Did you know that you will be required to write a comparative essay at one point in college? Aah! Now you know, and we believe it is why you are here. If you have no idea about writing a perfect comparative essay, you need not worry. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to write a perfect comparative essay.
You can be asked to write a comparative essay on any subject. So, whether you are pursuing medicine, literature, or any other course, you should have the tips for writing such an essay. By the end of this article, you will have grasped a lot that will contribute to creating that comparative essay that will earn you desirable grades.
What is a comparative essay?
A comparative essay is a genre of academic writing where you compare two or more items, subjects, people, or events. You may be asked to compare the items in terms of relationship, differences, or both. The main aim of a comparative essay is;
- Show the similarities and differences between two or more items
- Clarify a subject to the readers
- Analyze issues and give their pros and cons
A comparative essay is also known as a comparison essay or a compare and contrast essay. The best way to write such an essay is by using a Venn diagram to compare the two items, places, events, concepts, etc.
How to start a comparative essay
Do you have an assignment on writing a comparative essay, but you have no idea where to start or how to go about it? Follow these steps to begin writing your essay;
- Read and analyze the essay question carefully
Before you start writing a comparative essay, analyze the essay prompt or question carefully. You may have a great idea, but it does not fit the essay question. As a result, check your prompt and develop key phrases that will match.
Ensure you check whether any limitations are placed on your topic of discussion. Please do not use any limited area as it may lead to scoring poor grades in the assignment, which is not a wish for any student.
- Identify the requirements for the comparative essay
Although some papers may be straightforward, others may require you to start with that structure before moving on to an analysis and argument. In these pieces, it is not enough to merely point out the similarities and differences.
A task will pose key questions whenever a comparison is required to help you get started. As an illustration, the following statement encourages you to compare and contrast two poets and evaluate how the poets approach the subject of contrast: “Choose a specific idea or topic, like passion, elegance, tragedy, or history, and examine how the two distinct.” That is to say that you will have to present an argument that evaluates or analyzes those methods.
Consult your professor if you are confused about the requirements of the essay question. It’s preferable to ask for clarification before writing a complete essay to find out afterward that it’s wrong.
- Select a topic for your comparative essay
Picking a topic is the initial step in creating a comparative essay. Select a theme or a subject that will be interesting to your readers. A persuasive comparative essay topic inspires the reader to continue reading your essay so as to pick up more about the topic of discussion.
Try to get rid of any challenging topics for your comparative paper. Choose an area you are interested in and also one that is researchable. It is easier to debate a topic you are interested in than a topic you do not like.
- Come up with a list of resemblances and differences
Create a list of comparisons and alterations between the subjects you intend to use in your comparative essay. This list assists you to come up with an initial plan and decide the basis of your comparative writing. Analyze the list and develop a thesis statement and also establish your argument.
- Create the Comparative Basis
You can contrast the subject on the foundation of the comparisons. Check your prompt or task because it may be provided in the essay question. The comparative essay’s main aim is to inform the audience of a captivating concept. It means that if you need to make your claim fascinating, you must make your argument original.
- Conduct research
Collect as much information as you can in relation to your topic in this stage. You must conduct a deep study of whether your comparative essay concerns social issues, historical incidences, or biology topics. However, be keen to gather information from dependable sources and ensure you correctly cite them in your essay to avoid any issues of plagiarism which is a serious academic offense.
- Develop a thesis statement
A comparative essay thesis statement determines whether the commonalities outweigh the distinctions or the reverse. Your thesis should be brief and easy to comprehend as it helps you stick to the main core of your paper. Establish the thesis sentence that encompasses the complete essay. You can stay on topic for the entire paper with the support of a thesis statement.
Comparative essay structure
An excellent comparative essay partly depends on how effectively you arrange your paper. A well-structured essay enables the reader to grasp your writing easier. Also, organization is more necessary than the content of your comparative essay.
It is vital to structure your comparative essay so that the readers may easily read through the comparison presented. Below are the three basic strategies by which you can structure your comparative essay.
