Structuring a comparative essay - BBC Bitesize.
A compare and contrast essay is a type of essay which is used to explore both the similarities and the differences between two subjects by comparing and contrasting them against each other. A comparison seeks to present the similarities of two objects whereas a contrast aims at exposing the differences between two objects.
Usually, the body of the comparative essay consists of three paragraphs. Obviously, the format may vary according to the subjects for comparison and the complexity of their similarities and differences. In the first paragraph, the significant traits of one alternative are being presented.
This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two historical periods, two characters in a novel, etc. Sometimes the whole essay will compare and contrast, though sometimes the comparison or contrast may be only part of the essay.
For example, a comparative essay using the block method on the French and Russian revolutions would address the French Revolution in the first half of the essay and the Russian Revolution in the second half. If you choose the block method, however, do not simply append two disconnected essays to an introductory thesis.
Comparison essays place two texts side by side, make an argument about the relationship between the texts and then demonstrate that argument.. Aim for roughly three to seven direct quotes per paragraph. Use your instructor's preferred style guide, such as Modern Language Association (MLA) or the Chicago Manual of Style, to format in-text.
The broad structure of a comparative essay is already very familiar to you, and consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs and a conclusion. The introduction should include a clear contention that alerts the reader to your response to the topic, as well as the main ideas your essay will explore. It must contain references to both texts.
Compare and Contrast Essay Format. In the last paragraph, which is the conclusion, a summary should be given, which includes the major points of similarities and differences between the two things. While ending, make sure that you end with a kind of prediction or a personalized statement.