How to Write an Essay Comparing Two Things
At first glance it might seem quite a difficult task to write an essay comparing two things. But this is a common assignment, particularly in high school. Teachers assign this type of essay for different reasons. At elementary level, teachers usually require pupils to write descriptive accounts. As a student's analytical capability develops and her thinking skills becomes more sophisticated teachers expect a little more. It takes a more in-depth understanding of a topic to be able to contrast it with something else. You may be asked, for instance, to contrast two figures from history or two geographical regions.
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Instructions
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Research both topics well. Start your research by concentrating on one topic at a time. Write notes on the important points of each topic; for instance, if you are contrasting two countries, write notes about the main products of each. Set some time aside to think about points of difference and similarity, before writing anything else.
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Draw a Venn diagram. This type of diagram comprises two overlapping circles. Name each topic at the top of each circle. Write the main points of each topic in the circle underneath. Write the points of similarity in the middle section. Refer to this diagram while writing your essay, as it helps to organize your thoughts.
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Write an introduction to your essay. Describe in a few paragraphs what you are going to do in the body of the essay. Do not go into too much detail at this stage, but introduce each of the two topics and refer to the points of similarity and contrast that you are going to elaborate on.
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Write about each topic in turn. Compare and contrast them. Present both factual information and also give your opinion on the subject. Draw the main points of the essay together in the conclusion, and refer back to what you said you were going to do in the introduction. If possible, leave the essay for a few days, before reading it again with a critical eye. Prepare your final draft and hand the essay in.
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References
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