1
First look at the items you are supposed to compare and contrast. Do you understand them? If you are writing an essay outside of class, look them up. Start with your text book but also look at your notes from class, and even go and check them out at Wikipedia. If you are taking a test, and can't look things up, pause and think over what these things mean. The next two steps will help you remember.
2
Make a list of ways the two items are the same. This is the "compare" part of a compare and contrast essay. (For an in class essay, it will be good if you can bring in extra paper. If you can't, you can make some notes on the back of your blue book.)
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Make a list of the ways the two items are different. This is the "contrast" part of a compare and contrast essay.
4
Decide which you think is more important, the differences or the similarities. It doesn't matter which you chose. In a compare and contrast essay, the point is to think both elements through. Sometimes it is easier to write an essay that disagrees with the most likely or obvious choice. You automatically dig a little deeper to support a less likely opinion. But that is not always so. Especially when you are writing an in-class essay test, pick the point of view you already feel you can support.
5
Write your introduction. In a longer essay you will summarize what you are about to say, which is basically just quickly hitting the high points of the list. For a in-class essay test, you can probably skip straight to your "thesis" or point of view. For our point of view sentence, first acknowledge the opposite view from the one you are taking, then state your chosen point of view. "Although dogs and cats both make loving pets, they are very different animals."
6
Start the main body of your