- Point-by-point structure method
The point-by-point or alternate approach gives you a thorough rundown of the things you are contrasting. Use this strategy to group things according to differences and similarities. With this technique, it is simple for the author to write on two totally distinct essay topics. Wherever any complexity and depth are needed, it is strongly advised. Here is an example of a point-by-point structure method;
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs
- First paragraph; first point, items A and B
- Second paragraph; second point, items A and B
- Third paragraph; third point, items A and B
- Conclusion
- The block structure method
The block structure is the easiest compared to others. Using this structured method, you divide information in terms of constraints. This means that the beginning paragraph compares the first item, the second paragraph compares the second, and so on. This method works well for complicated subjects and long essays. How the block structure method looks like;
- Introduction
Body paragraph 1, first item 1st, 2nd, and 3rd point
Body paragraph 2; 2nd item, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd point
- Conclusion
- Mixed paragraph structure
In this approach, each paragraph covers a single section of the subject. You will address each point individually as a writer. This approach is quite helpful since it enables you to offer every issue equal merit and makes it simple for the readers to understand the comparison point.
Comparative essay outline
Once you have completed creating a thesis statement, you may move on to content organization. A comparative essay format or outline provides a structure for your essay and helps you stay on track while writing. After you have developed your thesis statement, you can move on to the next step. It will serve as a guide while you plan and compose a strong comparative essay.
Create an appropriate framework for your comparative essay, making sure to contain all the key points you intend to make. Here, the structure follows a format that is familiar to anyone who has ever written an essay. Structure-wise, there’s an intro, some body paragraphs, and a wrap-up.
- Comparative essay introduction
An introductory paragraph is the first part of an essay that your readers see. It would help if you made your introduction as unique and interesting as possible to encourage the readers to continue reading your essay.
Ensure you include a hook statement in your comparative essay introduction. A hook statement is a bold claim made at the outset of the first paragraph to pique the interest of potential readers. Afterward, you can transition to your essay’s primary purpose. Give some context, and then end your introduction with a thesis statement.
If you have a challenge writing a comparative essay introduction, check some comparative essay introduction examples online. This will help you to understand how to write a perfect introduction.
- Body paragraphs
The body of a paper should contain all the information the reader needs to fully understand the topic. Put everything in clear and straightforward writing. Here are some pointers to keep in mind while you craft the main body of your essay.
- Essays typically have their topic sentences introduced first
- A complete paragraph is dedicated to every comparison
- Body paragraphs usually consist of three sentences each, but this can vary depending on the essay’s topic
- Alternate the words you choose to connect paragraphs
- There is sufficient and relevant content for each paragraph
- A simplistic conclusion is provided in the paragraph’s final sentences
- The conclusion of a comparative essay
You should summarize the paper’s important ideas and restate the thesis statement at this stage. It is helpful to remind the audience why drawing parallels between these two topics are relevant. Do not add anything new to the essay’s final paragraph. Check a comparative essay template online in library books to write a reasonable comparative essay conclusion.
Comparative essay topics
When you are assigned a comparative essay to write, your professor may provide a topic or not. When you are expected to create your topic, you should be creative in choosing a unique and interesting topic.
Tips on how to choose comparative essay topics
- Choose a topic that fits the length of your comparative essay
- Choose an interesting topic
- Choose a topic that you can easily research on
- Avoid topics that will make you summarize rather than analyze or discuss
List of essay topics you can use in your comparative essay
- Residing in a village or a large metropolis, compare
- The head of school or dean of a college, who should be paid more?
- How do professions and schooling contrast?
- For use in conflict or for peace?
- Christmas versus New Year’s festivity.
- Homemade versus fast food
- Religion and philosophy share similarities.
- Fresh Fruit vs. Dried Fruit What is superior?
- Spanish and British colonization both took place.
- Viruses or microbes, which ones are better?
Comparative analysis essay
A comparative analysis essay is a type of writing comparing two different theories, events, texts, and people. The main aim of the essay is to help identify the significant differences and similarities between the two subjects. With all the skills unleashed in this article, there is no doubt that you can create a unique comparative analysis essay.
When writing this essay, ensure you use the correct comparative analysis essay outline. This will help you avoid confusion while writing. An outline will also help your readers understand the essay well.
Comparative essay example
When assigned a comparative essay, it is important to look at a comparative essay sample online. This guides you on how to structure your essay, creating an opportunity to create a perfect one. If you need to read a comparative rhetorical analysis essay example online, you will still get samples that will be of great help in writing.
To sum up
Writing a comparative essay has never been made this easy. We believe that at this point, you can create a perfect essay using the tips, structure, and everything covered by this article.
When writing a comparative essay, understand the essay prompt, and choose a topic and a thesis statement. Use the right essay format and conduct adequate research for your essay. Also, ensure you avoid any areas limited by your professor while conducting research.
If you still have a problem writing a comparative essay, you definitely need help. Contact acemyessays.com right away. You will get help writing your comparative essay or any other essay you are assigned in school.