-->
Any words you don't know? Look them up in the website's built-in dictionary .
|
|
Choose a dictionary . Wordnet OPTED both
Compare and contrast is a common form of academic writing, either as an essay type on its own, or as part of a larger essay which includes one or more paragraphs which compare or contrast. This page gives information on what a compare and contrast essay is , how to structure this type of essay, how to use compare and contrast structure words , and how to make sure you use appropriate criteria for comparison/contrast . There is also an example compare and contrast essay on the topic of communication technology, as well as some exercises to help you practice this area.
For another look at the same content, check out YouTube » or Youku » , or this infographic » .
To compare is to examine how things are similar, while to contrast is to see how they differ. A compare and contrast essay therefore looks at the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences. This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two historical periods, two characters in a novel, etc. Sometimes the whole essay will compare and contrast, though sometimes the comparison or contrast may be only part of the essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the similarities or the differences, not both, will be discussed. See the examples below.
There are two main ways to structure a compare and contrast essay, namely using a block or a point-by-point structure. For the block structure, all of the information about one of the objects being compared/contrasted is given first, and all of the information about the other object is listed afterwards. This type of structure is similar to the block structure used for cause and effect and problem-solution essays. For the point-by-point structure, each similarity (or difference) for one object is followed immediately by the similarity (or difference) for the other. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is easier to write, while the latter is generally clearer as it ensures that the similarities/differences are more explicit.
The two types of structure, block and point-by-point , are shown in the diagram below.
|
|
Compare and contrast structure words are transition signals which show the similarities or differences. Below are some common examples.
When making comparisons or contrasts, it is important to be clear what criteria you are using. Study the following example, which contrasts two people. Here the criteria are unclear.
Although this sentence has a contrast transition , the criteria for contrasting are not the same. The criteria used for Aaron are height (tall) and strength (strong). We would expect similar criteria to be used for Bruce (maybe he is short and weak), but instead we have new criteria, namely appearance (handsome) and intelligence (intelligent). This is a common mistake for students when writing this type of paragraph or essay. Compare the following, which has much clearer criteria (contrast structure words shown in bold).
Below is a compare and contrast essay. This essay uses the point-by-point structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. similarities, differences, and structure words. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the comparisons and contrasts contained in the main body.
Title: There have been many advances in technology over the past fifty years. These have revolutionised the way we communicate with people who are far away. Compare and contrast methods of communication used today with those which were used in the past.
Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over long distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. Nowadays we have a vast array of communication tools which can complete this task, ranging from email to instant messaging and video calls. While the present and previous means of communication are similar in their general form , they differ in regard to their speed and the range of tools available . One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the form of communication. In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used, in addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. Similarly , people nowadays use both of these forms. Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for example via email and text messaging. In addition, oral forms are still used, including the telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages via instant messaging services. However , there are clearly many differences in the way we communicate over long distances, the most notable of which is speed. This is most evident in relation to written forms of communication. In the past, letters would take days to arrive at their destination. In contrast , an email arrives almost instantaneously and can be read seconds after it was sent. In the past, if it was necessary to send a short message, for example at work, a memo could be passed around the office, which would take some time to circulate. This is different from the current situation, in which a text message can be sent immediately. Another significant difference is the range of communication methods. Fifty years ago, the tools available for communicating over long distances were primarily the telephone and the letter. By comparison , there are a vast array of communication methods available today. These include not only the telephone, letter, email and text messages already mentioned, but also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone apps such as WeChat, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty years. While there are some similarities, such as the forms of communication , there are significant differences, chiefly in relation to the speed of communication and the range of communication tools available . There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress in future, and the advanced tools which we use today may one day also become outdated.
Like the website? Try the books. Enter your email to receive a free sample from Academic Writing Genres .
Below is a checklist for compare and contrast essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay is a essay | ||
An appropriate is used, either or | ||
Compare and contrast are used accurately | ||
The for comparison/contrast are clear | ||
The essay has clear | ||
Each paragraph has a clear | ||
The essay has strong support (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points |
There is a downloadable graphic organiser for brainstorming ideas for compare and contrast essays in the writing resources section.
Find out how to write cause & effect essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about persuasion essays .
You need to login to view the exercises. If you do not already have an account, you can register for free.
Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 08 January 2022.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
Teaching Expertise
August 30, 2023 // by Lauren Du Plessis
Get ready to transport your students into a universe of insightful comparisons and contrasts, where they’ll get to confront fascinating juxtapositions and make analyses across a wide array of subjects. From digital classrooms to ancient mythologies, from health debates to sports rivalries, our collection of thirty compare-and-contrast essay examples aims to ignite curiosity, stimulate critical thinking, and foster a love for interdisciplinary learning in your students. Ready to promote rich discussions and inspire profound reflections? Let’s go!
This topic is ideal for fostering critical thinking in the changing and ever-changing landscape of education. Task your learners with crafting a vibrant discourse on the pros and cons of face-to-face instruction against the convenience and flexibility of online learning.
Learn More: Study Moose
This comparison teases the tactile joy of reading physical books against the technological advantages of e-books. By getting your students to cover this topic, you can prompt them to consider the impact that technology has on their reading habits.
Learn More: Scribd
An exploration of political structures, this topic is an essential primer for getting your students to understand global politics! Invite them to craft an essay in which they compare and contrast the complexities of democratic vs. monarchy-based governance.
With this topic, a technological duel is in store! Invite your learners to engage in an analytical debate involving the innovative leaps and bounds of two giants: Apple and Microsoft. This exciting inquiry will help you foster a better understanding of industry competition and technological creativity.
Learn More: Pro Essays
The tumultuous periods of World War I and II are perfect grounds for your students to explore historical cause and effect. Task them with analyzing the geopolitical factors that led to these monumental conflicts, and the subsequent shaping of modern history.
Learn More: Paper Owl
A culinary conundrum is the perfect way to sum up this debate topic! Have your learners weigh the ethical, environmental, and health-related aspects of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. This topic will lead them to consider the broader implications of their dietary choices.
Learn More: Ivy Panda
Sports fans unite! This comparison will draw your students into the vibrant world of basketball and football. Encourage them to analyze the unique rules, cultures, and excitement that define each game; sparking a passion for sportsmanship.
Learn More: Samploon
Invite your kiddos to explore the literary genius of Shakespeare. Invite them to craft essays comparing his tragic and comedic masterpieces- unraveling the human condition’s contrasting emotions and universal truths.
Learn More: Mega Essays
How about exploring different education systems with your pupils? Encourage them to compare and contrast private and public education to ignite a debate that goes beyond mere preferences to socio-economic considerations.
This topic is great for inspiring thoughts on independence, family connections, and the transition to adulthood. Simply invite your students to reflect on the merits and challenges of living at home versus living on campus.
Learn More: PhD Essay
Superheroes provide more than just entertainment. This imaginative topic offers endless opportunities for literary analysis and fun! By examining the worlds of Marvel and DC Comics, your students can explore narratives, iconic characters, and creativity.
Ancient myths provide fertile ground for learning. To expose your students to different cultural interpretations of divinity and human nature, prompt them to delve into Greek and Roman mythology
Learn More: Edu Zaurus
With this topic, our health is up for debate! Encourage your students to investigate the intricacies of physical and mental well-being to foster a compassionate understanding of the importance of overall wellness in today’s society.
Learn More: Docsity
Urban and rural living provides an engaging dichotomy for your students to dissect. To enhance their awareness of environmental and human diversity, implore them to explore personal preferences and societal values that shape our lives.
The balance between logic and creativity is at play here. Task your students with examining the connections and contrasts between the worlds of science and arts. This will help you foster an appreciation for the complexity of human intellect and expression.
Learn More: Studocu
Brewing a delightful discussion for your students, this topic contrasts coffee and tea. Prompt them to explore cultural significance, taste preferences, and the daily rituals that these beverages play in lives around the globe.
Learn More: Study Hippo
Artistic exploration is what this topic focuses on. Encourage your learners to reflect on the shifts from traditional art mediums to digital innovations; learning about the ever-evolving landscape of artistic creation and consumption in the process.
This thought-provoking environmental topic invites your students to become stewards of the Earth. Guide them in differentiating between climate change and global warming- emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy in today’s world.
Medical practices offer unmatched exploration opportunities for your students to enjoy. Lead them through the philosophies and methodologies behind Western and traditional medicine to cultivate a respect for diverse healthcare systems.
Understanding different personality types is a crucial lesson for the youth of today. Invite your students to delve into the fascinating worlds of introverts and extroverts to enhance their empathy and social awareness.
Learn More: Study Corgi
Real-world finance is the focus here. Guide your pupils in a comparison of renting and owning a home to equip them with practical knowledge about one of life’s major financial decisions.
Learn More: Paper Ap
An enlightening environmental topic awaits exploration with this essay prompt. Engage your learners in the exploration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. What a fantastic way of promoting a sense of responsibility and foresight for the planet’s future.
Literary delights await your students as they delve into this comparison. Encourage them to explore the distinctive charms of storytelling and factual writing to enrich their appreciation for both imagination and reality.
Learn More: Bartleby
Music as an art form offers your students an intriguing contrast between classical and pop genres. Guide them through a melodious exploration to foster an appreciation for musical history and contemporary trends.
Learn More: Arts Columbia
Challenge your learners to investigate the contrasting academic fields of mathematics and literature. This thought-provoking topic will engage their critical thinking and broaden their educational horizons.
Learn More: PDF
Dive into the world of nutrition with your students. By exploring organic and non-organic farming, they’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, health, and global food systems.
Learn More: Study Driver
Linguistic barriers are meant to be broken! Encourage your students to compare the processes of learning English and Chinese- sparking a fascination for languages and the interconnection of cultures.
Learn More: Reddit
A friendly rivalry between pet lovers will engage your students. Guide them through the joys and responsibilities of caring for dogs and cats to foster empathy and practical knowledge.
Learn More: Share Your Essays
Career ethics and personal growth are at the heart of this topic! Encourage them to weigh the values of volunteering versus paid work, building their understanding of societal roles and personal fulfillment.
Learn More: Understood
Reading habits evolve over time, and your students can explore this change with a thought-provoking essay. As they write, prompt them to consider the tactile joy of physical books against the convenience of audiobooks, spending time reflecting on personal preferences and technological impact.
Feb 15, 2023
Need help writing a compare and contrast essay check out these tips and examples to get you started.
