Compare and contrast essay
Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips for College Students
The task of writing a compare and contrast essay can be quite challenging. First of all, this form of essay actually encompasses three different essay subtypes. The first is the compare/contrast essay, in which the writer explores the similarities and differences between two subjects. The second is the compare essay, in which the writer explores only the similarities between two objects, ideas, or concepts. Finally, the third is the contrast essay, in which the writer delves into the differences between two subjects. In some cases, the instructor will specify the exact essay subtype the student is to write. In other cases that decision will be left up to the student. Once the student determines the type of essay, s/he must begin the process of actually organizing the content and writing the essay. Fortunately, there are a few tips to make this process a little easier.
Deciding on the Scope of the Essay
One of the problems many students encounter when composing a compare/contrast essay is that they quickly become overwhelmed with the large amount of traits/characteristic that can be compared and/or contrasted between two subjects. This is why it is necessary to limit the scope of the essay. Failure to do so will result in an essay that is too long, or an essay in which the subject matter is not explored at a level expected for the college student. For example, let's say that a student is going to write compare/contrast essay on the first set of “Star Wars” films and the second set of “Star Wars” films. If s/he chooses to compare and contrast every single element, the writing would take weeks and result in an epistle, not an essay. In order to write an effective, readable essay, it would be necessary to limit the scope to only a few elements to compare and contrast. Scope can be limited by listing the possible elements that can be compared and contrasted and then paring that list down to three or four of the most compelling.
Selecting Items to Compare and Contrast
Students who are left to find their own subjects often struggle to pick two subjects to compare and contrast. After all, one doesn't want to select subjects that are so similar that there is nothing interesting to contrast, or subjects that are so starkly different that they simply cannot be compared with one another. Another challenge is selecting a topic that is interesting both for the writer and the reader. Here are a few sufficiently narrowed subjects for compare and contrast essays.
- Compare and contrast a book with its movie adaptation.
- Compare and contrast the election processes of two democratic countries
- Explore the differences and similarities between two Generals from the same war.
- Write about the differences between the training methods of two professional football coaches.
- Compare and contrast the typical school days of American students and students from another country.
- Compare and contrast the positions of Democrats and Republicans on the issue of oil subsidies.
Finally, it is always important to remember that no matter which topic you choose, it shouldn't only interest you, it should also interest your readers.
Clearly, there is a lot to think about when it comes to writing this kind of essay. Now, ask yourself a few questions:
- Am I up to this challenge?
- Am I too busy to write an excellent essay?
- Will my work in other classes suffer if I spend too much time working on this assignment?
- Will this writing assignment take valuable time from my other academic and personal responsibilities?
- Am I better off if I locate a professional writing service to write my paper for me?
If you don't feel up to the writing this essay, remember that a good writing service will have seasoned and qualified writers to produce original essays and papers for you when you are in a bind and facing a deadline you may not be able to meet. It is not a comment on your abilities or intelligence to get professional help when necessary – it is the smart thing to do.
