Many comparative essay assignments will signal their purpose by using words such as “compare,” “contrast,” “similarities,” and “differences” in the language of the prompt. Also see whether there are any limits placed on your topic.
The assignment will generally ask guiding questions if you are expected to incorporate comparison as part of a larger assignment. For example: “Choose a particular idea or theme, such as love, beauty, death, or time, and consider how two different Renaissance poets approach this idea. " This sentence asks you to compare two poets, but it also asks how the poets approach the point of comparison. In other words, you will need to make an evaluative or analytical argument about those approaches. If you’re unclear on what the essay prompt is asking you to do, talk with your instructor. It’s much better to clarify questions up front than discover you’ve written the entire essay incorrectly.
The best place to start is to write a list of things that the items you are comparing have in common as well as differences between them. [3] X Research source
You may want to develop a system such as highlighting different types of similarities in different colors, or use different colours if you are using an electronic device. For example, if you are comparing two novels, you may want to highlight similarities in characters in pink, settings in blue, and themes or messages in green.
The basis for your comparison may be assigned to you. Be sure to check your assignment or prompt. A basis for comparison may have to do with a theme, characteristics, or details about two different things. [7] X Research source A basis for comparison may also be known as the “grounds” for comparison or a frame of reference. Keep in mind that comparing 2 things that are too similar makes it hard to write an effective paper. The goal of a comparison paper is to draw interesting parallels and help the reader realize something interesting about our world. This means your subjects must be different enough to make your argument interesting.
Research may not be required or appropriate for your particular assignment. If your comparative essay is not meant to include research, you should avoid including it. A comparative essay about historical events, social issues, or science-related topics are more likely to require research, while a comparison of two works of literature are less likely to require research. Be sure to cite any research data properly according to the discipline in which you are writing (eg, MLA, APA, or Chicago format).
Your thesis needs to make a claim about your subjects that you will then defend in your essay. It’s good for this claim to be a bit controversial or up for interpretation, as this allows you to build a good argument.
Use a traditional outline form if you would like to, but even a simple list of bulleted points in the order that you plan to present them would help. You can also write down your main points on sticky notes (or type them, print them, and then cut them out) so that you can arrange and rearrange them before deciding on a final order.
The advantages of this structure are that it continually keeps the comparison in the mind of the reader and forces you, the writer, to pay equal attention to each side of the argument. This method is especially recommended for lengthy essays or complicated subjects where both the writer and reader can easily become lost. For Example: Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle X / Engine power of vehicle Y Paragraph 2: Stylishness of vehicle X / Stylishness of vehicle Y Paragraph 3: Safety rating of vehicle X / Safety rating of vehicle Y
The advantages of this structure are that it allows you to discuss points in greater detail and makes it less jarring to tackle two topics that radically different. This method is especially recommended for essays where some depth and detail are required. For example:Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle XParagraph 2: Engine power of vehicle YParagraph 3: Stylishness of vehicle XParagraph 4: Stylishness of vehicle YParagraph 5: Safety rating of vehicle XParagraph 6: Safety rating of vehicle Y
This method is by far the most dangerous, as your comparison can become both one-sided and difficult for the reader to follow. This method is only recommended for short essays with simplistic subjects that the reader can easily remember as (s)he goes along. For example:Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle XParagraph 2: Stylishness of vehicle XParagraph 3: Safety rating of vehicle XParagraph 4: Engine power of vehicle YParagraph 5: Stylishness of vehicle YParagraph 6: Safety rating of vehicle Y
Body paragraphs first. Work through all that information you’ve been compiling and see what kind of story it tells you. Only when you’ve worked with your data will you know what the larger point of the paper is. Conclusion second. Now that you’ve done all the heavy lifting, the point of your essay should be fresh in your mind. Strike while the iron’s hot. Start your conclusion with a restatement of your thesis. Intro last. Open your introduction with a “hook” to grab the reader’s attention. Since you’ve already written your essay, choose a hook that reflects what you will talk about, whether it’s a quote, statistic, factoid, rhetorical question, or anecdote. Then, write 1-2 sentences about your topic, narrowing down to your thesis statement, which completes your introduction.
Organize your paragraphs using one of the approaches listed in the “Organizing the Content” part below. Once you have defined your points of comparison, choose the structure for the body paragraphs (where your comparisons go) that makes the most sense for your data. To work out all the organizational kinks, it’s recommended that you write an outline as a placeholder. Be very careful not to address different aspects of each subject. Comparing the color of one thing to the size of another does nothing to help the reader understand how they stack up. [15] X Research source
Be aware that your various comparisons won’t necessarily lend themselves to an obvious conclusion, especially because people value things differently. If necessary, make the parameters of your argument more specific. (Ex. “Though X is more stylish and powerful, Y’s top safety ratings make it a more appropriate family vehicle. ”) When you have two radically different topics, it sometimes helps to point out one similarity they have before concluding. (i. e. “Although X and Y don’t seem to have anything in common, in actuality, they both . . . . ”)
Even the best writers know editing is important to produce a good piece. Your essay will not be your best effort unless you revise it. If possible, find a friend to look over the essay, as he or she may find problems that you missed. It sometimes helps to increase or decrease the font size while editing to change the visual layout of the paper. Looking at the same thing for too long makes your brain fill in what it expects instead of what it sees, leaving you more likely to overlook errors.