A compare and contrast essay is a differentiation of two or more topics, explaining similarities and differences between them through an essay writing format. It is essential that each topic is clearly highlighted in order to be accurately compared.
This form of academic writing works best for essay topics that have similarities to be compared to each other. For example, you can compare and contrast two novels or authors, or two school subjects or cuisines. In order to write this type of essay well, it is important to conduct research and use reliable sources to ensure the accuracy of your work.
If you want to write high-quality compare-and-contrast essays, we recommend using Jenni.ai's Free Essay Writer for AI assistance. Get your essays done 10x faster with the help of artificial intelligence!
A compare and contrast essay is a type of written work where the writer analyzes and compares two or more subjects to identify their similarities and differences (e.g., cats and dogs as pets). This essay is a useful tool for gaining a deeper understanding of the subjects being compared and for improving our knowledge of them.
In a compare and contrast essay, the first step is to identify the subjects that will be analyzed. This could also be two books, historical events, pieces of art, or any other subjects that can be compared. The writer must then gather information on each of the subjects in order to develop a strong thesis statement.
The body of the essay is where the writer compares and contrasts the subjects. This can be done in a point-by-point or block comparison format. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement in a new, more insightful way.
A compare-and-contrast type of essay has two main approaches. There is the block method and the point-by-point style. Let's dive a little deeper into each one!
Block Method - The block method presents all arguments related to the initial statement in the essay and compares them directly to the opposing statement. The purpose is to provide an in-depth analysis of each point by presenting supporting evidence in the form of examples that focuses on one statement over the other.
Phrases such as "in relation to" or "in the same way" is best used in the block method as it helps establish the relationship between each argument. Keep in mind that in order for the points to be presented effectively, these quotes are presented in relation directly to the initial statement in order to analyze the relationship between the two subjects.
Point-by-point Method - The point-by-point method presents an argument for each point that is directly compared against the opposing statement. In this method, the writer focuses on one point or aspect at a time, describing both statements and how they are similar or different in a precise manner.
This method is used more in academic writing and essay writing because it is simpler and easier to use than the block method. However, writers are not discouraged from using either approach as long as they understand how to effectively use each of them.
Creating a compare and contrast essay is relatively simple once you understand the basic concepts behind it. Here are some helpful tips to get you started with creating a high-quality essay:
Create a general overview that defines each of the paragraphs and how they relate to each other. This is essential after doing research to give the readers a general idea of what the essay will be about.
Create a structure for your paper by creating a roadmap for each paragraph that clearly outlines how the information will be presented. This will help the writer structure their thoughts and ideas and make sure nothing is left out or forgotten about during the editing process.
Transitions are very useful in comparing and contrasting essays as they provide a clear connection between each point being discussed and how it relates to the other points.
Create symmetrical comparisons when presenting your ideas to the readers to ensure everything is explained properly. For example, if you are comparing and contrasting two literary works, it should be clear for the reader how the ideas presented in one work relate to the ideas presented in the other work.
After finishing your entire essay, make sure to proofread and edit accordingly to make sure that all the relevant talking points are panned out correctly throughout the whole essay structure.
Now that we have talked about the basics of a compare and contrast essay, we will now talk about the process and steps for outlining to help you out accomplish your essay effectively.
Block Method Outline:
In a block format compare and contrast essay, the writer discusses all the similarities and differences between one subject before moving on to the next subject.
Here is an example of how the block format in a compare and contrast essay might be structured:
I. Introduction Paragraph
A. Background information on the subjects being compared and contrasted
B. Thesis statement outlining the purpose of the essay
II. Block format of Subject 1
A. Detailed description of Subject 1
B. Analysis of the similarities and differences between Subject 1 and Subject 2
III. Block format of Subject 2
A. Detailed description of Subject 2
B. Analysis of the similarities and differences between Subject 2 and Subject 1
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of the main points of the essay
B. Restatement of the thesis statement in a new, more insightful way
In this format, the writer first provides a detailed description of one subject and then analyzes its similarities and differences with the other subject. This is repeated for the second subject, ensuring that all similarities and differences are thoroughly discussed. This format allows the writer to provide a comprehensive analysis of each subject before moving on to the next, making it a useful format for writing a detailed and thorough compare-and-contrast essay.
Point by point Method:
A point-by-point compare and contrast essay is a type of essay where the writer compares and contrasts two or more subjects by discussing a specific aspect or point of each subject in relation to the other.
Here is an example of how a point-by-point compare and contrast essay might be structured:
I. Introductory Paragraph
II. Point 1: Comparison of aspect 1 of Subject 1 and Subject 2
A. Analysis of aspect 1 of Subject 1
B. Analysis of aspect 1 of Subject 2
C. Comparison and contrast of aspect 1 of Subject 1 and Subject 2
III. Point 2: Comparison of aspect 2 of Subject 1 and Subject 2
A. Analysis of aspect 2 of Subject 1
B. Analysis of aspect 2 of Subject 2
C. Comparison and contrast of aspect 2 of Subject 1 and Subject 2
IV. Point 3: Comparison of aspect 3 of Subject 1 and Subject 2
A. Analysis of aspect 3 of Subject 1
B. Analysis of aspect 3 of Subject 2
C. Comparison and contrast of aspect 3 of Subject 1 and Subject 2
V. Conclusion
In this format, the writer focuses on one aspect or point at a time, comparing and contrasting it between the two subjects. This allows the writer to provide a detailed and thorough analysis of each aspect, making it a useful format for writing a highly specific and focused compare-and-contrast essay.
Now that we have talked about all the essential things needed to create a compare and contrast essay, let's move on to some examples that will inspire you to create your very own essay!
"The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we're going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same.
The latest version of both operating systems — iOS 16 and Android 13 — are both excellent, but in slightly different ways. Many of their features overlap, but design-wise they look quite different, aside from the basic touchscreen-focused layout. Whichever of the best phones available today you buy, they'll be running one of these two OSes.
Pitting iPhone vs. Android, we take a look at the respective strengths of each mobile platform, so you can pick the right one for you the next time you buy a smartphone. If you want to see the current flagships for Android and iOS, be sure to check out our Pixel 7 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pixel 7 vs. iPhone 14 face-offs. And if you're convinced to want to leave your iPhone, read more about Google's new Switch To Android app that will help you move over.
You're invested in Apple's ecosystem. This might seem like a shallow reason, but Apple obviously makes a wide breadth of tech products, and if you already own a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch, getting an iPhone makes a lot of sense.
Apple has designed a multitude of continuity features that allow you to carry over work and data from one of its devices to another, and these features can certainly save you time. Take Handoff, for example, where calls on your iPhone and web pages in Safari can move seamlessly between iOS and macOS. Universal Clipboard makes text copied on one platform usable on the other. Another one of our favourites is Continuity Camera, which allows you to take pictures and scan documents using your iPhone's camera, and then view and edit them on your Mac. You can even complete purchases on your Mac by using biometric authentication features on your iPhone via Apple Pay.
Only a handful of Android phone makers have hardware ecosystems that approach Apple's, and even for some that come close, like Samsung, you won't get the depth of integration possible between the iPhone and other Apple-built devices. Microsoft is helping Google close the gap somewhat with its new Your Phone app for Windows, which allows Android users to respond to texts and notifications on their PCs, though the experience is a little clunky and there is still work to be done."
"A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TINY HOUSE MOVEMENT
Interestingly, the modern tiny house movement sprouted in the 1980s, increasing in popularity these last three decades. Thanks to blogging, books, and magazine spotlights, the tiny house bug has spread and grown significantly.
While the real estate crisis has had an impact on the tiny house movement’s popularity, that’s not all that makes it appealing.
People love the tiny house options for practical, ethical, and emotional reasons.
PRACTICAL REASONS
Additionally, choosing a smaller home can save you lots of money. You’ll spend less on utilities. Maintenance will cost you less as there is not so much house to maintain and remodel. They are more economical than a stick-built home, and your property taxes are something to brag about.
Another practical point is minimalism in your belongings. In a tiny home, you will have no choice but to whittle down your belongings to what you will actually use. There is freedom in this.
ETHICAL REASONS
From an ethical standpoint, tiny house proponents are environmentally friendly. They use less CO2 than the average home. Due to the smaller space, energy spent on heating and cooling is greatly reduced. Oftentimes these tiny homes are made out of recycled materials. They are usually self-sufficient, making use of renewable energies such as rainwater. Thus they provide homeowners with everything they need.
Homeowners like to choose the way of the tiny home in an effort to help the environment.
There you have it. A brief scoop on the mobile home vs tiny house movement. We hope you found this article interesting and helpful."
Creating compare-and-contrast essays is quite fun to write especially if you have familiarized yourself with the topics at hand. Just make sure to keep our tips in mind to create high-quality essays.
If you want your compare-and-contrast essays done 10x faster, we recommend using Jenni.ai along with the tips and guidelines we provided you in this post. Jenni.ai is a fantastic AI software that aids your essay writing process so that you could produce your writing needs faster and better than ever!
Create your first piece of content with Jenni today and never look back
Discover top-notch compare and contrast essay examples to enhance your writing skills and master the art of differentiation.
When you're assigned a compare and contrast essay, it's important to understand how to effectively differentiate between two or more subjects. This type of essay requires you to analyze and evaluate the similarities and differences between the chosen topics. By examining various compare and contrast essay examples, you can gain valuable insights into the structure, content, and overall approach to this type of academic writing. In this article, we will highlight the best 10+ compare and contrast essay examples that can help you learn how to differentiate effectively.
Defining a Compare and Contrast Essay
A compare and contrast essay is a type of academic writing in which you analyze and evaluate the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. The objective is to showcase the relationship and contrast between the chosen topics, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of them. This type of essay allows you to critically analyze the subjects by outlining their similarities and differences and presenting them in a clear and organized manner.
Different Types of Compare and Contrast Essays
There are several different types of compare and contrast essays that you may encounter during your academic journey. It's important to understand these different types to choose the most appropriate approach for your assignment. Here are some common types of compare and contrast essays:
Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay
To write a successful compare and contrast essay, it's essential to follow a structured approach. Here are some steps that can guide you through the process:
By following these steps and examining various compare and contrast essay examples, you can improve your writing skills and effectively differentiate between subjects in your academic essays.
