What Is A Comparative Essay?
A comparative essay asks that you compare at least two (possibly more) items. These items will differ depending on the assignment. Although the assignment may say "compare,” the assumption is that you will consider both the similarities and differences; in other words, you will compare and contrast.
Choosing a topic for comparison essay
In order to write a good essay, first you need to have a good topic for it, i.e. a topic that lets you easily demonstrate your writing skills and finally get a high grade without thinking too much.
Come up with a structure for your essay
Alternating method: Point-by-point pattern
This mode of comparison will result in your essay having five paragraphs.
In it, you will need to consecutively compare and contrast each of the similarities and differences in the given subjects:
- In the introduction, you state your thesis.
- Then you discuss both of your subjects together for each point of comparison and contrast.
- In the conclusion, you restate the thesis and shortly summarize your essay.
Block method: Subject-by-subject pattern
According to this pattern, you will be required to separate the body of your compare and contrast essay in two parts. The first part of the body is a dedication of the first subject, while the other half is for the second subject:
- In the introduction, you state your thesis.
- First, you discuss the first subject.
- Then you discuss the second subject.
- In the conclusion, you restate the thesis and shortly summarize your essay.
Writing an A+ comparison essay
Introduction
The introduction of an essay is very important. It gives the reader his/her first impression of the comparison essay’s text. e most common five methods to grab your reader's attention, commonly used by professionals, are the following:
- Give a brief historical review of your topic for help reader to better understand it
- Start from a little story or an anecdote, which leads the reader into your topic
- Try to use a surprising statement – something disgusting, joyful or even shocking
- State straight out what your essay is going to be about, simply and clearly
Point paragraph
- State the point
- Provide supporting details
- Use appropriate transitions
For comparison: Like, compared to, similar to, similarly, by analogy, likewise, in the same way, as well, both, too
For contrast: Unlike, conversely, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, still, although, while, but, even though, although, despite, yet, regardless, on the one hand … one the other hand
Conclusion
The conclusion seals the comparison essay and tries to close the issue. Conclusion is the last part of the essay that your reader will experience.
- Summarize the similarities and / or difference of the subjects
- Emphasize the thesis and say why this topic is important