How to Write a Comparative Essays
Comparative essay is a written work that seeks to bring out points of similarity and difference. Depending on the subject being taken or the topic being discussed, taking the points to be compared also involve the careful evaluation of the said concepts. Thus, prior to comparing, it is imperative that the writer must understand the points to be contrasted.The said written document may be required in a variety of courses and subjects such as literature, natural sciences, psychology, philosophy, and history, to name a few. The points to be contrasted also depend therefore, on the subject or the issue in focus. If there are several points to be considered, the output itself is expected to be in-depth and multi-faceted. It can also be more specific, only concentrating on one salient point of comparison.
Required articles in the natural sciences rely heavily on published materials, which the writer must dissect in order to reveal the salient differences and similarities of each point. The same is true with articles for social sciences. These written pieces must take into account the available information on hand, which the writer must carefully study and evaluate to come up with a credible written assessment.
Literary comparisons commonly involve objectively judging different authors commonly from a specific period, different genres, different characters, or different literary styles. It is also possible to match up a particular author’s work against another work. This depends on how the writer wishes to write his/her paper or how his/her professor wishes it to be. The latter is commonly more structured since the writer follows a precise format which makes it easier for the writer to write his/her piece.
However, even writers who are given free reign as to how to write his/her requirement must also exercise proper organization and structure in coming up with an output. It is always helpful to write a draft or an outline to organize the writer’s ideas and thoughts. This is especially true since one can find numerous sources that can be often overwhelming. Knowing just what to include and what points to consider can help the writer to come up with an output that is well integrated, cohesive and consistent.
Appraising the good and bad points of the topic being written about can be done more effectively when the writer discusses or summarizes the main points briefly. Following the course of these points and describing the changes of the issues at hand can also be helpful when the writer starts writing the document. An objective critiquing of the salient points can also be helpful.
Comparative essay may often allow the writer to believe that s/he simply has to contrast the issues in focus, s/he must also remember that the task also involves his/her critical analysis and evaluation. Thus, it is not safe to just cite information found in sources word for word in one’s written piece. Rather, it must be accompanied by the writer’s opinions and thoughts as well to make the article more effective and credible.
