Wikipedia

Draft:Compare and contrast essay

A compare and contrast essay is an essay that highlights the similarities & distinctions between two topics. Comparisons look into shared traits & aspects, while contrasts shine light upon the reasons and features that make the subjects different.

A well-written requires in-depth and unbiased investigations of the subjects under study. Doing so requires establishing connections and poring into the underlying concepts & ideas. Writers need to go beyond the superficial and present a critical analysis of similarities & differences between the two subjects. The result is a deeper understanding of the subjects and eloquent, insightful prose.

Features

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Compare and contrast essays are particularly common academic writing tasks in schools and colleges.[1] Compare and contrast writing patterns can be informative or judgmental in design Informative write-ups are neutral in tone & presentation as they present information about the similarities & differences. On the other hand, judgmental write-ups tend to present a rather colored overview of the compare/contrast and take an arguable stand with either of the subjects. In both cases, in-depth research is necessary to present an apt juxtaposition.[2]

The introduction talks about the purpose and context of the essay. Together with the thesis statement, it must be able to provide sufficient background information about both subjects with a specific focus on the aspects/criteria being compared and/or contrasted.

As in the case of other essays, the thesis statement plays a critical role in compare/contrast essays . It aids in the development of a coherent argument, relays the writer’s approach to the audience, and helps them navigate & draw connections among all the information presented.[3]

Transitional words in essays improve flow & organization of ideas and overall coherence.They hold the entire thing together and help readers make better sense of the key points being made. Effective transitions act as cues that guide readers smoothly through all the key points as well as determine where the writer is coming from.[1]

Finding subjects for meaningful comparison is important for crafting a good compare & contrast write-up. Comparative writing brings to light minute differences and similarities and the aim of these essays is to increase the audience’s understanding and ideas about the subjects under study.[4]

Writing & Organizational Techniques

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The first step in developing a compare-and-contrast essay is gathering a clear understanding of the topics/concepts in focus. The features and aspects that make them different and the things common between them should be studied. And, all such studies are to be done in light of the essay question/problem. This aids in identifying salient features for comparing and contrasting. Determining what is significant and relevant is considered a very challenging aspect of comparative writing.[5]

Thesis statements in these essays inform readers about the approach a writer has taken in their comparison. The statement should be able to establish the basis of comparison & contrasting as well as justify the choice of subjects & approach. The precise relationship between the subjects chosen must be made clear in the thesis.[6]

Once the basis of comparing & contrasting has been established, a list of similar & dissimilar aspects are made. Writers need to think critically in light of the thesis statement/basis of comparison and the essay question.[6]

Comparison-and-contrast essay has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. When it comes to organizing ideas, there are three key patterns namely, subject-by-subject , point-by-point, and similarities and differences.

Subject-by-Subject Comparison

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This pattern involves discussing one subject at a time. Writers dwell into the pertinent points and their analysis of one subject in a single or multiple body paragraphs. The points of comparison and analysis of the other subject come in the subsequent paragraphs.[7]

Point-by-Point Comparison

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Ideal for longer write-ups, this organizational pattern discusses one comparative/contrasting element at a time, each in a separate paragraph. Each point of discussion may require more than one paragraph for comprehensive analysis.[8]

Similarities & Differences

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This pattern discusses the points of similarity between the subjects followed by the differences. The sequence of discussion depends on what the writer wishes the readers to focus on specifically.[9]

Outline

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The outline or structure of compare and contrast essays follows the chosen organizational pattern. Below are some tentative structures.

Point-by-Point[10]

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Introduction

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  • Background
  • Purpose & Objectives
  • Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs

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  • Point 1

Discussions with respect to subject 1 Discussions with respect to subject 2

  • Point 2

Discussions with respect to subject 1 Discussions with respect to subject 2

  • Point 3

Discussions with respect to subject 1 Discussions with respect to subject 2

Conclusion

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  • Summary
  • Key Insights
  • Importance
  • Takeaways

Block-by-Block[10]

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Introduction

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  • Background
  • Purpose & Objectives
  • Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs

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Subject 1
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  • Discussions with respect to point 1
  • Discussions with respect to point 2
  • Discussions with respect to point 3
Subject 2
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  • Discussions with respect to point 1
  • Discussions with respect to point 2
  • Discussions with respect to point 3
Synthesis & Interpretation
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Insights & Analysis of the comparisons & contrasts

Conclusion

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  • Summary
  • Key Insights
  • Importance
  • Takeaways

Similarities & Differences[9]

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Introduction

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  • Background
  • Purpose & Objectives
  • Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs

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Similarities between Subject 1 and 2
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  • Discussions with respect to first similarity
  • Discussions with respect to second similarity
  • Discussions with respect to third similarity
Differences between Subject 1 and 2
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  • Discussions with respect to first difference
  • Discussions with respect to second difference
  • Discussions with respect to third difference

Conclusion

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  • Summary
  • Key Insights
  • Importance
  • Takeaways

References

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  1. ^ a b "Comparing and Contrasting". The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  2. ^ "THE WRITING PROCESS Comparison and Contrast" (PDF). Dr. Murray and Anna C. Rockowitz Writing Center, Hunter College, City University of New York. Retrieved 1.6.2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  3. ^ "Compare/Contrast Essay" (PDF). APSU Writing Center. Retrieved 1.6.2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  4. ^ Publisher, Author removed at request of original (2015-10-27). "10.7 Comparison and Contrast". {{cite journal}}: |first= has generic name (help); Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. ^ "Writing Compare/Contrast Papers" (PDF). POLS/LSJ/SIS Writing Center. Retrieved 12.6.2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  6. ^ a b "The Comparative Essay | Writing Advice". Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  7. ^ "Writing A Compare/Contrast Paper - TIP Sheet - Butte College". www.butte.edu. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  8. ^ Saratsiotis, Georgia. "Organizational Patterns for the Comparison/Contrast Essay" (PDF). San José State University Writing Center. Retrieved 12.6.2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  9. ^ a b "Comparing and Contrasting" (PDF). College of San Mateo Writing Center. Retrieved 12.6.2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  10. ^ a b "Comparative Essays | Writing and Communication Centre". uwaterloo.ca. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
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