How to Write a Compare-and-Contrast Essay

A compare-and-contrast essay is an essay in which two people, ideas, or things are inspected for their similarities and differences. It is the writer's job to look at all sides of topics and show the reader if they are more alike or different from each other.

Instructions

1. Decide on a topic. Choose what two things you want to compare, and do some research to find out more about the topic and figure out which aspects you would like to compare and contrast.

2. Make an outline for your essay. Make a list of the aspects you would like to compare and contrast. Under each aspect, write what is similar and what is different between the two things as it relates to that aspect.

3. Read your outline and make any necessary changes to the sequence. You will want the points to flow well from one to the next.

4. Write the body of your essay. Use your outline as a guide to write a paragraph about each aspect, then go back and make smooth transitions between the paragraphs.

5. Add an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction should act as a preview to the topic and what you will be comparing and contrasting in the essay. Your conclusion should sum up your points and give your reader some perspective on what you learned about the topic in writing your essay.

6. Read your essay and make any necessary structural changes to make sure the wording flows and it is informative. Run a spell check and double-check your essay for grammatical errors.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to cite your sources and include a bibliography of all the sources you used to research the topic.