A compare and contrast essay explains how two or more subjects are similar and different to one another. How do you start writing it? That’s what we’re here for today.
You Don’t Know How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay? Why Is It Hard?
Your professors usually assign definition or argumentative essays. You may know how to deal with expert essay writing, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready to tackle this assignment. It’s different. Since your teachers don’t bother giving you instructions on how to start off a compare and contrast essay, you have to handle this challenge on your own. Don’t worry; Xpert Writers is always here for you. We’ll give you precise tips to follow.
You might be wondering: why is it so important to know how to write the introduction paragraph for compare and contrast essay? The intro sets the tone of the overall paper. It tells the reader (your professor) what this content will be about. It also includes the thesis statement, which defines the direction your arguments will go towards.
The comparative analysis format requires careful selection and combination of information. That skill should be visible right from the introduction. If you know how to write a synthesis essay, this will be easy for you.
In this post, we’ll focus on something more than the introduction. We’ll give you instructions on all pre-writing steps, so you’ll be ready for the intro and the entire paper.
Ultimate Tips on How to Start a Comparison Essay
When you’re wondering how to how to begin a compare and contrast essay, you’re not even close to starting the introduction. The pre-writing stages matter more than most students realize.
- Step 1: Organization
Before you start writing the paper, you need to have a plan. Students usually find it impossible to complete a 5-paragraph essay in a day. The research process takes time. Then, you’ll need more time to write and edit the paper. That’s why it’s important to start as early as possible.
Plan how much time you’ll give yourself for the research and writing stages. When you have enough space, you’ll feel less stressed and more self-confident.
- Brainstorming
Take the instructions your professor gave you. What subjects are you going to compare and contrast? What do you know about them? Write down all ideas before you start the research. If you’re really stuck and you can’t get any ideas, then do a quick research to find an interesting angle.
Once you have a list of ideas, you’ll need to pick the strongest ones.
- Preliminary Research
How do these subjects compare? Are there any opposing opinions? You’ll have to find out.
Go through authoritative resources you can use. You can rely on Google Scholar to find them. Make sure to keep track of your sources, so you’ll reference them further on.
- The Outline
How long should this essay be? If it’s around 500-800 words, you’ll be good with 5 paragraphs. If it’s a longer essay of 1500+ words, however, you’ll have to think about a different structure. You’ll separate it into smaller chunks of text, so the reader won’t fall asleep by taking a single look at it.
Now, it’s time to create the outline. Each essay is consisted of three main parts:
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
In the outline, you will plan what you’ll write in each of these sections.
When it comes to compare and contrast essays, you can choose between the block method and point by point method.
- The block method is useful for shorter essays. With this approach, you write all information about the first subject in the first half of the paper. Then, you write all information about the second subject in the second block of the paper. This method gives you an essay that looks more like a summary.
- The point by point method is more complex, but more effective as well. Here, you compare the two subjects point by point. With this, you make it easy for the reader to understand the similarities and differences between the two subjects.
In the outline, you should decide what method you’re going to use.
How Do You Start a Compare and Contrast Essay? With an Introduction!
Now you’re ready to start writing. There’s only one remaining element of the guide on how to start a comparison and contrast essay: the introduction itself.
This section will introduce the reader into the two subjects and the thesis statement. It’s important to make it strong, appealing, and believable.
You can start by introducing an interesting fact about each of your subjects.
Asking a question also works. Outline the main question regarding the two subjects, so you’ll answer it with the thesis statement and the arguments that follow.
Give some background on the subjects you’re going to compare.
Wrap up the introduction with a concise thesis statement. Ideally, the thesis statement should be an overview of the essay.
Once you have the introduction, it will be easy to proceed. If you find the assignment overwhelming, you can hire XpertWriters.com for help.