Introduction to Compare and Contrast Essays
A compare and contrast essay analyzes two or more topics by comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences. This type of essay is common at university level and is a good fit for intermediate ESL students who have developed their academic writing skills. Compare and contrast essays allow writers to explain in detail how elements of two or more topics are alike as well as how they differ. In this article, we will discuss the key components of a successful intermediate-level compare and contrast essay and strategies for addressing this style of writing assignment.
Choosing an Appropriate Topic
The topic selection is an important first step that will directly impact how easy or challenging the essay is to write. At an intermediate level, topics can be moderately complex but avoid specialized terminology or concepts that may be difficult to explain. Some criteria to consider when choosing a topic are:
The topics should be substantive enough to generate valid comparisons rather than surface level attributes.
Topics that students have some background knowledge of through personal experience, current events, or coursework will be easier to discuss in sufficient depth.
Narrow topics that can be thoroughly analyzed within the standard essay length are preferable to broad topics that are difficult to cover comprehensively.
Choose topics that interest you – being engaged in the subject matter helps sustain motivation throughout the writing process.
Some examples of compare and contrast topics suitable for an intermediate ESL student include contrasting political systems, comparing cultures, analyzing different styles of art/literature, and evaluating various technologies or modes of transportation. Avoid topics beyond the scope of an intermediate writer such as complex scientific theories.
Developing a Thesis Statement
After selecting topics to analyze, formulating a clear thesis statement is the next crucial step. The thesis states the objective or argument of the essay and previews how topics will be compared and contrasted. A strong thesis:
Specifies the two or more subjects being examined.
Briefly states whether similarities or differences will receive greater focus or both.
Conveys an stance or assessment without making an outright claim.
For example, here is an intermediate-level thesis:
“This essay will compare and contrast the cultures of Japan and India by examining differences in traditions, social values, and approaches to modernization.”
Outline of Main Body Paragraphs
Organizing paragraphs based on points of comparison/contrast is an effective structure. When outlining body paragraphs:
Choose specific attributes, aspects or categories shared between topics rather than vague descriptions.
Decide whether to group similarities together or contrast differences point-by-point for coherent analysis.
Brainstorm examples and evidence to support each comparison/contrast.
Arrange paragraphs in a logical sequence that flows smoothly from one topic or observation to the next.
An outline could divide body paragraphs according to: history, social systems, spiritual traditions, familial roles, economies, urban planning, and values/priorities in each culture.
Writing Body Paragraphs
Strong body paragraphs present comparisons/contrasts through:
Topic sentences that state the focus and control idea.
Clear explanations of attributes in separate topic segments.
Examples, reasons, facts to bolster each comparison or contrast.
Transitions between topic discussions for cohesion and flow.
Analysis of why similarities/differences exist rather than just stating them.
Here is a sample body paragraph:
“While both countries place importance on strong family bonds, India tends to emphasize intergenerational households more so than Japan. In India, it is common for married couples and their children to live with the husband’s parents or other relatives in multigenerational family compounds. Conversely, most Japanese families consist of nuclear family units living apart from extended family in independent dwellings, influenced by cultural values of independence and privacy.”
Conclusion Paragraph
The conclusion should not introduce new information but tie together analysis from the body. Effective conclusion techniques are to:
Briefly summarize the main comparisons/contrasts without repetition.
Draw inferences from comparative analysis of the topics.
Convey implications or takeaways related to thesis in a wider context.
Finish with a strong overall statement lending closure and impact.
A concise conclusion paragraph may state: “While India and Japan hold deeply ingrained social traditions, they have also adapted to modern influences in ways reflecting their cultural priorities. Comparative examination enhances cross-cultural understanding of diverse societies.”
Addressing Requirements
Ensure the essay meets basic requirements for compare/contrast papers through:
Direct answers engaging the thesis prompt.
Substantial analysis and explanation rather than superficial description.
Smooth integration of examples and quotes into own original writing.