Cats and dogs are popular pets that provide companionship and happiness to their owners. Although both are furry animals, they have many differences in terms of behavior, care, and interaction with humans.
Differences in behavior.
In conclusion, although both cats and dogs make great pets, they have distinct differences in behavior, care, and interaction with humans. Understanding these differences can help potential pet owners make an informed decision based on their lifestyle and preferences.
Still have questions? Leave a comment
Add Comment
Enter your email id to get the downloadable right in your inbox!
Need editing and proofreading services.
A compare and contrast essay, as the name suggests, is used to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more congruent topics. Contrary to popular belief, a compare and contrast essay doesn’t simply list out the similarities and distinctions between two subjects. Rather, it analyzes these similarities or distinctions and explains their significance.
Do you have difficulty writing a compare and contrast essay? In this article, we will walk you through the basics of this essay and how to write it. To give you a gist of how these essays are written, we will also provide plenty of compare and contrast essay formats and examples.
Eliminate all errors with our expert essay editing services! Get started
Let’s start with the basics: What is a compare and contrast essay?
A compare and contrast essay is a type of essay in which the similarities and differences between two or more corresponding subjects are highlighted and analyzed. The main goal of this essay is to come up with an original argument based on the breakdown of two or more topics.
1. Comparing two subjects that can be better analyzed as a pair.
A compare and contrast essay can be used to highlight the similarities or differences between two subjects that cannot be explained on their own. For instance, comparing the marketing strategies of two competing fast-food chains can uncover similarities in their advertising techniques and consumer appeal. In this way, a compare and contrast essay can help you analyze two subjects that cannot be explained on their own.
2. Highlighting differences between two seemingly identical subjects.
You can use this essay to highlight the distinction between two subjects that are often confused. For instance, poisonous and venomous are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Your compare and contrast essay could highlight the differences between these two kinds of organisms.
3. Highlighting similarities between two seemingly unrelated subjects.
You can also use the compare and contrast essay to point out similarities between seemingly dissimilar subjects. For instance, the 1970s and the 2020s are separated by several decades and have distinct characteristics. However, both these eras have been marked by significant sociopolitical activism.
To guide you further, we’ve included additional topics for compare and contrast essays.
While choosing an essay topic, it is important enough to pick topics that are comparable yet not too similar. The goal is to find dissimilarities to analyze the assets and drawbacks of each subject. However, the subjects should still be analogous enough to be compared.
To better understand this let’s take a look at a few good compare and contrast essay topics:
Now that we’ve got the gist of standard compare and contrast essay topics, let’s move on to the tricky part of actually writing compare and contrast essays.
Before you begin writing your compare and contrast essay, it is important to make sure that you are using the same metrics to compare both your subjects. For instance, you cannot make a comparison by stating that an apple is red or green while a papaya produces a large number of seeds!
You must use identical metrics for comparison. For instance:
Let’s take a look at writing a comparative essay in a bit more detail:
If you’re still debating how to start a compare and contrast essay, you can follow this simple step. You can create two or more columns for your subjects and note down their major characteristics. You can then compare their characteristics and note down any similarities or differences.
Here’s an example:
Now that we’ve listed the characteristics of each bird, let’s note down the similarities and differences between the two:
If you are more of a visual learner, you can also make use of a Venn diagram. You can simply draw two circles with an overlapping portion. Note down the characteristics unique to each subject in the portion that does not overlap, and note down the similarities in the overlapping portion. Here’s an example:
A thesis statement explains the reason why two subjects need to be compared. It establishes the significance of their comparison. Although developing a meaningful thesis statement can be tricky, you can figure it out by asking yourself “So what?”.
For instance, if you’re comparing the lifestyle of the royal families in the Eastern and Western civilizations, you must have a reason to choose those particular subjects. One reason could be to study the impact of these civilizations on modern-day society. Here’s an example thesis statement based on this premise:
The contrasting lifestyles of royal families in Eastern and Western civilizations, rooted in cultural traditions and historical developments, have shaped their roles as figureheads and influencers, impacting modern-day society through ceremonial symbolism, media presence, cultural preservation, and fashion trends.
If you’re still contemplating how to start a compare and contrast essay, you can create a flow for all your ideas with the help of an essay structure. This structure or outline divides your essay into three basic sections:
Most school and college essays consist of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. You can certainly extend the number of body paragraphs of your essay depending on the topic and complexity of your essay. However, the number of paragraphs in the introduction and conclusion remains the same.
An essay introduction consists of an opening line, relevant background information, and the thesis statement. The body paragraphs are arranged according to different topic sentences. Relevant explanations, facts, and statistics are provided to substantiate the claims made in these topic sentences. The conclusion, like the introduction, also consists of three facets. It includes an updated version of your thesis statement, a summary of the main points of your essay, and a conclusion.
The outline for your compare and contrast essay serves as a base you can build upon. You can use it as a guide while writing your essay. We will take a closer look at compare and contrast essay outlines in the next section of the article.
After constructing a well-structured outline, you can start building your essay with the help of the key points that you’ve jotted down. The comparisons that you’ve noted down earlier can provide the talking points in your essay. Each paragraph consists of three main aspects:
Since you’ve already created a rough outline, your job becomes much easier. You can elaborate on the main talking points of your essay by data collated from various reputed sources. This can include facts, statistics, experiments/studies conducted, or even expert opinions. To make your argument stronger, you can also include tables, figures, or diagrams.
Here’s an example of how you can build on your basic outline:
Topic sentence : A comparison of the Aztecs and Mayans reveals distinct differences in their social structures shedding light on the unique characteristics of these two Mesoamerican civilizations.
Explanation: The Aztecs and Mayans, two prominent Mesoamerican civilizations, displayed striking disparities in their social structures, religious beliefs, and artistic expressions. The Aztecs established a centralized empire with a powerful government headed by an emperor, wielding supreme authority. This hierarchical society comprised nobles, commoners, and slaves, offering limited social mobility. In contrast, the Mayans organized themselves into independent city-states, each with its own ruler and governing system. Their social structure encompassed rulers, nobles, priests, merchants, farmers, and artisans, allowing for some degree of social mobility.
Translation statement: Along with the social structure, the Mayans and Aztecs also had very different everyday routines.
After completing the first draft of your essay, take a break for a day or two before getting back to it. This not only helps you look at your work from an objective point of view but also makes room for new ideas.
In case you notice an abundance of errors while revising your essay, don’t fret, it’s a part of the process. You may need two or three revisions, but make sure to tweak and revise your essay until it is up to the mark. If required, you can also get help from friends, seniors, or even family members.
Once you’re satisfied with the structure and content of your essay, you can start with the editing process. The editing process involves everything from making major structural adjustments for the sake of clarity to correcting mechanical and typesetting errors for the sake of readability.
If the deadline is drawing closer and there’s not enough time, you can also consider working with an essay editing service . These services help you avoid the convoluted and time-consuming process of editing your essay.
Although the introduction and conclusion paragraphs of a compare and contrast essay format remain the same, there are three main methods by which body paragraphs can be arranged. They are:
Depending on the purpose and topic of your essay, you can make use of any of the three formats. Let’s take a closer look at the outlines of each of these compare and contrast essay formats:
In the block outline, the analysis of the characteristics of one subject is completed before moving on to the next. Although this method discusses a subject in its entirety and creates a flow, it’s often difficult to draw parallels between the two subjects.
Let’s understand this outline with the help of an example. The following comparative essay block outline example analyzes the positive effects of the color green and the drawbacks of the color red on the human mind.
The Impact of Colors on Your State of Mind
I. Introduction
A. Engaging opening statement about the impact of colors on human perception
B. The significance of colors and their effects on emotions
C. Main argument stating that green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
A. Discussion of Green
1. Characteristics of green and its association with nature and tranquility
2. Examples, statistics, or research findings that demonstrate the soothing effects of green on the human eye
3. Positive impact of green on mental well-being and stress reduction
B. Discussion of Red
1. Characteristics of red and its association with intensity and stimulation
2. Examples, statistics, or research findings that show the potentially overwhelming or agitating effects of red on the human eye
3. Negative impact of red on mental state and a potential increase in stress levels as a result
C. Comparison of Green and Red
1. Visual contrast between the calming effect of green and the stimulating effect of red
2. Emotional responses elicited by green and red, that emphasize the soothing nature of green and the potentially disruptive nature of red
3. Surveys or studies that indicate a higher preference for green in various settings
III. Conclusion
A. Updated main argument: Green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
B. Summary of the key points from the body paragraphs: The benefits of green and the drawbacks of red
C. Using green in various environments, such as interior design, healthcare facilities, and urban planning, to promote a soothing visual experience for individuals
D. Impactful ending sentence: The importance of color choices for a harmonious environment
If you want to establish a stronger connection between your different points of comparison, consider using the alternating outline. In this type of outline, the comparison between subjects is much more blatant as both of the subjects are evaluated against a particular metric. However, the alternating outline can result in two disjointed sections.
Each body paragraph consists of a single metric against which both subjects are measured. Let’s better understand the alternating essay outline with the help of the same example:
A. Captivating hook about the influence of colors on human perception
B. Overview of the significance of colors and their impact on emotions
C. Thesis statement stating that green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
II. Body Paragraph 1: Comparison of Green and Red
A. Visual Characteristics
1. Green: Associated with nature, calmness, and tranquility
2. Red: Associated with intensity, excitement, and stimulation
B. Emotional Impact
1. Green: Elicits feelings of relaxation, harmony, and rejuvenation
2. Red: Evokes emotions like passion, energy, and even agitation or stress
C. Effects on Eye Fatigue
1. Green: More restful for the eyes due to its position in the color spectrum
2. Red: Prolonged exposure to red can strain the eyes and potentially lead to eye fatigue
III. Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Implementing Green
A. Psychological Well-being
1. Green: Promotes a sense of calmness, reduces stress, and improves overall mental well-being
2. Red: Excessive exposure to red can potentially increase stress levels and negatively impact psychological health
B. Environmental Impact
1. Green: Incorporating green elements in urban environments, interior design, and healthcare facilities can create a soothing atmosphere
2. Red: Potential disruptive effects of excessive red usage in certain settings and its contrasting impact on visual comfort
IV. Conclusion
A. Updated thesis statement: Green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
B. Summary of key points in body paragraphs: Difference between green and red, emphasizing the soothing qualities of green and the potential drawbacks of red
C. Implementation of green in various contexts, and its positive impact on well-being and creating visually comfortable environments
D. Impactful concluding statement: The significance of color choices and their influence on our daily lives
If you want the focus to be on the comparison between the two topics, it is a good idea to implement the similarities and differences outline. This format bears a resemblance to the alternating outline.
