Compare/Contrast Essays

Compare/contrast essays are a type of essays that helps readers see differences and similarities between two subjects. Often, the writer prefers one subject over the other because of a certain set of criteria and evidence. Based on how the criteria and evidence are presented helps readers agree or disagree with the writer’s view.

Often writers don’t realize that they are comparing and contrasting nearly every day of their lives. For instance, when you try and decide what to wear each day or what to eat you are developing criteria and evidence to base your decision. Deciding on what to wear depends on a number of criteria like weather, style and comfort.

How Do I Write A Compare Contrast Essay?

Step 1: Pick two related subjects

In order to write a compare/contrast essay effectively, you first need to choose two related subjects to compare. For instance, you might choose to compare two books, two movies, two character or two historical events, but you would not compare pets to cars.

Step 2: Brainstorm criteria

Using your favorite brainstorming technique, think of at least three criteria that can be compared between the two subjects. Remember that the criteria must be present in both subjects in order to work.

Example: Sprint vs. Verizon cell phones

Criteria : Cost, Features, Coverage

Step 3: Develop a thesis statement

As in all academic essays, you must first develop a thesis in order to set the foundation of your paper. In a compare/contrast essay, your thesis statement must include the two topics that you are comparing.

Example of a Thesis Statement: :
Although Sprint and Verizon cell phone plans provide quality service, there are distinct differences that make each one better for some customers than others.

Step 4: Organize and Pick a Pattern

To develop an effective compare/contrast essay, most writers use a pattern to organize their ideas so that readers can easily understand the claims they’re making. The most universal styles are the alternating pattern (i.e. point by point) or the block pattern.

Pattern One: Alternating (Point by Point)

Criteria 1: Features

A. Sprint
B. Verizon

Criteria 2: Cost

A. Sprint
B. Verizon

Criteria 3: Coverage

A. Sprint
B. Verizon

Pattern Two: Block

A. Sprint

Criteria 1: Features
Criteria 2: Cost
Criteria 3: Coverage

B. Verizon

Criteria 1: Features
Criteria 2: Cost
Criteria 3: Coverage

Which Pattern Do I Use?

Each writer must decide which pattern is best given the subject matter because there are no hard and fast rules to follow. However, some helpful guidelines may be considered to make the choice easier. Typically, those essays that are evaluative and argue one point over another may lend themselves to the point-by-point or alternating pattern. Essays that try to show readers an overall picture of each subject may work better with the block pattern.

How Do I Avoid My Essay Sounding Choppy or Formulaic?

Using a pattern for any type of essay is a good guideline, but the writing can start to sound choppy and unnatural if writers do not stick to their own unique writing voice and/or use transition words. Using transitions help your ideas flow smoothly from one to the next without abrupt stops or pauses. This is especially important in compare/contrast essays because going back and forth between two subjects can start to sound like a tennis match and become distracting. To avoid this, use transitions.