how to start a comparison essay

how to start a comparison essay

Effective Strategies for Writing a Comparison Essay

1. Introduction to Comparison Essays

In writing, we often need to compare two or more things or ideas. By saying “more than,” the writer admits that in some way, the two things or ideas, while perhaps similar, are different or at least measurable in a quantitative way. The comparative analysis allows the writer to distinguish the characteristics or features that the compared items have in common and what differs between them.

Comparison essays need to be written in a standard format, and they have to discuss at least two characteristics, objects, or features. To start a comparison essay, you need to find something that is similar and, at the same time, different. Readers of comparison essays are usually interested in both outcomes of the comparisons, and at least two of the things must have some new degrees of similarities and differences. Just stating off the comparisons at the beginning of the essay will not gain any new question and at times will lose the interest of some readers.

2. Choosing a Topic and Establishing a Purpose

Creating a comparison essay combines two core units of study: identifying similarities and differences, and organizing effectively an expository essay. At the outset, a writer needs to clearly determine what will be compared. Two characters, plus two stories, plus two settings, is too much material to be examined thoroughly in one essay. In addition, these must be relevant similarities, not just surface level, simple observations.

Before an individual commits to researching and writing a comparison essay, careful thought must be given to the topic at hand. Sometimes, brainstorming a variety of obvious and perhaps not so obvious possible objects of comparison can be productive. The narrower the parameters of one’s concern, the easier it will be to choose something thought-provoking and intriguing for the reader to follow. In addition to choosing suitable categories of comparison, a clear-cut concentration or focus as to why the comparison is occurring must be selected. Rarely is a comparison made, for example, “simply between the color and texture of two items.” Characteristics such as function, economic feasibility, obsolescence features, power, or appeal dictate why this comparison makes sense and will keep the essay on task. All an individual has to do is essentially complete the thesis statement in this starter sentence: “I am comparing/contrasting these two subjects in order to show/prove/explain/analyze the following about them, which allows my reader to understand…” This establishes a foundation for organization, and helps put the paper back on course if it starts to meander in extraneous matters.

3. Structuring Your Essay: Point-by-Point vs. Block Method

When you write a comparison essay, you must decide how you want to explain the similarities and differences in multiple subjects. One way to structure your essay is to use the point-by-point method. The other way to organize the essay is to use the block method. In this handout, we will compare both methods.

You should choose the method that best supports your writing purposes. You want your reader to be able to quickly identify the similarities between the two subjects. You also want the reader to be able to understand how the two subjects differ. When you want to present either the similarities or the differences between the two subjects before moving on to the other similar or different features, you should use the point-by-point method. Use this method if your first subject is small and can be compared more efficiently to the substantial part of the second subject. When you want to present the differences between the two subjects first, and then the common pool of similarities, use this method when both subjects are substantial and you feel comfortable merely listing their similarities and differences.

Essentially, the structure of your essay should be well organized so that the reader can understand the information to be presented. The point-by-point structure focuses on each rule and does not offer comparison in order to stand alone as separate points of opposition. Each paragraph focuses on the comparison of just one point. This means that you can combine different parameters for both subjects or just choose the main ones. The introduction focuses on what the two subjects have in common while the body and conclusion focus solely on the differences throughout the points of both subjects.

4. Developing Strong Thesis Statements and Clear Arguments

Comparison essays, which ask you to discuss the similarities and differences between two subjects, contain two major components: a thesis statement that categorizes the points you’ll discuss, and specific evidence points that are presented in a clear, focused manner and supported with evidence. Some key strategies for comparison essays include using a broad topic that can be broken into smaller, more specific points to provide focus for the essay, and creating conclusions for each point as a way to add immediacy to the discussion. Learning the conventions for all the different parts of a comparison essay can be a bit of a struggle.

The assignment sheet may require some suggestions. This is a worthwhile place to take a look at the assignment sheet. Start by jotting down any ideas you have. You should probably research if you’re looking for a list of works of Shakespeare; they will provide you with some good starting points. For instance, if you are comparing two novels, the main argument may be similar themes, point of view, implications, or complex characters. You may frame your thesis so that you list each item that you intend to cover, and then you could turn your argument into a more sophisticated tone and in-depth concentration. This will help you to focus on your argument. The thesis must be debatable and should be as specific as possible. Ensure the thesis is wide enough to explore at least two points. If these disagreements can’t be argued, then the argument of the thesis is not strong enough.

5. Crafting Cohesive Transitions and Concluding Thoughts

Cohesive Transitions

The importance of effective transitions is especially strong in a comparison essay. When discussing ideas from two different subjects, writers can guide readers smoothly from one idea to the next through the use of cohesive transitions. This is vital because the cohesiveness of comparisons relies heavily on the link that readers can see between the points being discussed in relation to the compared subjects. Without applicable transitions, it is easy for the process of comparing to feel disjointed and lose its overall impact. Writers must take care not to simply list ideas about one subject, and then after a delay share ideas about the other, as this does not facilitate the connection between ideas about the two subjects. Instead, writers should move smoothly from one idea to another simultaneously, allowing readers to quickly make connections between related points. This strategy also helps to create a flow of logical progression behind the comparison, demonstrating to readers that the writer has thought through their ideas and logically related them to one another.

Concluding Thoughts

When discussing a comparison essay, it is most appropriate to give closing thoughts on both subjects under discussion. This allows a writer to reinforce the main points made in the essay as well as remind readers once again about the importance of the prevailing themes in the context of the compared subjects. Through this writing strategy, a writer can conclude the essay with as strong an impact as they began it.