However, the metrics of comparison are the similarities and differences between the two subjects, as opposed to certain characteristics. A single paragraph lists all the similarities between the two topics, followed by a paragraph that lists all the distinctions.
Here’s an example outline for a compare and contrast essay using the similarities and differences method:
A. Intriguing statement about the impact of colors on visual perception
B. Brief overview of the significance of colors and their effects on emotions
II. Body Paragraph 1: Similarities between Green and Red
1. Green: Visual characteristics of green, such as its association with nature and tranquility
2. Red: Visual characteristics of red, such as its association with intensity and stimulation
1. Green: Both green and red can evoke emotional responses, such as calmness or excitement, albeit to different degrees
2. Red: Both green and red can elicit emotions, but red tends to evoke more intense and stimulating feelings
III. Body Paragraph 2: Differences between Green and Red
A. Soothing Qualities
1. Green: Green is inherently soothing to the eye due to its position in the color spectrum and its association with nature
2. Red: Red, on the other hand, can be visually intense and potentially overwhelming, making it less soothing
B. Psychological Effects
1. Green: Green promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances mental well-being
2. Red: Prolonged exposure to red can potentially increase stress levels and negatively impact psychological health
C. Eye Fatigue
1. Green: Green is considered more restful for the eyes, as it requires less eye strain and can reduce eye fatigue
2. Red: Excessive exposure to red can strain the eyes and potentially lead to eye fatigue
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Benefits of Implementing Green
A. Environmental Impact
1. Incorporating green elements in various environments, such as interior design, urban planning, and healthcare facilities, can create a soothing atmosphere
2. Potential positive effects on mental well-being and overall quality of life
V. Conclusion
B. Summary of key points in body paragraphs: Similarities and differences between green and red, that emphasize the soothing qualities of green and the potential drawbacks of red
C. Need for the implementation of green in different settings, and its positive impact on visual comfort and well-being
D. Thought-provoking statement: Significance of color choices and their influence on our daily lives
Now that we’ve understood the three basic outlines for compare and contrast essays let’s take a look at compare and contrast essay examples for these three formats.
There are three main formats that you can use to write a compare and contrast essay. You can select one of these formats depending on what you’d like to convey to the reader. We will provide example essays for all three formats and pick a topic best suited for each essay format.
Let’s take a look:
The following compare and contrast essay example is based on the comparative analysis of two of Edgar Allan Poe’s greatest works.
A Comparative Analysis of The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart
Edgar Allan Poe, a master of Gothic literature, created two captivating and chilling tales, The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart . While both stories delve into the realms of madness, guilt, and obsession, they differ in their narrative structures, character portrayals, and themes. Take a closer look at and uncover the unique elements that make these literary masterpieces enduring classics in the world of dark fiction.
The Raven is a narrative poem composed of eighteen stanzas, employing a rhyming scheme of ABCBBB. It follows a straightforward linear progression, recounting the narrator’s interaction with the mysterious raven, which repeatedly utters the word “nevermore.” The narrator is a grieving man consumed by sorrow and melancholy, haunted by the loss of his beloved Lenore. The raven assumes a symbolic role, representing an otherworldly and ominous presence that fuels the narrator’s descent into madness. The poem primarily explores themes of grief, loss, and the inability to escape from painful memories, while also delving into the supernatural, the macabre, and the fragility of the human mind when faced with the unknown.
On the other hand, The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story narrated in the first person by an unnamed protagonist who is determined to prove their sanity. The story follows a non-linear structure, with the narrator recounting the events leading up to and after the murder of the old man with a “vulture eye.” The protagonist is an unnamed and unreliable narrator whose intense obsession with the old man’s eye leads to murder. The old man, with his “vulture eye,” becomes a symbol of the narrator’s guilt and paranoia, fueling the story’s suspense. The Tell-Tale Heart explores themes of guilt, paranoia, and the dark recesses of the human mind. It delves into the thin line between sanity and insanity, highlighting the overwhelming power of a guilty conscience.
The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart , both masterpieces by Edgar Allan Poe, showcase his profound understanding of the human psyche. While The Raven takes the form of a narrative poem and focuses on grief, loss, and the supernatural, The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story with an unreliable narrator, delving into guilt, paranoia, and the blurred boundaries of sanity. Despite their structural and thematic differences, both works captivate readers with their exploration of the darkest aspects of the human soul. Through their masterful storytelling, Poe leaves an indelible mark on literature, inviting readers to confront their own fears and delve into the depths of the human psyche.
The following compare and contrast essay example highlights the stark contrast between life during the 1800s and the present day.
Contrasting Life During the 1800s and Life Today
Society during the 1800s and present-day society are characterized by stark differences in technological advancements, societal norms, and overall quality of life. There have been significant developments areas of communication, transportation, healthcare, and social dynamics between the two eras. By examining the contrasting aspects of life during the 1800s and present-day life, we can gain a deeper insight into how society has evolved.
In the 1800s people relied primarily on written letters, which often took weeks or even months to reach their destination. The introduction of the telegraph provided a faster means of long-distance communication but remained limited in accessibility. Today, communication is instant and global, thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, social media platforms, and the internet. People can connect through video calls, messaging apps, and social networking sites, bridging distances and facilitating real-time conversations.
People in the 1800s primarily relied on horse-drawn carriages, ships, and railways as modes of transportation. Long-distance travel was slow and arduous, often taking weeks or even months to complete, while local transportation was limited to walking or horseback riding. In contrast, modern transportation is characterized by the advent of automobiles, airplanes, and high-speed trains. These advancements enable swift and efficient travel across the globe. Air travel has become commonplace, allowing people to reach distant locations in a matter of hours, while cars provide individual mobility and flexibility.
Healthcare in the 1800s was marked by rudimentary medical knowledge and practices. There was often a lack of scientific understanding and proper sanitation measures, resulting in limited and ineffective medical treatments. This led to high mortality rates for common illnesses and diseases. In recent times, advances in medical science, technology, and research have revolutionized healthcare. Cutting-edge treatments, vaccines, and surgical procedures have significantly increased life expectancy and improved overall well-being.
The 1800s were characterized by strict social hierarchies, class divisions, and limited opportunities for social mobility. Gender roles were rigidly defined, with limited rights and opportunities for women. However, contemporary society has made significant strides toward equality and inclusivity. Movements advocating for gender, racial, and LGBTQ+ rights have pushed for social progress. Social mobility and opportunities for personal and professional growth have expanded, promoting a more diverse and inclusive society.
In conclusion, life during the 1800s and life today differ significantly in terms of communication, transportation, healthcare, and social dynamics. Technological advancements, scientific progress, and societal changes have transformed the way we live and interact with the world. While the 1800s were marked by limitations and hardships, the modern era offers unprecedented convenience, connectivity, and opportunities for personal growth. By examining these contrasting aspects, we gain a deeper appreciation for the advancements that have shaped our lives today and a better understanding of the progress humanity has made over time.
The following example of a compare and contrast essay studies the similarities and differences between amphibians and reptiles.
Exploring the Fascinating Worlds of Amphibians and Reptiles
Amphibians and reptiles are two distinct groups of animals that belong to the larger classification of vertebrates. While they share some similarities, they also exhibit significant differences in their physical characteristics, life cycles, habitats, and reproductive strategies. Let’s take a closer look at both these species by highlighting their unique features and adaptations to their respective environments.
Although different species, amphibians, and reptiles share several similarities. Both groups are cold-blooded, or ectothermic, which means their body temperatures are regulated by the environment. This characteristic influences their behavior and activity levels, as they rely on external heat sources to warm their bodies. Both species also lay eggs for reproduction. The eggs of both groups are covered by protective membranes, which provide a suitable environment for development outside the parent’s body. Additionally, amphibians and reptiles have a similar general body plan, characterized by a backbone, four limbs (or remnants of limbs), and a well-developed skull.
Despite these similarities, there are notable differences between the two species. Amphibians have a dual life cycle, which involves an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage. They typically lay their eggs in water and undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larvae, into terrestrial adults with lungs. A frog is one classic example of an amphibian. In contrast, reptiles have a direct life cycle, with offspring hatching from eggs that are laid on land. They bypass the aquatic larval stage and are born as miniature versions of the adults, equipped for a terrestrial existence. Alligators and crocodiles are the most commonly known reptiles.
Another significant difference lies in their respective habitats. Amphibians are often associated with moist environments, such as swamps, rivers, and ponds, as they require
water for breeding and maintaining skin moisture. They are highly adapted to live in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Reptiles, on the other hand, have evolved to inhabit a wider range of environments. They can be found in various habitats, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and even oceans. Reptiles have developed strategies to conserve water, such as the ability to excrete uric acid instead of urea, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions.
Physiologically, amphibians and reptiles differ in their skin structure and respiration. Amphibians have moist and permeable skin that serves multiple functions, including gas exchange and water absorption. This unique characteristic allows them to respire through their skin, particularly during their larval stage. In contrast, reptiles have dry and scaly skin that acts as a protective barrier against water loss. They rely on lungs for respiration and have more efficient respiratory systems compared to amphibians.
In conclusion, while amphibians and reptiles share some similarities, such as being ectothermic and laying eggs, they have distinct differences in their life cycles, habitats, and physiological characteristics. Amphibians undergo metamorphosis and have a dual life cycle, adapting to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Reptiles, on the other hand, have a direct life cycle and are adapted to a wide range of habitats. Understanding these similarities and differences helps us appreciate the diverse adaptations that have allowed these fascinating creatures to thrive in different ecosystems across the world.
We hope that these examples of compare and contrast essays guide you in acing your essay assignment! As editing and proofreading experts, we realize the importance of submitting error-free essays.
To help you minimize errors, we have created detailed resources about several important aspects of essay writing. Go through the following resources to enhance your essay-writing skills!
How to write an introduction paragraph for a compare and contrast essay, how to write a conclusion paragraph for a compare and contrast essay, how to title a compare and contrast essay, what is a good title for a compare and contrast essay, what is a good topic sentence for a compare and contrast essay.
Found this article helpful?
Leave a Comment: Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published.
