Compare and contrast essay is one of the numerous essay subtypes. In this case, as we can easily deduce, the main objective of this kind of essay is compare any two items, finding similarities between them, and/or contrast them, i.e. analyze them critically finding and pointing out dissimilarities.

First, and the most important thing here is to choose an appropriate topic. Make sure not to choose two totally unrelated subjects, lest you will have lots of problems finding similarities. Start out with a subject that has some basic similarities, e.g. two novels, two paintings, speeches etc. Choosing a mosquito and the Atlantic Ocean as the main subject of your compare/contrast essay might be not such a great idea.

Second, brainstorm for ideas and try to write down every single one of them that would be relevant for the topic. You might want to divide your sheet of paper into two main sections and start jotting down everything that springs up to your mind, including pluses and minuses for each chosen item. That's easy!

Bearing this in mind will help you produce a relevant paper in terms of contents or meaning; now let’s move on to the form.

Comparing/contrasting essay requires special attention, since in this case form is crucial. Many pieces of elaborate writing have fallen victim to irrelevant form, burring down the most ingenious ideas. There are two generally acceptable forms of comparing/contrast essays:

First type:

• Introduction – opens the essay generally, serves to catch the eye of the reader, so make it jingle!
• Theme 1 – take item 1 of your essay and point out similarities and differences. Don't mention anything from theme 2.
• Theme 2 – Now it's high time that you should mention the same for theme 2. Again, nothing from theme 1.
• Topic 1 and 2 combined – take them together to compare and contrast.
• Conclusion – finish your compare and contrast essay with a nicely worded statement, which shows your profound knowledge of the subject matter. In this part you should also either support your thesis (basically by rewording your initial statement) and show how you have arrived at this conclusion.

Second type:

• Introduction – see above, this should be the opener
• All comparisons – this section should contain 3 paragraphs, enumerating all similarities that you have been able to identify in both themes
• All contrast – this section should also be no longer than 3 paragraphs. Your main objective is to pin down every difference in the subjects under consideration.
• Conclusion – Logically, your analysis has to finish somehow. This is what the conclusion is for. Again, here you are summing up what you have done, showing your profound knowledge of the subject matter and supporting your initial statement.

Well, you are all set now! Good luck with your compare/contrast paper! If you need assistance, ask our professional writers to help you out! They are available 24/7, ready to help, so don't hesitate to get some academic guidance!

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