Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.
what is a point by point compare and contrast essay
The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward comparing, contrasting, or both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting:
First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both as well as state what can be learned from doing so.
The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects.
Both cities are rich in world and national history, though they developed on very different time lines. London, for example, has a history that dates back over two thousand years. It was part of the Roman Empire and known by the similar name, Londinium. It was not only one of the northernmost points of the Roman Empire but also the epicenter of the British Empire where it held significant global influence from the early sixteenth century on through the early twentieth century. Washington, DC, on the other hand, has only formally existed since the late eighteenth century. Though Native Americans inhabited the land several thousand years earlier, and settlers inhabited the land as early as the sixteenth century, the city did not become the capital of the United States until the 1790s. From that point onward to today, however, Washington, DC, has increasingly maintained significant global influence. Even though both cities have different histories, they have both held, and continue to hold, significant social influence in the economic and cultural global spheres.
As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?
LESSONCompare and contrast essaysA written discussion of both the similarities and differences between people, objects, or ideas. This type of essay shows how things are alike in some ways (compare) as well as how they are different in other ways (contrast). are a common assignment in college. You may be asked to compareTo draw similarities between people, objects, or concepts. two authorsA person who wrote a text., two methods for ratifying Constitutional amendments, or two events. No matter what you compare, it is helpful to develop an outlineA preliminary plan for a piece of a writing, often in the form of a list. It should include a topic, audience, purpose, thesis statement, and main and supporting points. . In this lesson, you will learn how to identify subjectsThe people, places, things, or ideas being discussed or described. to compare, develop points of comparisonThe criteria by which subjects are compared and/or contrasted., and choose the best organizational strategyA plan for arranging the structure of an outline or essay. There are many different strategies, such as point-by-point, subject-by-subject, or order of events. for your outline.
Once you have determined the two subjects that you will compare, you will need to decide what criteriaThe standards or rules used to decide or judge something. you will use to compare the two. These are your points of comparison. Be sure that you can actually evaluateTo make a judgment about the quality of something. For example, you can evaluate an essay by examining the accuracy of the information or the strength of the arguments. each subject by the criteria that you choose.
You could begin this process of developing your points of comparison by using any one of a number of graphic organizersPictorial tools used to brainstorm and arrange ideas before writing, such as webbing diagrams, flow charts, story maps, and Venn diagrams. , such as a web diagramA prewriting technique where the author creates an informal visual layout of possible ideas and then draws lines to connect them into a type of "web." The objective is to see connections between events and characters.. Another way is to simply brainstormA prewriting technique where the author lists multiple ideas as he or she thinks of them, not considering one more than another until all ideas are captured. The objective is to create one great idea, or many ideas, on which to base a writing. everything you know or have learned about each subject individually. Then you can look for common points of comparison.
There are two major ways to organize a compare and contrast essay: point-by-pointAn organizational strategy for a comparison or compare and contrast essay. In this method, the writer lists the major points of comparison/contrast between subjects, and discusses them one at a time. A point-by-point comparison is useful for subjects that have many points of comparison because the reader can consider both subjects side-by-side. or subject-by-subjectAn organizational strategy for a comparison or compare and contrast essay. In this method, a single subject is discussed in detail, followed by a similar examination of the other subject. A subject-by-subject comparison is best used for less complex arguments that have fewer points, so that the reader can remember the points made about the first subject while learning about the second.. A point-by-point comparison is useful for complicated subjects that have many points of comparison because your reader can view both subjects side-by-side with each point of comparison. However, be sure to keep the essay flowing when using this method. Point-by-point comparisons tend to read like a ping pong match if you switch too quickly between points (ex. point A, point B, point A, point B). Make sure to use effective transitionsTying two events, passages, or pieces of information together in a smooth way. In writing, transitions are sometimes called links. to avoid this "back and forth" feeling. Conversely, a subject-by-subject comparison is better reserved for less complex subjects that have fewer points. This method is naturally more cohesive, but it can be light on content if you are not monitoring how much support you develop.
Note that it is particularly important with a subject-by-subject outline to make sure that you are comparing parallel points. It is very easy to lose track of what you discussed in the first subject when you are in the middle of discussing the second.
Which of these pairings is appropriate for a compare and contrast essay? "Walking" is a form of "exercising," so that is not a good pairing. "Exercising versus reading" is very broad. There are far too many points of comparison and contrast to be made. The last option, "walking versus running," offers the best pairing. There are multiple points of comparison that could be made: equipment needed, health benefits, physical requirements, etc.
Now, develop your own outlines for a compare and contrast essay. You may use the example subjects above or choose your own two subjects to compare and contrast. Explain why your two subjects will offer good opportunities for comparing and contrasting. Then create both a subject-by-subject outline and a point-by-point outline for your subjects.
I will compare evergreen and deciduous trees to choose which one to plant. This topic is appropriate because they are both classifications of trees; one loses its leaves during some part of the year and the other one does not. The topic is small enough to manage and offers multiple points of comparison.
Almost any class might require a compare and contrast essay since it's a basic aspect of critical thinking. You might write one in an English class, comparing two characters or two themes. You might write one in a sociology class, comparing two cultures. You might have to do a compare and contrast essay in a science class when you compare different kinds of intelligences.
I would want to use a point-by-point organization when I have many different points of comparisons and when I want my audience to be able to see the points of comparison side-by-side. Subject-by-subject comparisons allow me to really flesh out each subject so that my readers can see the whole picture at once.
LESSONIn this lesson, you will learn how to write a compare and contrast essayA written discussion of both the similarities and differences between people, objects, or ideas. This type of essay shows how things are alike in some ways (compare) as well as how they are different in other ways (contrast)., which is among the most common writing assignments in college classes. This structure is used to show how things are alike (compare) and different (contrast). For example, you might be asked to compare and contrast two characters in a novel. In such an essayA short piece of writing that focuses on at least one main idea. Some essays are also focused on the author's unique point of view, making them personal or autobiographical, while others are focused on a particular literary, scientific, or political subject. , you would do more than just tell what each character is like or does. A good compare and contrast essay goes beyond simple description or summary to draw connections between the characters and really analyzeTo make a thoughtful and detailed study of something. them. It is important to note that compare and contrast essays do not necessarily require you to include both similarities and differences. Sometimes the focus will be on either comparing or contrasting, depending on the subjectsThe people, places, things, or ideas being discussed or described. being compared. 2ff7e9595c