How to start a compare and contrast essay

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

Writing a compare and contrast essay means that you must have a good understanding and command of the two or more concepts that you are writing about. Because you will need to apply your critical thinking skills as you write a compare and contrast essay, writing a compare and contrast essay is about more than just describing the two terms or concepts. Rather, it is about finding their core similarities and differences and building a thesis that sums up the differences which exist between these different entities and phenomena in a manner that is cohesive and easy to understand. Introduction paragraph for compare and contrast essay We hope you've enjoyed trying some of our activities. We're here to help each child succeed. Get started for free to track progress, measure results and access thousands of educational activities in English, maths and science.

Comparison and contrast paragraph

As this list shows, punishments typically run to a short-ish jail sentence and/or a moderately hefty fine. What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay? A compare and contrast essay is an essay where the author takes two subjects and analyzes their similarities and differences. This doesn't mean just listing traits, but rather exploring the similarities and differences between the subjects. Comparing means their likenesses are listed and explained. Contrasting means that the subjects' differences are described and weighed against each other. Topics suitable for this kind of essay include subjects which require a decision between them. For example, two movies in the same genre or two restaurants with a similar price range would make good subjects for an essay. In general, the subjects should be chosen because there is something legitimate to say between them.

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The structure of the comparison essay may vary. You may use simultaneous comparison structure in which the two things are compared together, feature by feature, point by point. For example, "The electric light bulb lasts 80 hours, while the gas lamp lasts only 20 hours . . . ." Or as in this example (comparing two American presidents): Edge Reading, Writing and Language: Level C For instance, you might write “While The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley both use elements of speculative fiction and folklore differently, they speak to the same innate fear that our humanity is a fragile thing.” This shows the reader that you are going to share both the differences (the main writing elements) and similarities (themes) in the paragraphs to come.

Characteristics of comparison and contrast essay

Don’t go back and forth when using the block method. The best way to write your essay is to begin with a paragraph discussing all the facets of the first topic. Then, move on to another paragraph and talk through all the aspects of the second subject. Compare and Contrast Essay Sample In this video, you'll learn how to effectively begin your conclusion paragraph.