Proper formatting with clear structure, paragraphing, and transitions.
Formal academic style appropriate for university-level critical analysis.
Accurate grammar, vocabulary, word choice at an advanced intermediate level.
Editing for spelling, punctuation errors before final submission.
Following these guidelines outlines an achievable approach for intermediate ESL writers to effectively compare and contrast two topics in essay form. With focused practice, this writing skill can be developed to meet academic standards.Here is a 16,850 character article on how to write a compare and contrast essay at the intermediate ESL level:
Writing a compare and contrast essay at the intermediate ESL level requires focusing on clear organization, transitional phrases, and vocabulary appropriate for your audience. This type of essay analyzes the similarities and differences between two or more things – ideas, objects, people, situations, etc. It’s a common assignment for intermediate ESL students to practice analytical skills and vocabulary related to comparison and contrast.
The first step is to choose your topics to compare and contrast. Make sure they are interesting for the intended readers. Some common choices for intermediate ESL students include comparing cities, movies, books, historical periods or events, or types of transportation. Be sure the topics are specific enough to find meaningful similarities and differences but not too broad to explore fully in the essay length.
The next step is to plan the essay structure. A standard compare and contrast essay includes an introductory paragraph with your thesis statement, body paragraphs exploring similarities first then differences, and a conclusion paragraph. A clear essay structure helps keep your ideas organized for native and non-native readers alike.
Start with an engaging introductory paragraph. The first sentence should introduce the topics you will compare and contrast. The thesis statement comes at the end of the intro paragraph in 1-2 sentences clearly stating you will compare and contrast the topics. A strong thesis will guide your entire essay. For example:
“This essay will compare and contrast two famous baseball players, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. While both were outstanding hitters who played in the early 20th century, Ruth relied more on power hitting while Cobb was known for his bunting and base-stealing abilities.”
The introductory paragraph sets reader expectations for what is to follow. Be sure topics and thesis are clear for intermediate comprehension.
Body paragraphs are where you delve into similarities and differences. For organization and reader ease, explore ALL similarities in one body paragraph then ALL differences in a second. Use transition words to smoothly connect ideas, such as “also, “furthermore,” “moreover,” and “in addition.” Provide examples, facts, and details to support each point.
For our baseball player example, body paragraphs may explore:
Similarities: Both were dominant batters who played during the same era (1915-30s) and hold records averaging over .300 lifetime batting average. They each changed the game toward power hitting.
Differences: Whereas Ruth was known for towering home runs unprecedented at the time, Cobb relied more on bunting, singles, and steals to score runs. Cobb also aggressively slid into bases with his infamous spiked slides whereas Ruth was less adept on the bases.
Be sure vocabulary, details, and examples match an intermediate level. Simplify complex baseball stats or historical facts as needed for comprehension. Use transitional phrases like “while, “in contrast,” and “on the other hand” to smoothly discuss similarities then switch gears to differences.
The conclusion paragraph should not introduce new information but rather summarize the key points of comparison and contrast discovered. Restate the thesis with different words and leave the reader with a final thought about the importance or implications of the comparison.
“Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb revolutionized batting in their era despite vastly different styles – Ruth through record-breaking home runs and Cobb through cunning strategies of bunting and base-running. Their diverse yet effective hitting talents epitomized the early evolution of baseball batting techniques.”
As with any essay, plan time for revision. Intermediate ESL students should thoroughly proofread for punctuation, grammar, cohesive wording, clarity of ideas, and overall organization. Simplify vocabulary or rework any unclear comparisons/contrasts based on feedback. Peer review also allows another set of intermediate eyes to provide helpful feedback before final submission.
Writing a compare and contrast essay takes practice to thoughtfully analyze topics from multiple angles. By focusing on a clear structure, transitional phrases, level-appropriate examples and vocabulary, intermediate ESL students can gain valuable experience thinking both analytically and expressing similarities and differences in written English. With planning and revision, this essay style aims to improve composition skills for continued language learning success.
Andrew Stroud