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How To Write Contrast Essay

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8 views6 pages

How To Write Contrast Essay

Uploaded by

Marina Estrems
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HOW TO WRITE A COMPARE-CONTRAST ESSAY

What is a Compare and Contrast essay?

A text that juxtaposes two or more subjects in the same topic. This means that thesis
statements, topic sentences, and descriptive details must cover all subjects. Compare
and contrast papers also require critical thinking.

A compare-contrast essay is a FORMAL WRITING; therefore, you must write according


to this register. Avoid contractions and try to use vocabulary specific to the topic you are
writing about.

Block method (subject by subject)

The block method is usually divided into paragraphs: a paragraph about one subject
and then a new paragraph about another subject. Using the block method, you can go
back and forth like this for pages, covering as many topics as you need. This approach
is best for giving each subject its own attention but tends to slightly weaken the
connection between the two.

Alternating method (point by point)

As another option, you can break paragraphs up by a specific topic and issue, and in
each paragraph discuss both or all subjects. This approach works best when you want
to emphasize the connection between your subjects.

Similarities and differences

The third option is quite similar to the alternating approach, with each subject being
discussed side by side in the same paragraph. However, the paragraphs aren’t divided
by different topics, but instead by what the subjects have in common and what they
don’t.

This method works best if you want to focus on a particular similarity or difference
between your subjects, or if you want to build up to a powerful conclusion or reveal at
the end.
Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

Introduce the essay with a hook that demonstrates relevance of


the essay to the reader. Introduce the items being compared
and outline your essay structure.
Introduction + Define the concepts that are to be analyzed
orientation
Thesis Statement: Don’t forget to state your thesis statement
in the introduction. For a compare and contrast essay, you may
make a value judgement about which item is best for a certain
circumstance.

Feature 1 • Select features that can be compared between the two


items (e.g. size, quality, etc.)
Feature 2
• Explore similarities
Feature 3 • Explore differences
• Make value judgements about the differences between
the items that is consistent with your thesis statement

• Sum up your key points and make an overall argument


Evaluation + about all the subjects considered, e.g. “Based upon the
Conclusion above information, it is clear that oranges are better than
apples because…”
• Close the loop by returning to a statement you made in
the introduction. Show what your final position is.
• I really encourage you to visit this website to read more tips and information
about this structure: Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples
(scribbr.com)
• You can also watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=42&v=pDxsCy9KvXU&embeds_
referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.bing.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=
https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.bing.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

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