Compare and Contrast Essay

Definition of Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay is a type of academic writing that explores the similarities and differences between two or more, objects, things, subjects, or ideas. This essay needs the writer to analyze and identify the characteristics, elements, and features of the subjects being compared. The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and differences, highlighting both the common points and distinctions between the chosen subjects.

Compare and contrast essay, like all other essays, comprises general points such as an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, the main thing is it explores specific points of comparison and contrast. The writer generally uses clear and concise language to articulate the similarities and differences effectively, while the conclusion summarizes the main findings and offers insights into the significance of the comparisons.

Briefly, a comparison or compare and contrast essay aims to enhance the understanding of its readers about the subjects under examination by pointing out shared features and divergent aspects.

Major Components/Elements/Parts of of Compare and Contrast Essay

Here are the elements of a compare and contrast essay presented in bullet points:

Stage	Instructions
Introduction	The introduction provides a brief overview of the subjects compared. It presents a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of the essay and the main points of comparison.
Point-by-Point or Block Structure	It is a structure for the essay. In the point-by-point structure, specific points or criteria between the subjects are compared and contrasted in each paragraph. In the block structure, all aspects of one subject are discussed in the first block, followed by a separate block for the second subject.
Body Paragraphs	Each body paragraph focuses on a specific point of comparison or contrast. Evidence, examples, or supporting details are provided to illustrate the similarities and differences. Clear and concise language is used to present the information.
Transitions	Transitional words and phrases are used to smoothly transition between points and paragraphs. Examples of transitional words and phrases include “similarly,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” “likewise,” “in comparison,” etc.
Analysis and Interpretation	The essay offers an analysis and interpretation of the comparisons made. The significance of the similarities and differences in relation to the thesis statement is explained.
Conclusion	The conclusion summarizes the main points of comparison and contrast. It restates the thesis statement and provides a concise conclusion. Insights or implications that arise from the comparisons made are also offered.
Organization and Clarity	The essay ensures a clear and logical organization. Appropriate headings, subheadings, or transition phrases are used to guide the reader through the comparison process. Proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are employed for clarity.
Balanced Treatment	A balanced treatment of the subjects being compared is provided. Equal attention is given to both similarities and differences. Favoring one subject over the other is avoided.

Using these features, compare and contrast essay presents a well-structured analysis of the similarities and differences when comparing things, objects, or even abstract ideas. The essay highlights key points of comparison, provides evidence and analysis, and offers a thoughtful conclusion that emphasizes the significance of the comparisons made.

Structure of Compare and Contrast Essay

1. Introduction:
2. Briefly introduce the topic and provide background information of the compare and contrast essay.
3. Present a clear thesis statement that highlights the main points of comparison and contrast.
4. Body Paragraphs:

Aspect/Point of Comparison	Subject A	Subject B
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3

• Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or point of comparison.
  • In the first column, clearly state the aspect or point of comparison.
  • In the “Subject A” and “Subject B” columns, provide detailed information about each subject’s characteristics, similarities, and differences for the corresponding aspect.
• Conclusion:
• Summarize the main points discussed in compare and contrast essay.
• Restate the thesis statement and emphasize the significance of the comparison and contrast.
• Provide a concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Remember that this is just a simple representation of the structure. In your actual essay, you will write paragraphs instead of filling in the table. Each paragraph should explore a specific point of comparison or contrast in detail and provide evidence to support your analysis.

Compare and Contrast Essays Examples in English Literature/Writings

Here are some compare and contrast essay examples, topics and their main points.

Topic	Thesis Statement	Main Points
Topic: Representation of social class in the novels of Thomas Hardy and George Eliot	Thesis Statement: Both Thomas Hardy and George Eliot explore the impact of social class on individuals and society, but while Hardy emphasizes the constraints and injustices faced by the lower class, Eliot delves into the complexities and struggles of individuals navigating different social strata.	Main Points: The portrayal of social hierarchy and its effects on characters’ lives in Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Eliot’s Middlemarch. The depiction of social mobility and the challenges faced by characters from different classes in Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge and Eliot’s Daniel Deronda. 3. The exploration of societal expectations and the limitations imposed by class in Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd and Eliot’s Silas Marner.
Topic: Themes of fate and determinism in the works of Thomas Hardy and George Orwell	Thesis Statement: Both Thomas Hardy and George Orwell delve into the themes of fate and determinism, but while Hardy presents a fatalistic worldview where individuals are powerless against their predetermined destinies, Orwell portrays a dystopian society where individuals struggle against oppressive systems and exert agency within limits.	Main Points: The concept of fate and its influence on characters’ lives in Hardy’s Jude the Obscure and Orwell’s 1984. The portrayal of individual agency and resistance against oppressive forces in Hardy’s The Return of the Native and Orwell’s Animal Farm. The exploration of the consequences of fatalistic beliefs and determinism in Hardy’s “The Woodlanders” and Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four”.
Topic: Depiction of gender roles and female characters in the novels of George Eliot and Thomas Hardy	Thesis Statement: Both George Eliot and Thomas Hardy challenge traditional gender roles and present complex female characters who defy societal expectations, but Eliot’s approach is more progressive and empowering, while Hardy’s female characters often face tragic outcomes due to societal constraints.	Main Points: The portrayal of strong, independent female characters and their struggles against patriarchal norms in Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss and Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The examination of the limitations imposed on women and the consequences of defying societal expectations in Eliot’s Middlemarch and Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd. The exploration of the impact of gender inequality and the pursuit of self-fulfillment in Eliot’s Daniel Deronda and Hardy’s The Return of the Native.

Suggested Readings

1. Dew, Stephen E. Practical Academic Essay Writing Skills. Lulu Press, Inc, 2015.
2. Large, Char, and Ari Samson. The Clustering Approach to Better Essay Writing. Trillium Press, 1987.
3. Laurena, Olivia PM. “Longman Academic Writing Series 5: Essays to Research Paper.” Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences 17.2 (2021): 82-83.
4. Wong, Linda. Essential Study Skills. Cengage Learning, 2014.
5. Warburton, Nigel. The Basics of Essay Writing. Routledge, 2020.