How to Write a Standard Compare/Contrast Essay

If you have a compare/contrast essay due soon, check out these tips to get you started.

Instructions

1. Begin with your topic. Are you comparing two things or finding their differences or both?

2. Decide whether the two things you are comparing are more similar or more different. For example, when comparing two countries, you might look at what different kinds of governments they each have, how the cultures may differ, etc.

3. For those who are more visual, try writing down the topics at the top of a sheet of paper (one topic on the left and one on the right), and list out all the facts you'd like to include in your essay, under the topic it should be included in. If you see any similarities between topics, circle them.

4. Begin your essay. Follow the 5-paragraph format if you need to: with an opening paragraph and thesis statement, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. If you need to you can elaborate more from these paragraphs.

5. Make sure your thesis statement foreshadows the rest of your essay. In a comparative essay, be sure to write something like "the (two topics) share many qualities." In a contrasting essay, you can write "the (topics) have many dissimilar qualities." A compare/contrast essay needs to include both shared and differing qualities.

6. In the body paragraphs, be sure to follow your thesis. Refer back to the list you made earlier.

7. In your conclusion, make sure to rename your thesis and wrap up any final thoughts you may have.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't wait until the last minute to start your essay. You'll get stressed and your writing will be in much poorer quality.