When you are enrolled in any professional degree, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, you will probably come across a comparative essay assignment. Writing a comparison essay is an important skill because it allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and ideas on a certain topic while also offering facts to back up their claims. Many colleges ask their students to prepare comparison essays. Learning what a comparative essay means along with how to prepare one will help you boost your essay writing abilities and get a decent score on your assignment. This article explains a comparative essay and outlines several steps you may take to write one professionally.
Comparative Essay Meaning
A comparative essay is a type of academic essay that analyzes and compares the correlations and contrasts of multiple subjects on a certain topic in an orderly way. The topic can range from political ideas to historical events, and the comparison points might be themes, attitudes, language, or occurrences. The fundamental characteristic of this style of essay is the fact it compares two things that are related in some way.
The key purposes of a comparative analysis essay are:
- Marking the differences and similarities in an orderly way.
- Providing a better concept and clarity on the subject or a specific topic.
- Analyze two things and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
In easier words, we can call a comparative essay a compare and contrast one, because of its key purposes. It almost covers each topic with some relation to the other one. Point by point comparison example can be comparing two novels by an author. If you need to deliver a comparative essay within a short time limit, you can hire us, Essay Writing Service, to fulfilling your need for a last minute essay within time.
Comparative Essay Structure:
Just like any other essay, a good comparative essay structure will help you secure more marks, because of a few reasons. A well-structured essay is easier to read and understand, moreover, it is properly organized that is visually appealing to the readers. If your comparative essay is organized properly, your professor can go through the comparisons you made in the essay without any hassle.
The two main techniques of formatting your comparative essay structure are; point-by-point comparison method and block method.
Point-by-Point Method:
The method of comparative essay writing in which you compare and provide an in-depth details of the items. Point by point essays require the writer to organize the item’s similarities and differences.
This strategy improves the drafting part for the writer, allowing you to tackle two entirely distinct essay themes. It is highly advised for assignments that need a high level of detail.
To help you familiarize yourself with this method, we have written the point by point comparison example structure, below:
- Introduction
- Paragraph (Each paragraph has a point for each item A and B)
- Conclusion
Block Method:
The easiest method for writing a comparative analysis essay is the block method also known as compare and contrast block method. This approach divides the information based on parameters. It implies that the first section compares the primary topic and all of its components, the second section evaluates the following one, and so on.
However, be sure to write the subjects in the same sequence. This strategy is ideal for long articles and complex topics.
The structure of block method comparative essay example is:
- Introduction
- Paragraphs (Item A with all points, the other paragraph with Item B with all points)
- Conclusion
Keep these strategies in mind and select the one that suits you the best and the chosen subject.
How to Start a Comparative Essay
We’ve compiled a list of steps to help you get started on writing a good comparison essay.
Choosing a Topic: The first step in creating a comparison essay is to select the right topic. Pick a subject or concept that is intriguing to write about and will appeal to the reader. A fascinating essay topic for a comparative essay introduction encourages the reader to learn more about the subject. Also, avoid using difficult subjects in your comparative essay.
Listing down Similarities & Differences: Make a list of links and variations between the two topics you wish to discuss in your essay. Furthermore, this list assists you in determining the foundation of your contrast by creating your initial strategy. Analyze the list to form your claim and thesis statement.
Developing Comparison Ground: The starting point for comparison is the foundation on which you are going to compare the topics in question. In most situations, it has been handed over to you, therefore verify the task or question. Furthermore, the primary purpose of the comparison essay is to educate the reader about something intriguing. It means that your topic must be distinctive to make your argument compelling.
Research: In this phase, you must obtain data regarding your subject. If your comparison essay is about social concerns, historical events, or scientific themes, you must conduct extensive study. However, make sure to acquire material from reputable sources and correctly mention it in your essay.
Creating an outline: A comparative essay outline acts as a route guide for your essay, arranging crucial parts in a disciplined manner. With your subject, list of comparisons, foundation for contrast, and study in hand, the next stage is to build a proper structure, followed by an essay.
How to Write a Comparative Essay
Now that you’ve organized the basics in an outline, you may begin the writing process of the comparative essay.
Begin by drawing your reader’s interest in the beginning. Use an engaging phrase, such as a quotation, question, or fascinating fact regarding your topic. Then, provide a little backdrop so your reader understands what is going on. The most crucial section is your thesis statement, which includes the major argument, the reason for contrast, and why the comparison is relevant.
You go into further information about your topics in the body paragraphs. Each paragraph should concentrate on one issue you are comparing. Start by discussing the first aspect of comparison. Then proceed to the next topic. To provide a clear picture, discuss two or three disparities. After that, swap topics and discuss what they have in common. Just as you addressed three differences, attempt to discuss three commonalities. In this manner, your essay will remain balanced and fair. This method helps your reader appreciate both the differences and similarities between your themes. Keep things brief and straightforward for a powerful essay.
In your conclusion, combine the essential ideas from your investigation to produce a great and impactful finish. Consider the larger context or significance of the similarities and differences. Regarding the more general topics or concepts you’re investigating, what do these findings tell us? Discuss the wider effects of these findings, and repeat your argument. Avoid providing fresh material and instead, conclude with a thought-provoking comment that will make a lasting impact.
What Does a Point-by-Point Comparative Essay do?
The point-by-point technique investigates one feature of comparison in every paragraph and typically switches repeatedly across the two things, texts, or concepts being compared. This strategy allows you to highlight instances of resemblance and distinction as you go.
Closure
Writing a comparative essay is made easier if you try to focus on our tips on how to start and write a comparative essay. A captivating comparative essay demands careful analysis and smart planning. You can begin working on your own comparative essay but if you need some help, we, Essay Writing Service, are here to aid you with last minute essay writing.