Compare and Contrast Essay

Comparative Essay

LHP 411 EFFECTIVE WRITING

What is a Comparative Essay?

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A comparative essay examines similarities and/or differences between two subjects. Examples: - Online vs. Traditional Education - Public Transport vs. Private Vehicles - iOS vs. Android Systems Purpose: - To analyse key features objectively. - To develop critical thinking and writing organisation.

Pattern A: The Block Arrangement / The Block Method

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Block Arrangement

• presents all arguments related to A, and then compares and/or contrasts them to all arguments related to B.

• The pattern is as follows:

• Object A: Point 1, Point 2, Point 3
• Object B: Point 1, Point 2, Point 3

• Pointer: Make sure to present your points in the same order for A and B!

Block Method: Comparison Contrast Essay

Pattern B: The Point-by-Point Method

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The Point-by-Point Method

• The Point-by-Point method alternates arguments about the two items (A and B) that you are comparing and/or contrasting. The pattern is as follows:

• Point 1: object A > object B
• Point 2: object A > object B
• Point 3: object A > object B

• This method is often easier for a reader to follow because similarities and differences are more obvious when placed next to each other. For this reason, writers generally use this method for longer essays.

Point-by-Point Method: Comparison Contrast Essay

Block Method

Point-by-Point

Introduction Object A: Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Object B: Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Conclusion

Introduction Point 1: Object A > Object B Point 2: Object A > Object B Point 3: Object A > Object B Conclusion

TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES To Compare / Show Similarity in comparison in the same way by comparison equally in a similar fashion in a similar manner likewise similarly To Contrast / Show Differences but conversely however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless on the contrary on the other hand otherwise rather though yet To Add additionally again also and as well as besides coupled with furthermore in addition moreover To Illustrate / Give an Example as an example as an illustration for example for instance for example for one thing in this case

Guidelines for a successful Comparative Essay:

• Choose items that are related in some way so they can be compared / contrasted.
• Compare according to a single organized idea.
• Choose a method of development that works well with your organizing ideas.
• Use specific and relevant examples to support.
• Give equal treatment to both elements that you are discussing.
• Use transitional words (unlike, whereas, etc..) or phrases (not as...... as , in contrast to, etc...) to help readers understand the similarities and differences in your subject.
• conclude your essay by restating your thesis and summarize the main points of the similarities and / or differences that you have discussed.

Thanks!