Your organization needs a technical editor: here’s why, your guide to the best ebook readers in 2024, writing for the web: 7 expert tips for web content writing.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get carefully curated resources about writing, editing, and publishing in the comfort of your inbox.
How to Copyright Your Book?
If you’ve thought about copyrighting your book, you’re on the right path.
© 2024 All rights reserved
selected template will load here
This action is not available.
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)
\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)
\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)
\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)
The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. Comparison and contrast is simply telling how two things are alike or different. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both. The thesis should focus on comparing, contrasting, or both.
Objectives: By the end of this unit, you will be able to
Example Thesis: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.
Sample Paragraph:
Organic grown tomatoes purchased at the farmers’ market are very different from tomatoes that are grown conventionally. To begin with, although tomatoes from both sources will mostly be red, the tomatoes at the farmers’ market are a brighter red than those at a grocery store. That doesn’t mean they are shinier—in fact, grocery store tomatoes are often shinier since they have been waxed. You are likely to see great size variation in tomatoes at the farmers’ market, with tomatoes ranging from only a couple of inches across to eight inches across. By contrast, the tomatoes in a grocery store will be fairly uniform in size. All the visual differences are interesting, but the most important difference is the taste. The farmers’ market tomatoes will be bursting with flavor from ripening on the vine in their own time. However, the grocery store tomatoes are often close to being flavorless. In conclusion, the differences in organic and conventionally grown tomatoes are obvious in color, size and taste.
A compare and contrast essay — what is it? In this type of paper, you compare two different things or ideas , highlighting what is similar between the two, and you also contrast them , highlighting what is different. The two things might be events, people, books, points of view, lifestyles, or things. In a good compare and contrast essay, you don’t only compare the two issues. You also make a meaningful argument about them.
Want to learn more? Keep reading this article by Custom Writing experts! It contains the top tips for writing a compare and contrast essay that will win you your professors’ praises.
💡 choose a compare & contrast essay topic.
Sometimes the assignment gives you the freedom to choose a topic at your pleasure. In this case, you may be bewildered by what to compare. Almost anything can be contrasted, but few comparisons can raise a vivid interest. Just sit for a 15-20 minute brainstorming session using a compare and contrast essay topic generator and you’ll see the true variety of options to talk about.
An intriguing topic makes the writing process more comfortable, not to mention its readability. To choose a successful title, read the next tips.
To clarify the pieces of advice mentioned above, read the following compare and contrast essay ideas .
After you’ve chosen the issues for your compare and contrast essay, you need to make sure they can be discussed in a meaningful way. A mere possibility to compare is not enough. The comparison should be interesting for the readers.
For example, your task is to compare and contrast the Vegan diet and the Paleo Diet . What do you know about these diets? What is interesting about their similarities and differences? In other words: What specific similarities and differences can you pick out about these two diets that will enable you to understand what makes them alike and what makes them different?
You will have to make a list of every similarity and difference you can think of between the two things/ideas to get the full picture. You can organize these into categorized lists, but then you have to go through each list to separate what is similar from what is not.
However, there is a better way: The Learning Center at UNC-Chapel Hill suggests the use of a Venn Diagram to aid you in determining what the two things or ideas have in common and what is completely distinct about each of them
This simple diagram will make it easy to find the differences and similarities between the two things that make up the essay’s topic. Just fill them in the diagram and then choose the top similarities and the top differences.
With these similarities and differences, you may choose a thesis for your essay that will make it possible for you to get your argument effectively across.
The whole objective of this paper type is to compare and contrast two different aspects of a topic. Sometimes a topic is assigned, and sometimes you choose your own. Either way, you will need to decide on your thesis .
The best part of all is that you have your compare and contrast thesis statement in the bag because you already have your similarities and differences all mapped out and have chosen the best of them. Perhaps your essay can explain why people who choose one of these two diets hate the other diet and how this animosity is not necessary.
The questions below will help you formulate a thesis statement for your compare and contrast essay.
❔ | What is relevant to the course and the specific assignment? |
❔ | What is most informative and interesting? |
❔ | What is the basic idea of the topic? |
❔ | Which similarities and differences are relevant to your argument? |
❔ | Whether the similarities or differences are more important? |
Here is an example of a compare and contrast thesis statement:
Both Paleo and Vegan diets have health benefits, but the ideal choice will depend on a person’s level of health, their desired results, and their personal philosophy on harming animals and the earth.
If coming up with a statement is still difficult, use a compare and contrast thesis generator to speed things up and move to writing the main body of an essay.
There are two main methods you can use when making your compare and contrast essay outline . Each of them helps you convey the similarities and differences between your two ideas.
The point-by-point method implies that each of the body paragraphs compares the issues A and B by one parameter. The outline of your compare & contrast essay body would look like this:
Now let’s take a look at a compare and contrast essay outline done point by point. Note that we use the topic discussed in the above sections.
Vegan diet vs. paleo diet.
Introduction:
Paragraph 1: A person’s level of health will determine which diet is the best choice.
This paragraph will compare and contrast the Paleo and Vegan diets based on potential health issues a person might have, such as a specific disease or food allergies.
Paragraph 2: A person’s desired results will have an effect on which diet they choose.
This paragraph will compare and contrast the Paleo and Vegan diets based on why a person would choose the diet and the desired results, i.e., better health and weight loss.
Paragraph 3: A person’s personal philosophy on animals and the earth will factor into their decision on which diet to choose.
This paragraph will compare and contrast the Paleo and Vegan Diets based on a person’s personal philosophy regarding harming animals and which diet is better for the overall environment and the planet’s health.
Conclusion:
Using the block method, you first present all the parameters of A, and then compare them to the parameters of B. The outline of a compare & contrast essay body would look like this:
Introduction
Paragraphs 1-3: What makes the Paleo diet a good/bad choice?
Paragraphs 3-6: What makes the Vegan diet a good/bad choice?
Still don’t feel confident about writing a compare and contrast paper? You can also check out two great essay examples below.
The quarantine measures caused by the coronavirus pandemic enhanced the shift towards online education, applying modern Internet-based technologies and social media. The majority of people had a chance to experience online education and compare it to the standard face-to-face mode in brick-and-mortar learning institutions. Online universities provide an instant exchange of information that students can approach everywhere and every time they want. In contrast, traditional classes provide remarkable experience through classroom activities. Although online learning is evolving rapidly, in-class learning is still more effective and should be prioritized.
The world has seen many systems regulating socio-economic relationships between people, but the one that remains dominant is capitalism, with its main alternative being socialism. They mainly differ on the principles of ownership, although the implications are also significant enough to call the two each other’s opposites. Throughout centuries, capitalism has been criticized for its vices, including poor treatment of workers, inequality, and irrationality, leading to global warming and financial crises. Meanwhile, socialism has been positioned as a viable alternative capable of resolving those issues. Considering that most of the problems associated with capitalism persist, socialism does seem a more humanistic system. This paper will contrast the two on such aspects as equality, the basis, and rationality.
But wait, there’s more! Below, we’ve gathered our best compare and contrast essay examples. Check them out to get more ideas for your paper.
The definition of a compare and contrast essay is plain to see its name. It is a piece of writing that compares two or more objects to establish their similarities and differences. Some college assignments require only one part, i.e., describing the common or contrasting features.
You can start with a hook, an intriguing question, or an unobvious fact. Then you should introduce the compared objects and provide their background. A strong introduction culminates with a good thesis statement that overviews the entire essay.
A good thesis for almost any essay type creates an argument. Thus, the easiest way to write a thesis for a compare and contrast essay is to define whether the differences outweigh the similarities of the compared phenomena or vice versa.
The conclusion paragraph summarizes the common and diverging features. It leads the reader to a learning point that is focused on your thesis statement. The good idea is to rephrase the thesis in the last sentence of the conclusion.
What is an expository essay? This type of writing aims to inform the reader about the subject clearly, concisely, and objectively. The keyword here is “inform”. You are not trying to persuade your reader to think a certain way or let your own opinions and emotions cloud your work. Just stick to the...
Have you ever tried to write a story analysis but ended up being completely confused and lost? Well, the task might be challenging if you don’t know the essential rules for literary analysis creation. But don’t get frustrated! We know how to write a short story analysis, and we are...
Have you ever tried to get somebody round to your way of thinking? Then you should know how daunting the task is. Still, if your persuasion is successful, the result is emotionally rewarding. A persuasive essay is a type of writing that uses facts and logic to argument and substantiate...
One of the most critical skills that students gain during their college years is assignment writing. Composing impressive essays and research papers can be quite challenging, especially for ESL students. Nonetheless, before learning the art of academic writing, you may make numerous common essay mistakes. Such involuntary errors appear in:...
You’re probably thinking: I’m no Mahatma Gandhi or Steve Jobs—what could I possibly write in my memoir? I don’t even know how to start an autobiography, let alone write the whole thing. But don’t worry: essay writing can be easy, and this autobiography example for students is here to show...
Some people know which profession to choose from childhood, while others decide much later in life. However, and whenever you come to it, you may have to elaborate on it in your personal statement or cover letter. This is widely known as “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay.
Assigned with an essay about friendship? Congrats! It’s one of the best tasks you could get. Digging through your memories and finding strong arguments for this paper can be an enjoyable experience. I bet you will cope with this task effortlessly as we can help you with the assignment. Just...
When you are assigned an autobiography to write, tens, and even hundreds of questions start buzzing in your head. How to write autobiography essay parts? What to include? How to make your autobiography writing flow? Don’t worry about all this and use the following three simple principles and 15 creative...
A life experience essay combines the elements of narration, description, and self-reflection. Such a paper has to focus on a single event that had a significant impact on a person’s worldview and values. Writing an essay about life experience prompts students to do the following: You may struggle with such...
Who has made a significant impact in your life and why? Essay on the topic might be challenging to write. One is usually asked to write such a text as a college admission essay. A topic for this paper can be of your choice or pre-established by the institution. Either...
Are you about to start writing a financial assistance essay? Most probably, you are applying for a scholarship that will provide additional funding for your education or that will help you meet some special research objectives.
What does it mean to grow up? Essays on this topic might be entertaining yet challenging to write. Growing up is usually associated with something new and exciting. It’s a period of everything new and unknown. Now, you’ve been assigned to write a growing up essay. You’re not a kid...
Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Lord of The Flies — Lord of the Flies: Ralph vs. Jack
About this sample
Words: 686 |
Published: Jun 6, 2024
Words: 686 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read
Introduction, ralph: the embodiment of order and civilization, jack: the descent into savagery and power, conflict and consequences.
Let us write you an essay from scratch
Get high-quality help
Verified writer
+ 120 experts online
By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email
No need to pay just yet!
2 pages / 877 words
2.5 pages / 1336 words
2.5 pages / 1080 words
3.5 pages / 1498 words
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.
121 writers online
Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled
William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, is a classic piece of literature that delves into the complexities of human nature and society. The story follows a group of young boys who are stranded on a deserted island and must [...]
William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies is a literary masterpiece that delves into the psyche of human beings and the horrors of society. One of the significant features of this novel is the presence of the littluns, who are [...]
In William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies," the concept of a microcosm is elegantly explored through the experiences of a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island. This microcosm serves as a mirror that reflects the [...]
Novel Lord of the Flies explores the theme of power and its manifestations in a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. Throughout the novel, different characters vie for power in various ways, leading to a breakdown in [...]
Baker, J. R. (1961). William Golding: A critical study. Faber and Faber.Golding, W. (1954). Lord of the flies. Faber and Faber.Zimbardo, P. G. (1971). The psychology of imprisonment. Society, 8(4), 4-8.
Leadership is directing a group of people to work together towards a common goal while assuring nobody's fundamental human rights are taken away from them. While reading Lord of the Flies, many teachers and historians argue if [...]
By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.
Where do you want us to send this sample?
By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.
Be careful. This essay is not unique
This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before
Download this Sample
Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts
Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.
Please check your inbox.
We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!
We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .
1. introduction.
Can machines think? This is the question that obsessed Alan Turing, and it is still a matter of debate among researchers in artificial intelligence. The subject of AI has aroused curiosity about the possibility of creating a machine that considers, plans, and solves problems in areas that previously believed that only humans possessed these abilities. On the other hand, the world is already experiencing the change that AI has brought to various sectors. AI has remarkable performance in specific tasks but still does not have our general intelligence. There is no clear demarcation line between what is AI and what is not. The search for the construction of machines that simulate human intelligence dates back to ancient times when the first mechanical devices were constructed to calculate mathematical operations. The area of computer science called artificial intelligence emerged in 1956 when researchers from numerous experimental fields, such as programming, neuron modeling, data structures, and problem-solving, united. There are no universally accepted definitions for AI used by all scholars. However, it can be said that AI is research consisting of techniques that simulate human intelligence processes using computers. The initial goal of artificial intelligence research was to demonstrate human intelligence simulators through programmed machines. Existing technology has restricted the area's research by leading through programmed machines. As it was adopted, the creation of machines aimed at minimally simulating human intelligence capabilities gained prominence. Furthermore, the objective with the construction of simulators that approached the reality lived through interaction with the environment became noticeable. Unfortunately, it is known that this goal is only achieved through errors in the programming of AI techniques, which are not entirely suitable for the proposed objectives, and situations in which the machine interacts with the environment, which causes the effects to be unforeseen.
Artificial intelligence is a science that focuses on creating machines with human-like qualities. In other words, it is the study and design of intelligent agents that can perceive their environment and make decisions that will maximize the rewards. The term artificial intelligence was first coined by John McCarthy at a conference held at Dartmouth College in 1956. In the 1970s, people started using computers instead of machines to carry out tasks, thus giving birth to the modern concept of AI. The basic step in the development of artificial intelligence is the production of machines with intelligence. Artificial intelligence was first established as an academic discipline in 1955. There was optimism that researchers would be able to solve issues related to vision and natural language within the next five years. As artificial intelligence advancements began to accelerate in the early 1960s, many believed that work on tasks related to updating the progress of projects and making financial decisions would soon be possible. But these have not yet been made possible.
The purpose of the essay is to compare and contrast artificial intelligence in every aspect of performance and technology. We will start with the definition of artificial intelligence. According to the father of artificial intelligence, John McCarthy, it is "The science and engineering to make intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs". Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science concerned with machines capable of performing complex tasks that require human intelligence. Artificial intelligence has had influences in almost every domain and industry. Some of the major fields where artificial intelligence techniques are widely used are computer science, medical science, management science, operations research, law, political science, nuclear science, robotics, psychology, and art. AI technologies or its derivative branches are extensively used in cost-sensitive consumer products, managing huge blocks of data, managing administrative tasks, utilizing effective techniques for analyzing large amounts of data, and automating complex customer service. The main intention of utilizing AI is to make things automatic or have computers perform functions currently done by human beings. AI has solved many challenging problems in computer science. One of the unique contributions of artificial intelligence is the power to automate problem-solving strategies. It also develops a scientific understanding of intelligent systems. AI is the technology capable of performing tasks that require human intelligence. Only the system that comes under the definition "Intelligent Computing System (ICS)" or "Applying intelligent techniques and constructing methods that intelligent computational systems shall use to determine user's wants. Out of the various advantages that AI might bring along with it in various applications, this technology also sets up several ethical concerns that have considerable social implications. Even complex and big software problems can be solved with the help of AI, and it has better adaptability when compared to traditional software techniques. It can handle large amounts of data and also perform major operations in the same place. AI technology also helps in the creation of new products and devices. The field of AI is so broad that it is very essential to extract the real piece of AI and also to extract the works that are done in the particular areas of AI. A system with intelligence can be characterized with some functionality that could be perceived as intelligent. Some of the fundamental operating principles of AI are capturing the nature of intelligence, representing knowledge and reasoning, developing methods that will make computers learn and develop reasoning from their experiences, engineering systems that can utilize significant intelligence principles, and overcoming all the problems that arise when a software program is going to implement the AI theories. AI fundamentally focuses primarily on the computational problems related to the characteristics of intelligence of a system.
The rise of AI can be traced back to 1637. René Descartes was one of the first scientists who suggested that all human and animal behavior could be explained through mechanisms that are physically based. In 1940, Warren McCulloch and Walter Pitts built the first neuron-based network, which became the basis for self-learning machines. The idea of neurocomputing inspired the theory that humans and animals are able to learn, remember experiences and problem-solve through the development of minute electronic minds. In 1950, Alan Turing developed the seminal Turing Test, which aimed to measure a machine's "intelligence", or ability to exhibit human-like behavior by simulating conversation. The test suggested that "thinking can be done by computers." The majority of related works then focused on identifying essential intellectual functions and daily indivisible psychological processes, like reasoning, problem solving, learning, and perception, etc.
The origin of artificial intelligence can be traced back to the late 1940s and early 1950s when the electronic computer had begun to demonstrate how a coder could process information on a machine, whether typed in symbols or spoken aloud. Machines that possessed human-like intelligence became the burning desire of scientists. A major event in the history of AI is the development of self-driving cars. At the Fiftieth Anniversary DARPA Grand Challenge, an AI named Stanley won the DARPA Grand Challenge in 2005. The age of modern day AI centered around autonomous cars can be described as the DARPA Grand Challenge in the desert and the more recent Urban Grand Challenge. We further share important milestones in AI centered at creating intelligent vehicles that have shaped the development of autonomous vehicles. The birth of this field is frequently attributed to a summer workshop at Dartmouth College in 1956. This workshop was organized by six scientists: John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester, Claude Shannon, and Coldewey. It focused on what they termed the "Dartmouth proposal" to assemble a set of researchers with the goal of making a two-month, 10-person effort to make a significant advance in the capability of artificial intelligence and to demonstrate that significant advances could be made with a very simple language or least programming effort. This proposal further stated that an attempt should be mounted to find how to make machines use language, form abstractions and concepts, solve kinds of problems that now can be solved only by human beings, and improve themselves. The workshop also agreed on the name Artificial Intelligence, framed its goals and directions, and initiated a series of related studies. This meeting is traditionally considered the birth of AI.
There are two types of artificial intelligence: Narrow AI and General AI. Narrow Artificial Intelligence is focused on a single task. It's the AI that exists in our modern world. For instance, the virtual AI assistant that helps you with daily tasks on your phone, or the chess AI you can play against in a video game. These AI are considered narrow-sighted or weak AI. Researchers in Narrow AI are also usually focused on maximizing the performance of the system itself, rather than worrying about if the AI suffers from ethics involved or the psychology of intelligence. Usually, Narrow AI has the ability to replicate or enforce specific human cognitive abilities. The next important thing about Narrow AI is that the development of this type of AI can be sophisticated. It consists of spending extensive time and resources in analyzing and breaking a specific task into several simple tasks. By using machine learning, specific narrow-sighted AI systems can provide robust performance. On the other hand, General AI is also often referred to as Human-Level AI. What really differentiates this type of AI is its extended capabilities to understand, learn, and apply any cognitive tasks that involve the comprehension and execution of abstract developments (human-like). This means that AI will have the possibility to collaborate and work with a huge range of cognitive tasks. This is the type of artificial intelligence that has the ability to switch its things to the same level as a human. In addition, General AI also has the distinction of showing common sense. It can handle tasks involving multiple models, use complex interaction, and take advantage of these elements to apply solutions and visualize the role of these elements in the tasks that involve evaluation, decision making (perception-action cycle). However, there are scientists who believe that taking advantage of the abilities demonstrated by General AI or even the existence of such AI is an exaggerated fact without the necessary evidence. There are questions to ask about Narrow AI and General AI. They are: Who will benefit from AI? Recently, there is a group of skeptics on the topic of investments or funding aiming at generating new AI and extending its applications. Experts are afraid that these investments will not be sufficient to allow a higher distribution of any benefits among people, especially in terms of employment. It is discovered that this group of experts has concluded over a lack of enthusiasm to fund and develop AI. They consider that machines will take over most of the jobs, leading to heavy unemployment and economic imbalance. Who can handle intelligence? Among other conjectures, the development of AI computationally compares the numbers of tasks of human eminence performed by the AI system can confidently compete with the task-improvement list to show evidence of human comprehension. Be able to rigorously evaluate the training potency required for AI systems to recognize tasks of human-concerned intelligence, for instance, a portrayal of language, scene description, and question/response.
