A comparison essay needs you to look for both the differences and similarities between two or more subjects. Such an essay is also termed a compare and contrast essay.
A study indicated that most students learn more when the classrooms use active learning strategies. Assigning comparison essays is like allowing students to analyze two subjects deeply and will certainly enhance their learning abilities. Let’s explore the best comparison essay writing tips.
So you now have a slight idea of what is a comparison essay. If not, don’t worry these tips will wipe away all your doubts. Before we proceed to the best comparison essay writing tips, let’s first try to understand the most common challenges for students when they write such an essay apart from getting comfortable with what are the 5 stages of writing process in an academic setting.
| Challenge | Possible Solution |
| Finding Similarities | Go with extensive research on the subject. |
| Highlighting Differences | Must only use clear distinctions between the two subjects. |
| Clarity of thesis | Go with a strong thesis statement. |
| A logical flow of the essay | Make good use of transition words and phrases. |
Almost every student, during his or her college day, must have worked on a comparison essay once. Since it’s a great way to improve critical thinking and writing skills, class teachers are very keen to assign them whenever they can.
Back in my college days, I never liked attempting a comparison essay writing task because I had a hard time finding out the differences between the two subjects. The reason for that was the lack of research which I came to know later.
So, I would spend hours trying to figure out where I could get started with such a task but would be clueless most of the time. I had two options either to go with hiring a homework assignment help or use my teacher’s help.
Eventually, I decided to use my teacher’s help and it proved the best decision because she instantly pointed out my mistake of lack of research. As soon as I worked on my research and note-taking abilities my skill of writing a comparison essay got better.
I can proudly say that there will come a time when my compare and contrast essay will be highly appreciated and used as an example for learning by many students. Hence, I have a lot of great comparison essay writing tips for you here.
Before we begin to understand some comparison essay writing tips, here are some resources you can use to learn how to write such an essay like a pro.
Here are some of the top comparison essay writing tips that students need to know about how to write a comparison essay.
The first step for writing a perfect contrast essay is to understand whether you are required to focus on comparing similarities of the two subjects or highlight differences.
Let’s suppose your teacher has assigned us a topic that is asking you to write a comparison essay on the education system of the UK and USA. For such, you can shed light on the similarities of the education system in both countries.
You can even emphasize numeracy, literacy, and more. After that you can focus on the differences in both countries’ education systems like standardized testing models in the US, and more.
For a successful comparison essay, you should go with subjects that have some common features that you can easily compare.
For example, you can write a comparison essay on Keto diet and Mediterranean diet as both are very famous diet plans for losing weight and improving health.
Keep on reading as more comparison essay writing tips are coming your way.
The best you need to do is to ensure that your thesis statement is clearly stating the point of comparison in the comparison essay. Moreover, playing with the thesis statement can become one of your favorite things to do when bored in class once you are on the right track.
For example: Continuing with our topic of Keto Diet vs. Mediterranean diet, the thesis statement of your comparison essay will read as ‘Yes, both Mediterranean and Keto diets help you lose weight but Mediterranean diet has so many long-term health benefits.
Usually, there are two methods used for organizing such an essay. One is known as the point-by-point method and the other is called the block method. Proper organization is one the most important Comparison Essay Writing Tips, not only for this essay but any academic piece you want to score good with.
In the point-by-point method, you have to compare each point of the subjects under discussion in each paragraph.
In the block method, you have to shed light on one subject in one section of the essay and then discuss all points on the other subject in the next session. This method is also known as subject-by-subject comparison.
Let’s say our topic is Keto Diet vs. Mediterranean Diet
The Introduction Para:
Starting with the Hook: Since weight loss is a big concern these days, people are relying on popular diet plans, like Keto Diet and Mediterranean Diet.
Ending with a Thesis: Both are good diet plans, but Mediterranean is slightly better due to its long-term health benefits.
Body Paragraph 1: One of the most important comparison essay writing tips is to keep our focus on the nutritional aspects of both the diet plans.
A keto diet focuses on high fat and low carbs. Here you’ll have to consume more of the nuts and dairy products.
Example: Keto diet would restrict carbs to 5% or even lower in the body.
Mediterranean Diet: Such a diet focuses on fruits, healthy fats, protein from fish, and more.
Example: The Mediterranean diet includes about 40% carbs, 30% fats, and 30% protein.
Body Paragraph 2: Health Benefits (subject-by-subject comparison)
Keto Diet: Such a diet is very helpful in rapid weight loss and improving insulin sensitivity in the body.
Example: Some studies suggest that Keto diet can lead to a much faster weight loss in a short time.
Mediterranean Diet: By following such a diet, you will have a lower risk of chronic diseases and your lifespan would certainly improve.
Example: A recent study has indicated that following a Mediterranean diet will help with reducing the risk of cardiovascular activities.
Body Paragraph 3: Sustainability
Keto Diet: People often give up on Keto diet because it’s difficult to follow for a very long time.
Mediterranean Diet: Mediterranean diet is very easy to follow for a long term and it is also culturally adaptable for most people.
Properly Restate Thesis: Another one of the most important comparison essay writing tips is to restate the thesis statement well.
Closing Thought: Continuing with our example, the closing thought might be ‘It is important for you to not only focus on the immediate effect when choosing a diet plan but also consider the long term health benefits.’
Transitional words are very important to keep a logical flow in the essay. Plus, using such words will also connect ideas throughout the piece. This is also one of those comparison essay writing tips that you can use for other write-ups as well. A few most common transitional words used in a comparison essay are:
For example: Mediterranean diet lets you have a more balanced diet. In contrast, a Keto diet would restrict your carbohydrates intake.
Making use of stats or supporting your arguments with evidence will make your opinions more valuable and trustable to the readers.
Continuing with Our Example: A recent study has found that people who follow a mediterranean diet have 30% lower risk of a heart disease as compared to the people relying on a Keto diet plan.
Another one of the most useful comparison essay writing tips is to make sure that both the subject in a comparison essay receives equal attention throughout the write-up.
Continuing with Our Example: Suppose one paragraph of your essay is focused on discussing the advantages of the keto diet, then the other one must shed light on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
Ensure that you end well by restating your thesis statement and summarizing key points of the essay.
For Example: Both the keto and Mediterranean diets are helpful in making you lose weight, hence you can go with either one. However the studies and evidence suggest that the Mediterranean diet offers great health benefits and can be easily sustained for a long time.
Now that you are comfortable with some top comparison essay writing tips, here are 20 topics to get you started with such a writing:
Writing a comparison essay requires you to select two subjects that have some similarities and differences you can compare. There are also different ways of writing such an essay. The most common are point-to-point and block methods. Hopefully, the comparison essay writing tips here along with a comparative essay example were useful to know what is a comparison essay and how you can write a high-scoring piece. If you still have problems writing one, please don’t hesitate to count on our experts.
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