Tips for Writing a Compare PDF

Preview

Summary

......

Description

Wr i t i ngaCo mpa r e / Cont r as tEs s a y Gui de l i ne s The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to analyze the differences and/or the similarities of two distinct subjects. Once you pick two subjects that can be compared and contrasted in a meaningful way, then you can begin to formulate your thesis and work out the organization of your paper. If you want to write a thoughtful and convincing comparison and contrast essay, just follow these steps. Step 1 Pick two subjects that can be compared and contrasted in a meaningful way. The first step to writing a successful compare and contrast essay is to pick two subjects that are different enough to be contrasted, but similar enough to be compared. This means that the subjects aren't so different that you can't find a thing they have in common or that they shouldn't be so similar that you don't have much to say about their differences. Here are some topics to consider as you pick your two subjects Step 2 Do your research to make a list of all of the ways the two subjects are similar and different. Once you've picked your two subjects, you'll need to do your research to figure out exactly how much they have in common and how different they really are. Make a Venn Diagram of the two subjects and write the similarities in the part of the intersecting circles, while writing the differences in the parts of each subject's circle that does not intersect with other. This will require you to consult your sources, brainstorm, and analyze the two subjects on a deeper level. Step 3 Write your thesis statement. Your thesis statement will be the one sentence that tells your readers how the subjects are similar or different and why this is an important comparison to make. Ideally, your thesis should focus on three points of comparison, so that you have three distinct differences or similarities to discuss. Here are some examples of strong thesis statements and strategies for the comparison and contrast essay: 



Step 4

Show readers why one subject is more desirable than the other. Example: "Cats are better pets than dogs because they require less maintenance, are more independent, and are more adaptable." Help readers make a meaningful comparison between two subjects. Example: "New York City and San Francisco are both great cities for young professionals but they differ in terms of their job opportunities, social environment, and living conditions.

Method 2 of 3: Organizing Your Essay Provides a thesis argument and 3 points of comparison that will be elaborated in the body of your essay. Points of comparison are the smaller arguments that help you develop your main argument. o Body Paragraphs  This is the meat of your essay. Each different section or body paragraph should tackle a different division of proof. It should provide and analyze evidence in order to connect those proofs to your thesis and support your thesis. You have to decide whether you'll be organizing your essay with three body paragraphs (using point-by-point organization) or with two body paragraphs (using whole-to-whole or block method comparison). o Acknowledgement of Competitive Arguments/Concession  This paragraph acknowledges that other counter-arguments exist, but remarks how those arguments are flawed. o Conclusion  Summary of the evidence presented  Restatement of the thesis ...