Compare and Contrast Essay

CHAPTER – 2

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

A compare-and-contrast essay is a kind of essay that points out the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It is an ideal kind of essay for showing what separates and unites the related things or concepts.

Compare-and-contrast essays have a lot in common with other essay types. By seeing the differences and similarities, the reader better understands each of the subjects. They are highly useful for learning details with a comparative perspective.

In this chapter, we explain how to write a compare-and-contrast essay, including some advanced tips and examples. We discuss how to structure your points.

Purpose of a compare-and-contrast essay

If you wish to understand the renewable sources of energy clearly, it can be compared to non-renewable sources of energy. It should be written in such way that it should not confuse the readers.

Unlike argumentative essays or persuasive essays, compare-and-contrast essays deal with multiple topics instead of focusing on one. They show the instructor how well you grasp both subjects.

How to write a compare-and-contrast essay

First things first: You need to choose which subjects you're comparing.

Some of the compare-and-contrast essay topics:

Opposing options of certain categories:

❖ Renewable resources and non-renewable sources of energy.

❖ Home made fruit juices and tinned cool drinks.

❖ Books and television

❖ Yoga and physical exercises

Topics related to art or cultural movements

❖ Vocal music and instrumental music

People who are similar, connected, or associated with each other

❖ Rajinikanth and Kamalahasan

The state of affairs at different time periods

❖ India before and after independence

Two different but related places

❖ Delhi and Mumbai

Opposing theories or beliefs

❖ Evolution and Creationism

Opposing viewpoints or opinions

❖ Caste Reservation or Merit based allotment

Topics that are often confused with each other

Oppression and Subjugation

Try making a Venn Diagram which is a visual aid that helps you understand which characteristics are common and unique.

Organization

Compare-and-contrast essays follow our own essay structure but it should follow a simple format of beginning, middle, and end:

• Introduction: your topic of discussion

• Body/Contents: where you actually list the similarities and differences of your subjects.

• Conclusion: Summation of your points

The introduction, usually one or two paragraphs, should include a thesis statement to show the reader what to expect from the rest of your essay.

It's the body where compare-and-contrast essays get tricky. One by one comparing or switching back and forth needs coherent thinking.

How to structure a compare-and-contrast essay

The hardest part of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay is knowing when to talk about which subject. We have three options:

• Block method (subject by subject): You discuss one subject in full and then move on to the next subject.

• Alternating method (point by point): You discuss one aspect after another aspect of two subjects. Eg. Electricity consumption of AC and Room Cooler.

• Similarities and differences: You discuss all the similarities between your subjects  and then all the differences, or vice versa (differences first and then similarities).

Block method (subject by subject)

The block method is usually divided into paragraphs: a paragraph about one subject and then a new paragraph about another subject. bs

Alternating method (point by point)

As another option, you can break paragraphs up by a specific topic and issue, and in each paragraph discuss both or all subjects.

Similarities and differences

The third option is quite similar to the alternating approach, with each subject being discussed side by side in the same paragraph. However, the paragraphs aren't divided by different topics, but instead by what the subjects have in common and what they don't.

The writing process for compare-and-contrast essays

The writing process is the same as all essay writing, although adapted specifically for drawing comparisons:

Brainstorming - List all the similarities and difficulties by using a Venn diagram

Preparation - Look at your brainstorming lists and decide which structuring method should be followed.

Drafting - Write and rough draft.

Revising - Identify the areas that need to be fixed, revised, or rewritten after finishing rough draft.

Proofreading - Correct all the spelling and grammatical mistakes.