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Topics >> by >> How to Write a 5-Paragraph Compare and Contrast Essay

How to Write a 5-Paragraph Compare and Contrast Essay Photos
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A good compare and contrast essay not only points out how the subjects are different and similar but also uses these points to develop a meaningful and strong argument about the subject "essay writer". You cannot write a good compare and contrast paper without identifying the main concept of two things to be compared/contrasted. You should have a clear understanding of each concept or text before you compare them as this will help you to come up with a concise analytical summary of the author’s point of view.



Here are some tips that help you to develop a great argument for your compare and contrast paper.


Selection of topic


The first step is to select a topic that you can argue. Keep in mind! You need to do more than just listing how things are different and similar. Connect your ideas as one of the most common mistakes that are made by students with this type of essay is simply summarizing the information instead of comparing. One of the good ways to connect your ideas is to use the phrases and transitional words that show how things are similar or different.


Brainstorm your topic


You don’t need to jump straight into the thesis statement. Take some time to brainstorm all ideas and write major points you want to focus on as this will help you to develop your thesis statement. Research, Brainstorm, think, and talk about the topic before formulating a thesis statement. This will not only outline your essay premises as well as a conclusion which you will draw. A Venn diagram can be very helpful in brainstorming. The overlapping circles in the Venn diagram can prove to be very useful in visualizing where your subject is different and where they are similar. 


Consider your main points


There are many ways a compare and contrast paper can be written, but it should always make a strong argument that explains how to put all these subjects together so that it makes a meaningful comparison between two things. Develop a frame of reference within which you will place two things that you are going to compare and contrast. The frame of reference consists of a question, theme, idea, theory, and idea from which extract two for biographical, special attention, and historical information. These frames of references are developed from specific sources instead of your own observations and thoughts. A paper without a frame of reference would have no focus for a writer to develop a meaningful argument.


Create Ground for Comparison 


Let’s say you are writing a paper on the distribution of global food, and you have chosen to compare oranges and apples. Why you have chosen these particular fruits and not bananas and pears? The ground for comparison helps in developing the rationale behind your choice and let your readers know that your choice is meaningful and not random. The ground for comparison also anticipates your thesis comparative nature. Just like in any argumentative essay, your thesis statement will convey the essence of your argument which mainly follows your paper frame of reference. In compare and contrast essay, the thesis statement mainly depends on how the two things that you have selected to compare relate to one another. Do they collaborate, extend, correct, contradict, debate, or complicate one another? In the most common type of compare and contrast paper, you can develop a precise relationship between two concepts by using words such as ‘whereas’ in your thesis statement. Keep in mind! Your thesis statement contains both opinion and observation. The main idea is to set up your argument basic outline which you will formulate in the body of your essay.


Link all the points in your argument


Depending on your essay length, address every part of your argument in a separate section or paragraph. You should discuss them in a logical order and make connections between them. This will let you address the essay potential objections and strengthen your argument.


Make an argument


Your argument is how you express your views by using evidence. Don’t forget! The success of your argument is based on your skills to convince your readers through persuasion, reasoning, and evidence. There are three main types of appeal in presenting an argument: ethics, reason, and emotion. Your argument not only helps you to structure your essay but also guide your readers in a logical manner. If you are considering a wide range of opinions and views, try to group them under different headings. Look at the weaknesses and strengths of different evidence sets and clearly present them in a critical manner. If you are having difficulty in developing arguments then you should hire Essay Writing Services so that you can get your work done by the deadline "write my essay". Remember! Developing a thesis statement takes time, you need to plan out to make a start. Remember! When you are developing your arguments, you are actually building your case and confronting your own position. To support your claim, use statistics, facts, and empirical evidence. Appeal to your audience logical and rational thinking. Your list of weaknesses and strengths can help you build an argument. Prioritize the weakness and strength of each position and decide on the top four to five weaknesses and strengths. Then evaluate each of them on how you will support it by providing evidence and reasoning.




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