenient to map out your ideas employing a Venn diagram, where you’ll have two overlapping circles, one for every single of your subjects, with similarities written where the circles overlap and differences written on one other sides of circles.
Write An Introduction
To start out a assess essay, you will have to write a great introduction that transitions in to a clear and specific thesis sentence. The introductory paragraph should outline the topic you wish to cover and supply insight in to your main idea. It should mention what matters—the people, a few ideas, events, or other subjects you are going to assess in the body of one's essay.
In the introduction, include the necessary background information. Your introduction should be brief, but exhaustive. Before stating your thesis, you should give a preview of one's supporting arguments and positions, as your reader must understand why your subject matter will probably be worth comparing and contrasting.
Focus on the structure of your essay, and make certain it is balanced. For instance, if the whole essay will be three pages long, you should not spend two of these on the introduction.
Produce a Thesis Statement for Your Assess Essay
The thesis statement is one of the important components of contrast and compare paper. Its purpose is always to introduce the subject and formulate a focused argument.
To make a powerful compare thesis, replace a vague, general topic (for instance, the comparison of democracy and republic ideologies) with something more specific and detailed. Like it may appear to be, “The some ideas of Republicans and Democrats vary notably in terms of plans and policies on gun control, death penalty, along with other major problems, but they do agree on certain points. ”
Note how this sample compare thesis statement gives you the scope for showing both similarities and differences inherent in the ideas of the two parties. But, at exactly the same time, the statement is not 100% concrete with regards to similar and contrasting points, so it also leaves you some space to alter your comparison.
To produce your statement stronger, it's also important to answer several questions such as: “So what?” and “Why do you decide to compare these specific parties?”
To answer these questions, make sure you add some back ground info concerning your topic. For example , stress that Democrats and Republicans are the two largest opposing parties.
Determine Compare and Contrast Essay Structure
Unlike other types of essays, a comparison/contrast essay doesn’t imply using the same structure. Actually there are a number of ways to organize your work:
Whole-to-Whole - This method shows that the author of a comparison and contrast essay will focus on unfolding each subject separately after which analyze the differences and similarities. For instance , if you are comparing two different state structures using this format, you can tell about the tips of one structure in the very first paragraph after which define the 2nd state structure in the 2nd paragraph.
Point-by-Point - Another comparing and contrasting essay format implies that you'll be comparing your subjects by certain points, focusing each paragraph about the same point of comparison.
Choose any of these practices. The two items that remain unchanged are the introduction with a thesis statement and a conclusion, which may have to be included regardless of chosen structure.
Write A Body Paragraphs
Take up a compare and contrast paragraph with a clear but concise topic sentence that defines one point of comparison (e. g., shape, look, and so on ) against which you will compare your subjects. Then say several words about each of your subjects regarding the chosen point. And, finally, highlight similarities or differences using compare words.
Make use of the same tactic for these body paragraphs. Remember to give attention to a single point of comparison in every paragraph to wthhold the integrity and logical flow of your paper and, at precisely the same time, unfold your subjects to the fullest extent.
Write Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion
As you saw in the example above, the conclusion of an essay should help the reader understand the writer’s perspective. In other words, the very best essays have a conclusion that reminds the reader of the thesis and shows, by way of a summary of the paper’s findings, the way the thesis is correct. The example compare essay, about energy drinks, uses the thesis that energy beverages are overused and can be observed as either mind boosters or “soft drugs. ” The conclusion sums up the findings from the body of the essay and then uses those findings to provide an impression, a direct response to the thesis question of whether energy beverages help raise the mind or inhibit it like a drug.
Proofread
When the final draft of your compare/contrast paper is ready, make sure to read it several times and eliminate any grammar, punctuation, and other mistakes.
To make Proofreading simple, make use of these tips:
Allow it rest for a couple hours or, even better, a day or two;
Use grammar and spell-check tools;
Ask a friend to cast a new pair of eyes on your paper to make sure that there's nothing you may have missed.
