Compare and Contrast Essay: Writing Tips

Compare and Contrast Essay: Writing Tips

We often hear phrases that begin with “In contrast to…”. Moreover, students often face assignments where they have to compare two or more things based on some reasoned criteria. Since elementary school where kids are asked to compare apple with the orange, we face the question of contrast and choice almost every day. Thus, this type of task is relevant for all ages. We’re going to discuss how to write compare and contrast essay based on the most relevant academic materials and internet sources.

When you write an introduction with thesis, you have to stress what you’re going to compare and contrast. In fact, words “compare” and “contrast” are synonyms. You should choose a specific topic in order not to waste time on many other subjects that can be compared. To begin your paper, search for good examples which you can download or view for free on the web. A compare and contrast essay example makes the majority of students wonder whether they need just to compare, just to contrast, or mix those two processes. Some people do not see the difference between these two. So, before you write different essays of this type, you must understand whether there any difference between comparison and contrast. Anyway, you should write about:

  • General information on two topics
  • Similarities
  • Differences
  • Arguments

That is why it is recommended to take no more than 2 subjects at a time to write about. Well, some teachers prefer reading short summaries instead of detailed analysis, so they would love to see a comparison essay only. Others make the assignment more complex by asking to point to the similar features in a separate paragraph as well. After all, your essay would be too short with different points mentioned only.

How to Write a Compare Essay Introduction and Other Parts?

Because it is hard to find two 100% opposite things to compare, you will find at least one similarity for sure. No matter what you are asked to write about, your thesis statement must reflect your professor's expectations. Thus, if I had a desire to write about Social Networking sites like Facebook or Twitter, I'd have to come up with different thesis sentences according to my compare/contrast assignment. The final organization of your essay should look like:

  1. Introduction with powerful thesis
  2. 3-5 body paragraphs
  3. Discussion (if needed)
  4. Conclusion

Compare and contrast essay is that type of task that do not require massive research and a lot of sources. Of course, if you write about something you know better than others. However, there are some exceptions. Comparing basketball and football, dancing and playing guitar, dogs and beavers is an easy deal as you basically know the differences and similarities of these pairs. Besides, they are all coming from the same groups (sports, creative activities, and animals respectively). It is recommended to choose your subjects from one field before you write a compare essay. Using research is crucial when the time comes to write compare and contrast essay on things you know worse. I.e., when you are asked to compare more complicated things like balance sheets of company A and company B, you might want more specific information for your further paper.

Pick Comparison & Contrast Essay Topics

We are often asked this question by students and even professionals of all ages. Marketing specialists often need to write about differences between various marketing analysis in order to discover and discuss what works better for company’s profitability. Anyway, how you write your contrast essay depends on how well you understand tutor’s instructions and whether you make a decision to start working for his or her improved academic performance. Does it seem too difficult to write comparison paper all alone? Sometimes it is better to leave the job to someone else, especially when you are not sure in own competence. Under “someone” students usually mean professional and trusted online academic companies. Today, every student can turn to creative academic writers that are eager to compare and contrast everything at the highest level in just one essay: from two, three to ten subjects at a time. You just need to mention whether you require a more artistic or official approach. The example of a good comparison or contrast essay may be (in case you have to choose topic on your own):

  • Hitler vs. Stalin
  • World War I and World War II
  • Harry Potter vs. Lord of the Rings
  • Russian Literature and American Literature
  • McDonald’s vs. Burger King

You need to make your contrast essay related to your course readings, of course. If we deal with philosophy, most probably students would write about different concepts of freedom, equality, and justice in civic life. It also makes sense to find out what is the same and what is different between legal and ethical aspects of human life. Pay attention to the syllabus when you have to write a compare and contrast essay. It is full of great ideas for your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This paper usually has a list of good sources as well. By using them, you increase your chances of getting the highest grade. Let’s look at the structure of your future compare essay once again before you write:

  • The title page should have “Running Head:” and an abbreviated Title flush left and the Page Number flush right. It works for APA and Chicago style only.
  • Write your title at the bottom of your page and repeat it in the middle before your introduction.
  • Your introduction should have a specific thesis.
  • Compare and contrast things in the body paragraphs.
  • Your conclusion should include a brief discussion of the main points.
  • Don’t forget to cite every source properly and recall all sources in bibliography!

Coming back to the question of online services, it is worth mentioning that all of the customers who order those essays from talented academic writers received their “A’s” as well as valuable experience in composing a contrast paper. Now they know how to write a paper on similarities and differences of several things better than anyone else. Who knows where they would need those valuable skills in their life? As we have told already, comparing and contrasting are those two necessary processes that assist us in making serious steps and decisions. While we write your compare and contrast essays to increase your academic performance, we are assisting you in your decision-making too. Solve your academic problems thanks to our certified English speaking writers – order comparison essay now!