comparative+essay+tips

__[|**How to Write a Comparative Essay**]__

//Comparative essays call for a comparison of two things.// **Steps** **Analyze the topic carefully** Do your research so that you can make sure that you have a complete understanding of both things being compared. You will benefit from the research when you come to write your essay.

**Write the introduction**. Start with a general point which establishes the similarity between the two subjects then move to the specific //(exact)// focus of the essay. The reader must understand which points you //will be// examining and which points you //will not be// examining within the comparison. At the end of the introduction, declare your preference or describe the significance of the two subjects.

**Organize the sequence of paragraphs in the main body of your essay**. Once you have defined the comparison and the basis of the argument you must determine the structure of your essay. It can be any of the following, but not a combination:

**Method 1** You can discuss each half of the comparison in every paragraph. For example, begin with a paragraph comparing the two situations; each paragraph thereafter should compare a single aspect of both situations until you have completed comparing all the various points. The advantage of this structure is it continually keeps the comparison in the mind of the reader, as well as forces you to pay equal attention to each side of the argument.

//For example: Lemons & Apples//

Para 1 Color of Lemons/Color of Apples

Para 2 Vitamins found in Lemons/Vitamins found in Apples

Para 3 Health benefits of Lemons/Health benefits of Apples

//And so on//

**Method 2** You can alternate between the two subjects paragraph by paragraph. That is, the first paragraph of the main body of your essay begins with one side of the argument. The next paragraph deals with the other, and so on. You keep repeating this process looking at another point in the comparison until you reach your conclusion. This method allows you to discuss points in greater detail and is useful when your two topics are radically different, but be sure to keep alternating and ensure you continue discussing similar aspects of each argument.

//For example: Lemons & Apples//

Para 1 Color of Lemons

Para 2 Color of Apples

Para 3 Vitamins found in Lemons

Para 4 Vitamins found in Apples

Para 5 Health benefits of Lemons

Para 6 Health benefits of Apples

//This method is by far the most dangerous, as your comparison can become one sided, without giving equal time to both. The other problem with this is that you may discuss different features in the second half than you did in the first half. If this occurs, the comparison falls apart as you are not comparing the same features of the two arguments.//

For example: Lemons & Apples

//Para 1 Color of Lemons//

//Para 2 Vitamins found in Lemons//

//Para 3 Health benefits of Lemons//

//Para 4 Color of Apples//

//Para 5 Vitamins found in Apples//

//Para 6 Health benefits of Apples//

And so on

**Prepare the conclusion**. The conclusion should give a brief, general summary of the most important similarities and differences. It should end with a personal statement, an opinion and the "So What" – what's important about both things being compared. It should leave the reader feeling that all the different threads of the essay have been drawn together in a cohesive way; they have learned something - and they must be certain this is the end – not look around for missing pages. When you have two radically different topics, it sometimes helps to point out one similarity they have before concluding. (i.e. "Although _______ and _________ don't seem to have anything in common, in actuality, they both ________.)

**Revise your writing** Remember that the two most important things to do when revising are to find problems and to fix them. These should be done separately (i.e., go through and find all the problems you can without correcting them). Although it is tempting to do them at the same time, it is smarter to do them one by one – this ensures you have checked everything, and ultimately makes the job more efficient and quicker.

**Tips**
 * 1) The important thing is to know what you are writing about, study both sides of what you are comparing thoroughly and that will make it easier to compare the two.*Comparative essay writing is a required task at colleges and universities. The essays should be properly written.
 * 2) The key principle to remember in a comparative paragraph or essay is that you must clarify //precisely// what you are comparing and keep that comparison alive throughout the essay.
 * 3) Examine not only the separate objects, but what happens or what we can learn when they are brought together.
 * 4) Make sure you have a great thesis or topic sentence. Get the reader interested; make the reader want to read on.
 * 5) Make sure not to repeat yourself.
 * 6) Use plain language and use formal language in your comparative essay.
 * 7) Have strong focus directly on the topic.
 * 8) Title and the introduction really catch the reader's attention and makes them read the essay.
 * 9) Every paragraph should be clear and must connect to the previous & post paragraphs. Sentences and paragraphs follow a logical sequence.
 * 10) Quotes should be used sparingly and must thoroughly complement the point they are being used to exemplify/justify.
 * 11) Relax when you write the paragraph if your mind is racing and you are trying to speed through it, chances are it will turn out poorly.
 * 12) Use linking sentences and transitional words.
 * 13) Do not use the terms, "there", or vague language such as "people", "stuff", "you", "things" etc.