Understanding the difference between narrow AI and general AI is essential when talking about artificial intelligence. Narrow AI, also called weak AI, specialized AI, and applied AI, is programmed to perform a specific task for which it is designed. For example, small talk apps, in which the user interacts with an AI, can behave more or less like a general AI, as long as we use it according to your designer's instructions. However, no narrow AI will ever be spontaneously able to accumulate knowledge or create inner consistency because all its abilities are designed to make it comply with a task. General AI, or strong AI, is the umbrella term that often has, in popular representations of the field of AI, caused great fear of machines overpowering the human species. General AI, once developed, would allow any type of cognitive ability that we each associate with us as intelligent entities. We are free to suppose that this life form could develop emotions inclusive of ethical constraints, although it could exist without these. Currently, general AI is purely theoretical and its development is still quite far from where we stand today because no one has discovered a way for machines to create models inside it. This is precisely the aspect that distinguishes general AI from narrow AI: the former is capable of possessing self-consciousness.
Ethically, artificial intelligence improves on what can be considered personhood. Better technology encroaches upon abilities that were limited to being uniquely human. People must determine what abilities are key to personhood itself. As society determines that, more advanced AI refines their knowledge of what it means to be human. Advancements in AI move the science of AI higher in the race to achieve machines that can think like people. When they develop tools for thought such as sorting through and extracting the most essential information, they improve the ability to understand the thought processes of the person generating the request. The better decision-making is a goal that is closer due to machines that assist in the accumulation of vital information. Artificial neural connection provides synthetic intelligence. Advanced applications of neural computing focus on human cognition. These cognitive capabilities of artificial intelligence systems have been labeled brainstorming, power thinking, and artificial intuition or artificial clairvoyance. These systems do not have expertise in a particular area of content and knowledge akin to what we would recognize in a human expert, such as diagnosing problems or formulating treatment recommendations in the domain of medical practice. That conglomeration of cognitive capabilities does form the foundation for cortical thinking. onPostExecute extends the functionality of current artificial intelligence expert systems to offer the attributes of brainstorming, power thinking, and artificial intuition. That optimized computing capability provides previously unavailable powers for problem acquisition and knowledge discovery. This brainpower software supports and fosters expert assistance and allows us to achieve superior performance.
Most of the changes AI is taking over come in the form of surveillance, but is this the kind of privacy we really want? Now that AI has surveillance powers in the form of cameras, smart devices, sometimes even mirrors, and numerous other things, it's hard not to be concerned about the pressures of Orwellian implications. Some AI algorithms can now scan your face, looking for different facial expressions, and can even look into your muscular responses to see if you are telling the truth or not. AI can also keep track of your interactions with people, places, and things, and can mimic those interactions with a virtual conversation. The list of AI surveillance powers could go on, but you don't know if it can manipulate video or audio to make you say things you never have until the very moment you're faced with the situation. For instance, in January of 2019, OpenAI, which is a non-profit organization based out of San Francisco, created a machine learning model that enables people to create a realistic simulation of text, for which it uncovers and generates new patterns. All of these cool and groundbreaking things sound amazing at first glance, but it also has negative sides, such as deep fakes and text generation used to deceive, or artificial personas that try to push fake narratives on people. In the end, the fear that a lot of people have about AI is that we are giving up our personal freedom in exchange for security, convenience, or entertainment. It's hard not to let yourself fall victim to seeing the great advances and positive uses that AI has to offer, like in healthcare and other valuable tools, since the trade-off typically dissolves personal freedoms or unleashes AI technological power in personal or social areas devoid of legal or ethical antitides. Overall, the main concern in the privacy and security realm will be Artificial Intelligence's application as an insidious surveillance apparatus implicating personal liberties and threatening democratic institutions. At the end of the day, a machine capable of deducing our very souls from various sensor input and social connections is something we should all be a little concerned with. Technology is a powerful tool in the hands of humanity that comes with both opportunities and risks. As technology rapidly advances through the universe, AI soon might be our possible only invention that can, except for us, survive in the universe.
In conclusion, I believe that artificial intelligence, when implemented correctly, will bring a better world to humanity. Smart cars save millions of lives each year, more than are lost in accidents. Faster and cheaper computers help us do our work more efficiently, freeing up time to spend with our families. Robots help disabled people to have a better quality of life. These are just a small sample of the advantages intelligent machines bring to our lives. However, achieving this positive attitude is not an easy goal. There are many ethical, labor, and physical problems that will have to be solved. A good solution to these problems would be investing portions of the profits generated by AI in reducing their negative effects. That is why we must remember the importance of investment in education and why it is one of the few AI projects with which I support the investment of public money. Only in this way will we be able to monitor in the years to come the implementation of an AI that serves in the best possible way to humanity.
An exploration of the most significant challenges in data analysis and their solutions.
1. Introduction Because we live in an information age, there is a need to analyze large volumes of data and extract information from this data. The field of data analysis (DA) deals with the problem of developing methods and procedures to do this. DA aims to provide useful information for making better decisions and to help in solving other real-world problems (e.g., pattern discovery, knowledge extraction, and decision support). However, like other computer science fields, DA is now challenged ...
1. Introduction to Numerical Methods Due to the scale and rapid pace of industrial, social, and environmental factors of modern times, engineers often need to solve mathematical models to assist their work. Most of these models are expressed by differential equations because concerned phenomena often change, creating relational equations concerning some of their variables. This characterizes the very meaning of a calculus object, which are inequalities that may represent restrictions of several ...
1. Introduction Leukemia, aplastic anemia, and other serious blood disorders can be treated effectively with a bone marrow transplant. The tissues within bones known as bone marrow are responsible for manufacturing all of the various types of blood cells found within the body. However, in cases of leukemia, for example, these blood cells become cancerous and produce abnormal blood cells that are harmful to the patient. Currently, many of the blood disorders that were once considered fatal are n ...
1. Introduction to Climate Change Crises and the fear of potential disasters, especially those of large magnitude and of global scope, tend to mark their epochs. In the first part of the 21st century, no threat seems larger nor of greater international scope than that posed by climate change. It is a relational problem; a significant part of it lies in the relationship that people have with the inside and outside, and with the present and the future of the planet. As a result, at the beginning ...
1. Introduction In different fields like machine learning, statistics, and pattern recognition, feature selection is one of the preparatory methods for model input which is widely used. Compared with the best feature subset selected from the original feature set, the best subset of feature selection can get better classification results and speed up the training speed of the model. The feature selection in machine learning and data mining is so important that it not only determines the input of ...
1. Introduction For students of statistics, data tables and graphs constitute an important means by which complex large sets of numerical information are displayed and analyzed. This study argues that tables and graphs, which we refer to in their various visual forms as visual representations or VRs, are important not only for interacting with the data point itself and observing the variability around the data point, but also for visually and interactively displaying statistical knowledge relat ...
1. Introduction Climate change is no longer some distant threat that may weigh on the consciences of our grandchildren as they struggle to navigate their way toward a better future. Now, any of us can see what is occurring around us, to us, and to the institutions we know. Our pensions are affected, as are our homes and our insurance rates. Climate change is global, as is witnessed by the glaciers of the Arctic or the bleaching of coral reefs in Australia, and climate change is something for th ...
1. Introduction The development of new medical treatments and the reimbursement of these treatments is informed by the examination of the extent to which these new medical treatments actually result in good health. To examine the health effects of new medical treatments, policymakers, including government medical insurance programs, rely heavily on the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a critical component in their decision-making processes, and have made large investments to su ...
Most popular subjects.
Papers by essay type.
Samples by word count, view recent free essays, healthcare access factors: from personal to social.
Kouros and the kritios boy: comparative analysis.
Bloom’s multiple intelligence and framework concepts.
Essay Service Examples History Holocaust
Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.
Related essay topics.
Get your paper done in as fast as 3 hours, 24/7.
Most popular essays.
For decades, if not centuries, music has been apart of people’s life and culture. It has been a...
Jewish people are extremely faithful to their religion Judaism. Jews are monotheistic, and they...
Trial of God by Elie Wiesel is a representation of both a religious question of why a perfect and...
Elie Wiesel is one of the most courageous people because of the death he experienced during the...
The Holocaust took place during World War II. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s both Japan and...
In attempting to acquit the American Press of being one of the leading agencies accountable for...
Elie Wiesel's traumatic and haunting memoir ‘Night’ accentuates the trauma experienced by Jews...
When a person’s religion and belief are tested harshly they start to disbelieve everything. In the...
“ Thou shalt not be a victim, thou shalt not be a perpetrator, but, above all, thou shalt not be a...
Fair Use Policy
EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].
We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.
Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!
By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Say goodbye to copy-pasting!
Get custom-crafted papers for you.
Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!
The essays are a place to show us who you are and who you’ll be in our community.
It’s a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals. Below you’ll find selected examples of essays that “worked,” as nominated by our admissions committee. In each of these essays, students were able to share stories from their everyday lives to reveal something about their character, values, and life that aligned with the culture and values at Hopkins.
Hear from the class of 2027.
These selections represent just a few examples of essays we found impressive and helpful during the past admissions cycle. We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original as you share your own story, thoughts, and ideas with us.
Ellie’s essay skillfully uses the topic of entropy as an extended metaphor. Through it, we see reflections about who they are and who they aspire to be.
In Pablo’s essay, the act of packing for a pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for the way humans accumulate experiences in their life’s journey and what we can learn from them. As we join Pablo through the diverse phases of their life, we gain insights into their character and values.
Julieta illustrates how the concept of Tikkun Olam, “a desire to help repair the world,” has shaped their passions and drives them to pursue experiences at Hopkins.
Kashvi’s essay encapsulates a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and the invaluable teachings of Rock, their 10-year-old dog. Through the lens of their companionship, Kashvi walked us through valuable lessons on responsibility, friendship, patience, and unconditional love.
Maddie’s essay details their intellectual journey using their love of Greek classics. They incorporate details that reveal the roots of their academic interests: storytelling, literary devices, and translation. As their essay progresses, so do Maddie’s intellectual curiosities.
Alyssa’s essay reflects on special memories through the creative lens of Spotify playlists. They use three examples to highlight their experiences with their tennis team, finding a virtual community during the pandemic, and co-founding a nonprofit to help younger students learn about STEM.
We share essays from previously admitted students—along with feedback from our admissions committee—so you can understand what made them effective and how to start crafting your own.
Our interactive workshops—on topics like the college search process and essay preparation—will help you build your strongest application when you’re ready to apply.
REGISTER FOR AN APPLICATION WORKSHOP
Join our mailing list to receive insights from our admissions committee, event invites, and other resources for your college journey.
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Methodology
Published on January 2, 2023 by Shona McCombes . Revised on September 11, 2023.
