point by point compare and contrast essay

#Point by point compare and contrast essay how to
#Point by point compare and contrast essay full

Paragraphs in compare-and-contrast essays can get complicated, so it’s crucial to have a good topic or introduction sentence for each paragraph to make the flow of ideas clear. No matter which option you choose, you have to pay particular attention to topic sentences.

similarities and differences: You discuss all the similarities between your subjects and then all the differences, or vice versa (differences first and then similarities).

alternating method (point by point): You discuss one subject’s take on a certain aspect and then another subject’s take immediately afterward, followed by a new aspect.

#Point by point compare and contrast essay full

block method (subject by subject): You discuss one subject in full and then move on to the next subject.

The hardest part of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay is knowing when to talk about which subject.

#Point by point compare and contrast essay how to

How to structure a compare-and-contrast essay

Do you write about both subjects at the same time, or switch back and forth? Let’s talk deeper on this below. It’s the body where compare-and-contrast essays get tricky. Likewise, you can write an essay conclusion with the standard rules and best practices. You can write your introduction following the same guidelines as other essay types, though be sure to mention all your subjects. The introduction, usually one or two paragraphs, should include a thesis statement to show the reader what to expect for the rest of your essay.

Conclusion: where you wrap up and summarize your points.

Body: where you actually list the similarities and differences of your subjects the largest section.

Introduction: where you explain your thesis or what your essay will discuss.

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: To do so, ask yourself a few questions: What are you trying to show in your compare-and-contrast essay? What do you want your reader to take away? For example, do you want to emphasize that Elon Musk is a modern-day Thomas Edison, or that they are tey two very distinct individuals? OrganizationĬompare-and-contrast essays follow our own recommended essay structure. Looking at your lists, you can then decide on the thesis. This is a visual aid that helps you understand which characteristics your subjects share, and which ones are exclusive. If you’re stuck, try making a Venn diagram. When you see them all written down, you can start formulating connections and decide what structure to use for your compare-and-contrast essay. It helps to first list all the similarities and differences between your subjects. Once you’ve settled on your subjects, you can begin generating ideas.

Topics that are often confused with each other.

the LGBTQIA+ community before and after Stonewall.

The state of affairs at different time periods.

People who are similar, connected, or associated with each other.

’80s punk rock music and ’90s grunge music.

Mona Lisa and The Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Related works of arts or cultural movements.

Opposing options for a certain category.

This isn’t always easy, especially if you have to pick the subjects on your own.įor inspiration, here are some compare-and-contrast essay example topics: Thesisįirst things first: You need to choose which subjects you’re comparing. When writing a compare-and-contrast essay, it helps to figure out two things: what your thesis is (the subject matter) and how you plan to structure it. How to write a compare-and-contrast essay

They’re also a common assignment for college essays since they show the instructor how well you grasp both subjects. The downside is that they don’t describe the individual subjects as much as single-topic essays. Unlike argumentative essays or persuasive essays, compare-and-contrast essays deal with multiple topics instead of focusing on one. That goes double for topics that are often conflated or confused for each other it helps readers when someone points out exactly what’s the same about them and what’s different. If two topics relate to each other or define each other, you can better explain them both by showcasing their similarities and differences. That’s when compare-and-contrast essays function at their best. To truly understand why renewable resources are so amazing, your reader needs a little background on their alternative, fossil fuels-but the essay’s attention is divided so equally that it’s like there are two topics.

Let’s say you want to write an essay about how great renewable resources are, but you spend a lot of your time explaining how fossil fuels work. We discuss how to structure your essay and how to frame your thesis, but first, let’s take a broader look at why comparison essays are so useful. In this guide, we explain how to write a compare-and-contrast essay, including some advanced tips and examples. Grammarly helps you write with confidence Write with Grammarly