How To Write A Compare Essay
How to Write a Compare/Contrast Essay (Part C)
Compare: Examine the topics for the purpose of noting similarities and differences, focusing more on similarities.
Contrast: Compare the topics to show unlikeness or points of difference. Think about points of conflict or points of disagreement! The General Steps:
1. Read the prompt, and identify the topics and time periods to be compared. If specific information is given in the prompt, you must include this in your thesis and essay. Think about developments that occurred during the time period (periodization).
2. Determine the categories you could use as a source of comparison. Think of your SPICE categories or the sub-topics under PERSIAN to see if those will work. Choose three! If SPICE won’t work for you, then create other categories – just keep them broad!
3. Plan your essay by creating a comparison chart for each topic/area. Make sure you include similarities as well as differences!!! See the sample layout below.
4. Conclusion: Wrap up the essay and explain the impact of the topic. How does the topic compare to other regions or civilizations/empires? What are its effects later on? Or, restate your main ideas. Sample Compare & Contrast Chart: (kind of like a Venn diagram)
Similarities
Differences
Category 1 SPICE
Category 2 SPICE
Category 3 SPICE
Essay Organization:
Thesis
Body Paragraph – Category 1 (could be similarities, differences, or a combination of both)
Body Paragraph – Category 2 (could be similarities, differences, or a combination of both)
Body Paragraph – Category 3 (could be similarities, differences, or a combination of both)
Conclusion
Compare/Contrast Essay Formula: You must follow the essay formula! Thesis: Pattern your thesis for the C&C essay after this example!!!
During the (time period), (all exact key words from the prompt) ________ and ________ were similar/different in (category – broad idea/topic) and (category – broad idea/topic); however they
Compare: Examine the topics for the purpose of noting similarities and differences, focusing more on similarities.
Contrast: Compare the topics to show unlikeness or points of difference. Think about points of conflict or points of disagreement! The General Steps:
1. Read the prompt, and identify the topics and time periods to be compared. If specific information is given in the prompt, you must include this in your thesis and essay. Think about developments that occurred during the time period (periodization).
2. Determine the categories you could use as a source of comparison. Think of your SPICE categories or the sub-topics under PERSIAN to see if those will work. Choose three! If SPICE won’t work for you, then create other categories – just keep them broad!
3. Plan your essay by creating a comparison chart for each topic/area. Make sure you include similarities as well as differences!!! See the sample layout below.
4. Conclusion: Wrap up the essay and explain the impact of the topic. How does the topic compare to other regions or civilizations/empires? What are its effects later on? Or, restate your main ideas. Sample Compare & Contrast Chart: (kind of like a Venn diagram)
Similarities
Differences
Category 1 SPICE
Category 2 SPICE
Category 3 SPICE
Essay Organization:
Thesis
Body Paragraph – Category 1 (could be similarities, differences, or a combination of both)
Body Paragraph – Category 2 (could be similarities, differences, or a combination of both)
Body Paragraph – Category 3 (could be similarities, differences, or a combination of both)
Conclusion
Compare/Contrast Essay Formula: You must follow the essay formula! Thesis: Pattern your thesis for the C&C essay after this example!!!
During the (time period), (all exact key words from the prompt) ________ and ________ were similar/different in (category – broad idea/topic) and (category – broad idea/topic); however they