To compare and contrast two articles, you need to:
While the linked guide goes into more detail, in a nutshell, your compare-and-contrast essay should follow a simple format of beginning, middle, and end:
The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward comparing, contrasting, or both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting:
Let's dive into exactly how to write one of these essays, step by step. For the sake of illustration, I'll be using the essay topic of contrasting and comparing my two cats, Astrid and Chumbo, as an example.
To compare and contrast two pictures, you need to:
It is tempting to just provide summary for this type of paper, but analysis will show the importance of the comparisons and contrasts. For instance, if you are comparing two articles on the topic of the nursing shortage, help us understand what this will achieve. Did you find consensus between the articles that will support a certain action step for people in the field? Did you find discrepancies between the two that point to the need for further investigation?
Given that compare-and-contrast essays analyze the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis.
First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both as well as state what can be learned from doing so.
The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects.
Compare And Contrast Essay Topics
Both Washington, DC, and London are capital cities of English-speaking countries, and yet they offer vastly different experiences to their residents and visitors. Comparing and contrasting the two cities based on their history, their culture, and their residents show how different and similar the two are.
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay: Easy Steps with Examples
Your subjects don't have to be identical, but they should have enough in common to warrant a comparison – hence the essay. For instance, comparing two different genres of music can be insightful, but comparing music to a type of food might be too disparate unless you have a very specific and unique angle in mind.
Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Steps & Examples
Tip: I find it useful to outline my essay before I start my writing process, just to make sure I'll have enough to compare and contrast on. If you're hesitating, go ahead and follow the steps in an essay outline format, rather than writing the whole thing.
Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples
Once you have a list, decide whether there are more similarities or differences between the topics. If there are more similarities, concentrate your paper on comparing. If there are more differences (or if, as in the example above, the differences are simply more interesting), concentrate on contrasting. If there is a balance of similarities and differences, you might concentrate on discussing this balance.
Here is the list of possible topics for compare and contrast essay:
3. Organizing
There are at least two ways to organize a compare/contrast essay. Imagine you are examining Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, both Civil War generals. In your list you have uncovered important points of dissimilarity between them. Those points are their background, personalities, and underlying aspirations. (Call these three points A, B, and C.) You have decided to contrast the two subjects.
To start a compare and contrast essay, consider these steps:
Depending on the structure selected, you can begin to create an outline for your essay. The typical comparison essay follows the format of having an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion â though, if you need to focus on each subject in more detailed ways, feel free to include an extra paragraph to cover all of the most important points.