{"id":4259,"date":"2013-06-29T03:14:20","date_gmt":"2013-06-29T03:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=4259"},"modified":"2026-03-26T09:56:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:56:02","slug":"compare-and-contrast","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/compare-and-contrast\/","title":{"rendered":"Compare and Contrast Essays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_3jJJl4xcY44\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_3jJJl4xcY44\" data-source-videoID=\"3jJJl4xcY44\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Compare and Contrast Essays Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Compare and Contrast Essays\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_3jJJl4xcY44:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_3jJJl4xcY44 {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/updated-compare-and-contrast-essays-64becd2c7d2b5-1.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_3jJJl4xcY44\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_3jJJl4xcY44\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Compare and Contrast Essays\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_3jJJl4xcY44\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_3jJJl4xcY44\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_3jJJl4xcY44\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction a8Z_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"a8Z\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"a8Z_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"a8Z\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Presenting_an_Analysis\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Presenting an Analysis<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Gaining_Understanding\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Gaining Understanding<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Writing_a_Compare_and_Contrast_Essay\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Organizing_your_Essay\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Organizing your Essay<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label><input id=\"FAQs\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Hey guys! Welcome to this video over comparing and contrasting.<\/p>\n<p>Now, before we just jump into how to write a compare and contrast essay, I think we must first answer the why. By having the \u201cwhy\u201d answered, it will help to make the &#8220;how&#8221; more understandable, and easier to follow.<\/p>\n<p>A compare and contrast essay generally serve two major purposes.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Presenting_an_Analysis\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Presenting an Analysis<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe first, and most common purpose, is to present an analysis of two or more things, so that an evaluation can be made.<\/p>\n<p>For example: <\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ol style=\"margin-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px;\">\n<li>A and B have some things in common.<\/li>\n<li>Here are the things that A and B have in common.<\/li>\n<li>However, A and B also have some differences.<\/li>\n<li>Here are their differences.<\/li>\n<li>As you can see, a majority of the differences that B has are further on the negative spectrum when compared with A.<\/li>\n<li>The positive aspects of A far outweigh the positive aspects of B.<\/li>\n<li>Therefore, A is a better option than B.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nOr it may be that after an analysis is made between A and B, you are able to make the evaluation that either option is a good one.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Gaining_Understanding\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Gaining Understanding<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe second purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to gain insight and understanding of two or more things. So, instead of trying to say that one is better than the other, you are simply trying to find out how each \u201cthing\u201d is different, and how they are similar. This is generally done, when there is confusion between two or more things that seem as though they are the same thing, but there are in fact important distinctions that need to be made.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, what is the difference between an analysis and an evaluation? When comparing and contrasting these two things, your aim is not to find out which one is better, because both are necessary. Your aim is to gain a thorough understanding of what each actually is.<\/p>\n<p>All right, now let\u2019s take a look at how to actually write a compare and contrast essay.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Writing_a_Compare_and_Contrast_Essay\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay<\/h2>\n<p>\nTo effectively write a compare and contrast essay there are three things that you should always do:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul style=\"margin-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px;\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">State and give an explanation of three or more major elements shared by the subjects that are being compared and contrasted.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Of the elements that you stated and explained, shine light on the similarities and differences of each.<\/li>\n<li>Construct a <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/thesis-statements\/\">thesis<\/a>, stating your stance concerning the major subjects that have been compared and contrasted. Like I said when talking about the purpose of a compare and contrast essay, it may be that one side is clearly stronger or it may be that after your analysis both are equally effective, or that both are equally bad. Whatever the case, be sure to state your thesis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Organizing_your_Essay\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Organizing your Essay<\/h2>\n<p>\nNow, the last thing that we will talk about in this video is how to <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/organization-in-a-paper\/\">organize<\/a> your compare and contrast essay. First, hear me say this, there are numerous ways to organize your essay. <\/p>\n<p>However, there are typically two common ways that are taught. The reason is because these two ways have consistently proven to be clear and effective. With that being said, those two ways are the ways that I will be discussing.<\/p>\n<p>The first type of organization pattern is the point-by-point pattern.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"PointbyPoint_Pattern\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Point-by-Point Pattern<\/h3>\n<p>\nLet\u2019s say you are comparing two different headphones. The two types of headphones would be our items. Now, if we chose to compare them on the grounds of cost, durability, and comfort then those three things would be our points.<\/p>\n<p>So, when using a point-by-point pattern of organization we would separate our paragraphs by each point. In one paragraph we would compare the cost of headphone A and the cost of headphone b. Then, in our next paragraph, we would compare the durability of headphone A with the durability of headphone B, and so on.<\/p>\n<p>The second type of organization pattern is the block pattern.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Block_Pattern\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Block Pattern<\/h3>\n<p>\nUsing this type of organization you would discuss the one type of headphone first, headphone A. You would discuss the cost in the first body paragraph, the durability in the second, and the comfort in the third. Then you would move on to discuss these three same points except now for our second item, headphone B.<\/p>\n<p>Whichever organizational pattern you choose to use, remember that you must always begin your essay with an introduction, and a conclusion.<\/p>\n<p>I hope that this video on how to write a compare and contrast essay has been helpful to you.<\/p>\n<p>See you guys next time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"FAQs-spoiler\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\"><span id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-list\">\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is a compare and contrast essay?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Compare and contrast essays explore and investigate two or more topics, making similarity comparisons and contrasting differences. Main characters, ideas, or events in the text can be compared or contrasted in order to understand the connections between them.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How do you write a compare and contrast essay?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>First, you must choose two or more subjects to write about. Then, research both topics, learning as much as you can about the specific characteristics of each one. Then, compare and contrast the differences and similarities between the two and organize your results into a well-written essay. Generally, a five-paragraph structure will work well.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How do you start a compare and contrast essay?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Choose two subjects that you would like to compare and then illustrate the differences as you contrast the two subjects. Start by explaining your subject matter to the reader and perhaps state why it was chosen. Then write an assertive, strong thesis statement to support your claims. To catch and hold onto the reader\u2019s attention, the writer must show the importance of the text and why it is important for the reader to comprehend the text. Start with a question that is directed at your target audience to draw them in and make them want to read what you have written. Or you can begin with facts or famous quotes to intrigue the reader.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/writing\/\">Return to Writing Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Writing Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":185987,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-4259","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","7":"page_category-writing-videos","8":"page_type-video","9":"subject_matter-english"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4259"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":287161,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4259\/revisions\/287161"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/185987"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}