A good compare essay topic often includes words such as for example “versus” (vs. ) or “or, ” and these words could be useful in the essay’s title aswell. Below is really a list of potential compare and contrast essay topics for college papers. Ten of the sample topics have “vs. ” in the title, and ten have “or, ” plainly indicating that the resulting essays will either compare two very different subjects or clarify two positions on a single subject.
This can be a list of possible topics for compare and contrast essay:
Energy beverages: Mind Boosters or Soft Drugs
International Monetary Fund: Economic Investments or a Debt Pit
Abortion: Life Saver or Death Sentence
On the web Courses: Waste of Time or a Key to Better Future
Cellular phones: Vital Gadget or a Lethal Threat
Homeopathy: Self-Deceptiveness or Real Treatment
GMO: Famine Problem Solution or Poison
On line Communication: True Friendship or Illusion of Emotional Bond
Religion: Vestige of the Past or Salvation of Nations
Plural Marriage: Way to avoid it of Underpopulation or Flashback to Barbarian Times
Edward Snowden vs. Julius Caesar
Putin vs. Obama
Orwell vs. Huxley
Dita Von Tease vs. Bettie Page
Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris
Arnold Schwarzenegger compared to Sylvester Stallone
Napoleon vs. Kutuzov
Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates
Nikola Tesla vs. Thomas Eddison
Jesus vs. Thor
Compare and Contrast Essay Example
This example compare essay clarifies two positions on energy beverages. Notice that it will so by comparing and contrasting energy beverages with other forms of caffeinated beverages. If you'd like more examples, you can Order Essay samples from our service.
Energy beverages: Mind Boosters or Soft Drugs
Energy beverages in aluminum cans are relatively new for humankind, but stimulating substances were used centuries before aluminum cans were invented. Today, energy drinks appear to be a panacea for students during exams, white collar employees throughout deadline periods, night clubbers dancing forever long, athletes heading toward a record, drivers, and fundamentally, everyone who's dog-tired and must stay awake and work hard. You drink a can, and then you're ready to go for a number of hours after ward.
The producers of energy drinks say that the stimulation aftereffect of their services and products is eventually healthy, so that they carry on producing new energy beverages all the time. If these drinks were so safe, why would legislators be seeking them? Energy beverages: mind boosters or soft drugs? Why don't we get this all straightened out.
Pros:
They enhance brain activity when needed.
The energy-boosting ramifications of coffee last mere 1-2 hours, while those of energy drinks last 3-4 hours. Moreover, many of them are aerated, which makes them work faster, and coffee does not obtain the same treatment.
The aluminum enables you to eat an energy drink in just about any situation: in the car, on the dance floor, in the school library, and so on. Coffee and tea are not always so portable.
Cons:
You ought to drink a maximum of two cans of an electricity drink daily. Drinking significantly more than that increases your danger of elevated blood circulation pressure, high glucose levels, or both.
It's been said that energy drinks fill you with energy, but that is not really true. They work as a vital to your inner energy reserves, working for you tap into your naturally stored energy. Later, you have to pay the price: insomnia, weariness, peevishness, and depression.
The caffeine in energy drinks not merely builds up an addiction in the event that you drink more than two cans a day but also exhausts your nervous system.
What conclusion may be drawn from these advantages and disadvantages? Obviously, there's nothing healthy about energy drinks. Their contents don't differ much from each and every day tea, coffee, and cocoa. Moreover, they exhaust the energy reserves of our anatomical bodies. When the stimulating effect is finished in three to four hours, an individual goes for still another can, changing into an energy drink addict, losing the ability to restore energy in a natural way. To my mind, the cons of energy drinks outweigh the pros. My verdict is that energy beverages are mind boosters in certain critical situations, but you must not drink them on a regular basis, while they can take on a drug like quality and become soft drugs.
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