Nova A.
Nova A.

Writing a Good Compare and Contrast Essay

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Published on: May 7, 2020

Last updated on: Jun 19, 2023

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Many students find themselves writing a compare and contrast essay at some point in their academic career. In this type of essay, you have to analyze two or more subjects with each other, but there are many different ways you can go about making your analysis meaningful.

Typically, the subjects of a compare and contrast essay will be similar. For example, you might compare and contrast two different types of books or two different cat breeds.

So, do you want to know more about this type of essay?

Continue reading this blog that gives you complete information about how to write one and provides some examples and topics so you can easily create a well-written essay.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Definition

Compare and contrast essay is a means to evaluate the similarities and differences between two objects. These subjects may be different from one another, but they should still fall into the same category. For example, you compare and contrast the two different cities of the same country or two different types of books.

To understand the difference between two objects, you must know what they both do and how their properties are different. The writer provides clear information on this so that readers can easily understand them without any confusion or misconception about why something might be better one way instead of another way.

The ability to write a compare and contrast essay can be difficult for some students. However, you'll find writing this type of essay easier than ever with the right steps.

When showing the similarities and differences between two or more things, a Venn diagram can effectively demonstrate how they are the same, different, or vice versa. And, in the overlapping circles, write the common characteristics.

The two most common ways to structure a compare and contrast essay are:

  1. Point-by-Point Pattern
  2. Block Pattern

Let’s discuss them in detail.

  1. Point-by-Point Pattern

    The point-by-point pattern lists each similarity and difference between both subjects. The structure of the point-by-point pattern is not complicated, and it consists of three parts. First, introduce the topic, describe the theme, and present the thesis statement.

    Introduction

    Introduce the topic

    Specify the topic

    Thesis statement

    Paragraph 1

    Point 1

    Subject 1: Detail1, Detail 2

    Subject 2: Detail1, Detail 2

    Paragraph 2

    Point 2

    Subject 1: Detail1, Detail 2

    Subject 2: Detail1, Detail 2

    Paragraph 3

    Point 3

    Subject 1: Detail1, Detail 2

    Subject 2: Detail1, Detail 2

    Conclusion

    Summarize the topic

  2. Block Pattern

    In a block pattern, arrange the information in order like information about the one object is drafted first and then the information about the second object. The structure of the block pattern is as simple as the point-by-point pattern. It includes:

    1. Introduction
    2. Body
    3. Conclusion
    Introduction

    Introduce the topic

    Thesis statement

    Paragraph 1

    Item A

    Point 1

    Point 2

    Point 3

    Paragraph 2

    Item B

    Point 1

    Point 2

    Point 3

    Paragraph 3

    Item C

    Point 1

    Point 2

    Point 3

    Conclusion

    Summarize the topic

    Both patterns have their pros and cons. In a point-by-point pattern, you can analyze the similarities and differences. It is easier for the reader to understand.

    The block pattern is easier to write. You can simply add the information about two subjects, and the readers make the comparison.

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How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay?

The first thing that pops into the writer’s mind when they are assigned to draft an essay is how to start writing? Well, there are many different methods. Pre-writing phase helps with planning and can make sure everything flows well later on during your actual writing.

We also gathered some steps that will help you in writing a great compare and contrast essay in no time.

  1. Select your Subject

    The first step is to pick the two subjects that are different and easily compared with each other. You can choose two subjects that appear to be the same, but they are actually very different. It's important you find an easily discussable topic so your comparison will make sense and have meaning.

  2. Brainstorm Similarities and Differences

    You don't have to write immediately after choosing the topic. First, brainstorm your topic, identify the similarities and differences, and then write your essay.

    You have to make a list of the similarities and the differences for your chosen subject. Then, search on the internet and gather the correct information. Finally, highlight the interesting similarities and differences.

  3. Gather Strong Evidence

    To write a good essay, you need to use reliable and accurate evidence. The facts and figures that appear in your work must be true so they can give an authentic perspective of the topic.

  4. Decide the Organizational Structure

    You can organize your compare and contrast essay in a variety of ways. Choose the one that best suits what you are writing about.

  5. Write Thesis Statement

    The thesis statement is a very important part of an essay because it helps you focus your argument and provides direction for the reader. You should identify what this essay will discuss about its subjects, which makes them more interested.

  6. Create a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

    Before starting writing the compare and contrast essay, create the outline. The compare and contrast essay outline is like a template that you can follow throughout your writing process.

    Numerous methods can follow when structuring the compare and contrast essay outline, depending on your requirements.

    However, the basic outline consists of three parts:

    • Introduction
    • Main body
    • Conclusion

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

Writing a comparison and contrast essay is not complicated if you follow the right steps. The following steps you need to follow while writing a comparison and contrast essay:

  1. Write the Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction

    The essay introduction is the first thing your readers see when they read your essay. It must provide them with all of the information they need to know what your essay is all about.

    Also, in the introductory paragraph, write the thesis statement. Identifying your essay's thesis statement will help you create a focused argument and roadmap for the reader. It should identify what subject matter will be discussed in detail, giving readers an idea about what they can expect from your essay.

  2. Main Body Paragraphs

    When writing your essay, make sure to provide evidence for each of your points. This evidence should then be connected to your thesis to prove it correct. You may only need three body paragraphs, but use as many as you need to make your argument clear.

  3. Conclusion

    The main ideas of your essay should be summarized in your conclusion. You should remind the reader of what you talked about in your introduction and provide a new perspective. The conclusion is the most important part of your paper, other than the introduction. Thus, try to make it great to impress the readers.

  4. Proofreading

    Make sure to proofread your essay again when you're done. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes before submitting them so that they don't get corrected later on.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

In order to write a compare and contrast essay that is both engaging, informative as well accurate, it's important you have examples. Thus, check the following list of examples to help with your essay writing process.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

You can choose the good compare and contrast essay topic by brainstorming. Write on the topic that captivates the reader’s mind.

For your help, we gathered some great essay topics that you can use for your essay.

  • Graduate and undergraduate studies
  • Different types of dog breed
  • American and British English
  • Facebook vs. Twitter
  • University of North Carolina vs.University of Chicago
  • Instagram and Snapchat
  • Basketball and Football
  • Windows vs. Linux
  • Batman vs. Superman
  • Marketer vs. Digital Marketer

Writing a good essay is not a difficult task, but it takes a lot of planning and good writing skills. If you want your essay written by a professional writer, you can look for an online essay writing service.

WriteMyEssay.help is an online essay writing center that offers the best and most experienced writers from all over the globe. We provide all types of essays and papers on all subjects of all academic levels.

So place your order now to get all your “write my essay” queries answered by a professional writer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three basic components of a compare and contrast essay?

The three basic components of a compare and contrast are: 

  • Introduction 
  • Main body 
  • Conclusion 
Nova A.

WRITTEN BY

Nova A., Literature, Marketing

Nova Allison has eight years of experience writing both technical and scientific content. As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova focuses on developing online content plans that engage audiences. She strives to write pieces that are not only informative but also captivating.

Nova Allison has eight years of experience writing both technical and scientific content. As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova focuses on developing online content plans that engage audiences. She strives to write pieces that are not only informative but also captivating.

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