How Do I Write a Compare-and-Contrast Essay?

The Compare-and-Contrast Essay

by Owen Fourie

We do it all the time. We compare and we contrast virtually everything that occupies our attention. It helps us to make choices between one thing and another, whether to have beefsteak or chicken, tea or coffee, watch a movie or take a nap. As long as we have to make choices, we are comparing and contrasting. Ordinarily, it is quickly done and driven largely by our desires at any particular moment.

The same process is in operation when we are faced with a choice between two alternatives on a more complicated level where we need information about each alternative before an intelligent choice can be made. We look closely at their similarities as we compare them, and we also note their differences as we contrast them.

Do the spadework

The compare-and-contrast essay is not difficult to write if you do the spadework first. Depending on your choice of topic and your knowledge of the things involved, you might or might not have to do some research. Normally, students elect to deal with things that are familiar to them to avoid spending time in research.

That is fine if you can put together a properly organized and well-reasoned paper in which your reader is given accurate information on which to base a wise decision. Some degree of research should be undertaken, though, even if it is to check only a few facts to be sure that what you are stating is valid.

If you have an inquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge and a desire to find out more about things that are new to you, you would have no problem doing the research and writing your compare-and-contrast essay. In the process, you will have expanded your knowledge. Whatever you choose to write about for this exercise, you have to be sure that you have done the spadework.

Two different methods that can be used to arrive at the same conclusion

Having established this basic need for this type of essay, you now have to make a decision: What form is your essay going to take? There are two ways to format your compare-and-contrast essay: One way is the block method; the other is the point-by-point or feature-by-feature method. Whichever one you choose will determine how you construct your outline.

By the word “feature” is meant any aspect, quality, facet, or characteristic of the persons, things, or ideas being compared and contrasted.

Block Method

Introduction:

• What are the two objects being compared and contrasted?
• What is your reason for comparing and contrasting them?
• What is your purpose in comparing and contrasting them?
• Thesis statement.

First Body Paragraph:

• Object A: All the features of Object A;
• Facts and examples or tests, experiments, and findings;
• Do not include any information about Object B.

Second Body Paragraph:

• Object B: All the features of Object B;
• Facts and examples or tests, experiments, and findings;
• Do not include any information about Object A.

Third Body Paragraph:

• Note the similarities as you compare Object A and Object B.

Fourth Body Paragraph:

• Note the differences as you contrast Object A and Object B.

Conclusion:

• Sum up in terms of a major similarity and a major difference;
• Point out the advantage of one and the disadvantage of the other;
• Come to your preference and a paraphrased restatement of your thesis;
• Leave the option open for your readers to make their own decision.

Point-by-Point (Feature-by-Feature) Method

Introduction:

• What are the two objects being compared and contrasted?
• What is your reason for comparing and contrasting them?
• What is your purpose in comparing and contrasting them?
• Thesis statement.

First Body Paragraph:

• First feature:
• Compare Object A and Object B (similarities);
• Contrast Object A and Object B (differences).

Second Body Paragraph:

• Second feature:
• Compare Object A and Object B (similarities);
• Contrast Object A and Object B (differences).

Third Body Paragraph:

• Third feature:
• Compare Object A and Object B (similarities);
• Contrast Object A and Object B (differences).

Conclusion:

• Sum up in terms of a major similarity and a major difference;
• Point out the advantage of one and the disadvantage of the other;
• Come to your preference and a paraphrased restatement of your thesis;
• Leave the option open for your readers to make their own decision.

In both methods, more than one paragraph can be devoted to each section if necessary.

The compare-and-contrast essay can be applied to virtually any topic you can name from the mundane to the lofty, from dishwashing liquids to Newtonian Physics and Quantum Physics, from iPad and MacBook to William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. If you know your facts, have a penchant for one or the other, and choose your method, you can put together an essay of this sort.

What is your experience with writing compare-and-contrast essays? Do you have any useful insights? What are your particular struggles? Which method do you prefer to use, and what are your reasons for using it? What are your thoughts about using this type of essay as an opportunity to learn something new? Your comments, observations, and questions are welcome.

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