What is a literature review? A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic .
There are five key steps to writing a literature review:
A good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources—it analyzes, synthesizes , and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
What is the purpose of a literature review, examples of literature reviews, step 1 – search for relevant literature, step 2 – evaluate and select sources, step 3 – identify themes, debates, and gaps, step 4 – outline your literature review’s structure, step 5 – write your literature review, free lecture slides, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions, introduction.
When you write a thesis , dissertation , or research paper , you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:
Writing literature reviews is a particularly important skill if you want to apply for graduate school or pursue a career in research. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.
Writing literature reviews can be quite challenging! A good starting point could be to look at some examples, depending on what kind of literature review you’d like to write.
You can also check out our templates with literature review examples and sample outlines at the links below.
Download Word doc Download Google doc
Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic .
If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper, you will search for literature related to your research problem and questions .
Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list as you discover new keywords in the process of your literature search.
Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. Some useful databases to search for journals and articles include:
You can also use boolean operators to help narrow down your search.
Make sure to read the abstract to find out whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.
You likely won’t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written on your topic, so it will be necessary to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your research question.
For each publication, ask yourself:
Make sure the sources you use are credible , and make sure you read any landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.
You can use our template to summarize and evaluate sources you’re thinking about using. Click on either button below to download.
As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.
It is important to keep track of your sources with citations to avoid plagiarism . It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography , where you compile full citation information and write a paragraph of summary and analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves time later in the process.
The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.
Try for free
To begin organizing your literature review’s argument and structure, be sure you understand the connections and relationships between the sources you’ve read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:
This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.
There are various approaches to organizing the body of a literature review. Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but each theme is discussed chronologically).
The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order.
Try to analyze patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred.
If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.
For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.
If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety of research methods , you might want to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches. For example:
A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework . You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.
You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.
Like any other academic text , your literature review should have an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion . What you include in each depends on the objective of your literature review.
The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review.
Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.
As you write, you can follow these tips:
In the conclusion, you should summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance.
When you’ve finished writing and revising your literature review, don’t forget to proofread thoroughly before submitting. Not a language expert? Check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services !
This article has been adapted into lecture slides that you can use to teach your students about writing a literature review.
Scribbr slides are free to use, customize, and distribute for educational purposes.
Open Google Slides Download PowerPoint
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Statistics
Research bias
A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .
It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.
There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:
Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research and what new insights it will contribute.
The literature review usually comes near the beginning of your thesis or dissertation . After the introduction , it grounds your research in a scholarly field and leads directly to your theoretical framework or methodology .
A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .
An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a paper .
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, September 11). How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 7, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/
Other students also liked, what is a theoretical framework | guide to organizing, what is a research methodology | steps & tips, how to write a research proposal | examples & templates, what is your plagiarism score.
More than 100 reference examples and their corresponding in-text citations are presented in the seventh edition Publication Manual . Examples of the most common works that writers cite are provided on this page; additional examples are available in the Publication Manual .
To find the reference example you need, first select a category (e.g., periodicals) and then choose the appropriate type of work (e.g., journal article ) and follow the relevant example.
When selecting a category, use the webpages and websites category only when a work does not fit better within another category. For example, a report from a government website would use the reports category, whereas a page on a government website that is not a report or other work would use the webpages and websites category.
Also note that print and electronic references are largely the same. For example, to cite both print books and ebooks, use the books and reference works category and then choose the appropriate type of work (i.e., book ) and follow the relevant example (e.g., whole authored book ).
Examples on these pages illustrate the details of reference formats. We make every attempt to show examples that are in keeping with APA Style’s guiding principles of inclusivity and bias-free language. These examples are presented out of context only to demonstrate formatting issues (e.g., which elements to italicize, where punctuation is needed, placement of parentheses). References, including these examples, are not inherently endorsements for the ideas or content of the works themselves. An author may cite a work to support a statement or an idea, to critique that work, or for many other reasons. For more examples, see our sample papers .
Reference examples are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Chapter 10 and the Concise Guide Chapter 10
Textual works are covered in Sections 10.1–10.8 of the Publication Manual . The most common categories and examples are presented here. For the reviews of other works category, see Section 10.7.
Data sets are covered in Section 10.9 of the Publication Manual . For the software and tests categories, see Sections 10.10 and 10.11.
Audiovisual media are covered in Sections 10.12–10.14 of the Publication Manual . The most common examples are presented together here. In the manual, these examples and more are separated into categories for audiovisual, audio, and visual media.
Online media are covered in Sections 10.15 and 10.16 of the Publication Manual . Please note that blog posts are part of the periodicals category.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. 2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject. 3.
Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats. Sample lines: "Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons.
A. Similarities. Point 1: The points of comparison start with the first similarity between the subjects. Example: "Both coffee and tea are rich in antioxidants, providing various health benefits." Supporting Evidence: Provide facts, statistics, or examples to reinforce the similarity.
Here they are explained below: 1. Essay Planning. First, I recommend using my compare and contrast worksheet, which acts like a Venn Diagram, walking you through the steps of comparing the similarities and differences of the concepts or items you're comparing. I recommend selecting 3-5 features that can be compared, as shown in the worksheet:
Research and brainstorm the points that make them similar and different. Create and add your main statement and claim. Create a Venn diagram and show the similarities and differences. Choose the design through which you will present your arguments and claims. Create compare and contrast essay outline.
These two pyramids have captured the imagination of people for centuries, and their…. Architecture Pyramids of Giza. 1 2 … 15. Absolutely free Compare and Contrast Essay examples provided by straight-A students. Variety of topics to choose from, easy to download. You can even order custom essay from our top writers.
338 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Examples. Compare and Contrast Your First Dog vs. Your Current Dog. Although she was very friendly and even tried to take care of me when I was growing up, my mother was the real owner. Subjects: Family, Life & Experiences Pets.
Making effective comparisons. As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place. For example, you might contrast French ...
Following are the best free compare and contrast essay examples that can be categorized for different levels. Take help from these examples of contrasting two subjects to write an outstanding essay. Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for University. As university students, the demand for critical analysis and comparison becomes more rigorous.
Well, since compare and contrast essay examples rely heavily on factual analysis, there are two outline methods that can help you organize your facts. You can use the block method, or point-by-point method, to write a compare and contrast essay outline. ... feel free to include an extra paragraph to cover all of the most important points. To ...
Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats. Sample lines: "Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons.
To compare is to examine how things are similar, while to contrast is to see how they differ. A compare and contrast essay therefore looks at the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences. This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two historical periods, two ...
3. Democracy vs. Monarchy. An exploration of political structures, this topic is an essential primer for getting your students to understand global politics! Invite them to craft an essay in which they compare and contrast the complexities of democratic vs. monarchy-based governance. Learn More: Study Moose. 4.
A compare and contrast essay (kuhm-PAIR and kuhn-TRAST ESS-ey) is a composition that points out the similarities and differences of two or more things. In academia, educators assign compare and contrast essays to evaluate students' knowledge of the subjects and encourage critical thinking. Outside of academia, compare and contrast essays or ...
Here is an example of how the block format in a compare and contrast essay might be structured: I. Introduction Paragraph. A. Background information on the subjects being compared and contrasted. B. Thesis statement outlining the purpose of the essay. II.
Compare and Contrast Essay Outline. The point-by-point method uses a standard five-paragraph essay structure: Introduction (contains the attention-getter, preview of main points, and thesis) Body ...
Here are some common types of compare and contrast essays: Subject-by-Subject Comparison: In this type of essay, you discuss one subject completely before moving on to the next. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect or characteristic of both subjects, allowing for a comprehensive analysis. Point-by-Point Comparison: In contrast to the ...
To better understand this let's take a look at a few good compare and contrast essay topics: Traditional education vs. online education. Ancient Greek vs. Roman civilization. Examining the similarities between the American and French Revolution. Eastern philosophies vs. Western philosophies. Capitalism vs. socialism.
A compare and contrast essay is a type of analytical essay that explores the similarities and differences between two subjects. We guide you through one with some examples. ... Sample Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction. A compare and contrast essay's introduction doesn't have much variance from intros in other essays, so don't skimp ...
Sample Comparison/Contrast Essay: Large Leap The leap from high school to college is a large one. Many students enter post-secondary ... free to attend high school. College tuition can start at roughly $1,500 per term and can wind up costing as much as $2,000. The government funds high schools, so high school students do not
4.1: Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay. The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. Comparison and contrast is simply telling how two things are alike or different. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to ...
Point-by-Point Comparison. The point-by-point method implies that each of the body paragraphs compares the issues A and B by one parameter. The outline of your compare & contrast essay body would look like this: Example: Part 1: Parameter 1: Discuss A.
A compare and contrast essay requires deep thought. The considerations you make can deliver great insight about your subject of choice. Here are some tips to help. ... For example, if you were to "compare" two people by saying: They both have eyes. They have hair. They have skin. They require food, oxygen, and water. They have legs.
Jack: The Descent into Savagery and Power. In stark contrast to Ralph, Jack represents the dark side of human nature and the allure of power and savagery. Initially the leader of the choirboys, Jack quickly becomes obsessed with hunting and the primal thrill it provides. His leadership style is authoritarian and based on intimidation and fear.
1.2. Purpose of the Essay. The purpose of the essay is to compare and contrast artificial intelligence in every aspect of performance and technology. We will start with the definition of artificial intelligence. According to the father of artificial intelligence, John McCarthy, it is "The science and engineering to make intelligent machines ...
At IvyPanda, we pride ourselves on compiling one of the largest databases of free essay samples. It's big enough to cover most academic subjects and topics, and you can filter your search to find precisely what you need. There are plenty of paper types to choose from, including case studies, reviews, research essays, reports, and much more.
Essay on Holocaust and Slavery: Compare and Contrast. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. The article "The Possibility of an Ongoing Moral Catastrophe" by Williams (2015) concentrated on the argument that today's society is ...
The essays are a place to show us who you are and who you'll be in our community. It's a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals. Below you'll find selected examples of essays that "worked," as nominated by our admissions committee.
Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
More than 100 reference examples and their corresponding in-text citations are presented in the seventh edition Publication Manual.Examples of the most common works that writers cite are provided on this page; additional examples are available in the Publication Manual.. To find the reference example you need, first select a category (e.g., periodicals) and then choose the appropriate type of ...