English for Language Studies

A compare-and-contrast essay discusses the similarities and differences between two or more topics. The paper should contain an introduction with a thesis statement, a body where the comparisons and contrasts are discussed, and a conclusion. 

Introduction: Apart from briefly introducing the background of your topics/ themes, a compare-and-contrast essay also needs a thesis statement. The thesis statement should not only tell your reader what you will do, but it should also address the purpose and importance of comparing and contrasting the material. 

Body: Because this is a compare-and-contrast essay, both the similarities and differences should be discussed. This will require analysis on your part, as some topics will appear to be quite similar, and you will have to work to find the differing elements. There are two ways to construct the body paragraphs, namely using a block or a point-by-point structure. For the block structure, all of the information about one of the objects being compared/contrasted is given first, and all of the information about the other object is listed afterwards. For the point-by-point structure, each similarity (or difference) for one object is followed immediately by the similarity (or difference) for the other. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is easier to write, while the latter is generally clearer as it ensures that the similarities/differences are more explicit. 

Block style: 

Introduction

Object 1 – Point 1

Object 1 – Point 2

Object 1 – Point 3

Transition paragraph

Object 2 – Point 1

Object 2 – Point 2

Object 2 – Point 3

Conclusion

Point-by-point style: 

Introduction

Point 1:  Object 1 → Object 2

Point 2:  Object 1 → Object 2

Point 3:  Object 1 → Object 2

Conclusion

Conclusion: To conclude an essay, you have to draw its main argument to a close. The best way to learn how it’s done is to analyse our compare and contrast essay conclusion sample. But before we go there, you need to know the key elements of the closing paragraph. To make a conclusion in an essay, make sure to write the following: 

• Paraphrased Thesis Statement 

The core sentence of your conclusion is a paraphrased thesis statement. It must capture the main idea of the essay and its scope. An example of an effective paraphrase is below: 

• Points of Comparison 

Call the reader’s attention to the similarities and differences between the compared subjects by discussing several points of comparison. There is no need to reiterate each argument in your conclusion; mention only the most important ones. 

• Your Opinion 

If an essay prompt calls for an evaluative approach, make sure to take a position in favour of one subject over the other. To understand whether there is a need for your opinion in the conclusion, look for the following words in the prompt: evaluate, explain, assess, choose, and analyse among others. Explain your position in reference to the main points of comparison. 

Citation style: APA (7th edition)