Have you ever written an essay?
Doesn’t it feel like a tough task?
If yes, so our guide is here to save you.
What comes to mind when you hear the words “compare” and “contrast”?
You’ll say, ‘compare’ means identification of ‘similarities’ or differences. At the same time, contrast means to compare two or more things to tell their differences. Right?
Well, that’s exactly what happens in compare and contrast essays. We have to compare two topics or show a contract between them, or we can do both.
Furthermore, writing this type of essay seems complex, but it’s not. It is similar in many ways to other types of essays, like the function of the introduction and conclusion will be the same as the standard ones.
But the body section plays the main role, making it stand out from other types.
Now approaching the main point, which is “how to write this type of essay.”
Composition Of A Compare And Contrast Essay: A Step By Step Guide
The steps of this type of essay are the same as the argumentative and narrative ones, meaning you have to start with an introduction, then a body and end it with a conclusion.
But its middle section can be written in three structures: block method, alternating method, and similarities and differences.
Now, let us tell you shortly about these structures:
Block Method:
In this method, we have to write about one subject in the first paragraph and then come to a second one in the next paragraph and so on. This method helps to put one subject in the spotlight at a time. This practice is also followed and recommended by an expert essay writing service.
For example, your topic is comparing and contrasting cats and dogs. So, you will tell all the points about cats in the first paragraph. And then cover everything about dogs in another paragraph.
Alternating Method:
In this method, we talk about one issue of both things in one paragraph. And the other issue in another paragraph and so on. By doing this, you can show the relationship between two things.
For example, if we take the above topic into consideration. Then first, we talk about the fact that both cats and dogs are animals in the first section. And in the second one, we can discuss their features: that they both have four legs or their tails are different etc.
Similarities And Differences Method:
In this method, we will write all the common things in the first paragraph and then cover the uncommon things in the second paragraph, or vice versa. This method is somehow similar to the alternating one, but in this one, we have to discuss similar and different things of both in different paragraphs.
For example, we will discuss all the same things about cats and dogs in one section. And then, we will cover all the disliked things in the second section.
Hence, these are the structures in which you have to clarify the whole topic.
The main thing is that you have to keep the balance between the comparison and contracts. Therefore, describe them justly and give both topics the attention they deserve.
Coming to the previous point, the composition of this essay.
First, we must write an “introduction” containing our thesis statement. The thesis statement describes what the whole essay will be about.
Then we will jump into our most important part, “the body,” of your essay. Write it into the structure of your choice or what the topic requires.
For example:
Topic 1: First paragraph
Topic 2: Second paragraph and so on.
Then we will come to our ending part, which is the “conclusion.” In this section, we will conclude our topic while supporting the facts.
So we have guided you with these steps of writing a compare and contrast essay. But if you don’t want to do it on your own, you can also avail of an online write my essay service.
Now let’s have a look at the procedure that will be required in writing these steps.
What Is The Procedure For Writing Compare And Contrast Essays?
If you ever sit down to write something, what will be the first thing that you will do?
Brainstorming? Yes.
You have to think about all the points you will cover. The same is the case here, as this essay contains similarities and differences, so you can make a Venn diagram for that.
A Venn diagram is made by drawing two overlapping circles. In the overlapping part, you will write all the similarities. Meanwhile, you can list down dissimilarities in the part that is not overlapped.
Or you can simply make points of all the common and uncommon things.
Our second step will be preparing means thinking about which structure method can be used for your topic. Does the block method work for you, or does the alternating one? Or your topic can be covered by similarities and differences methods. You have to choose one by keeping your topic in your mind.
Then we will write a first draft of our essay; this procedure is called drafting. This will be a time-consuming part because writing requires time. Make as many rough documents as you want until you get satisfied with your work.
After making a final rough version of our essay, we will then come to our revising and proofreading part. Here we have to check all the grammatical and punctuation errors. Moreover, we can include some fancy words other than basic ones.
After this procedure, your essay will be ready to submit.
Conclusion:
We all have been doing comparison and contrast since we were kids.
We have a natural ability to do it. But now, if you are wondering what is the purpose of writing an essay about it in college life? Then here is your answer.
Our teacher wants to check our analytical abilities, and that’s why they come up with these types of tasks. It can all improve our skills as well. And with our guide, you can write it in a breeze.
But keep this in mind: when we discuss a topic, we have to come up with accurate facts. Those facts will become the strength of your argument.
So follow the above guidelines, and you will surely ace your essay writing.