Writing a compare and contrast paper can seem daunting at first. You’re tasked with exploring the similarities and differences between two subjects, requiring a nuanced understanding and a structured approach. But don’t worry, starting this type of essay is more manageable than you might think. This guide breaks down the initial steps to confidently begin your compare and contrast paper, ensuring you’re on the right track from the outset.
Understanding the Assignment: Deciphering the Prompt
Before you even begin brainstorming topics, the first crucial step is to fully understand what your instructor is asking. Carefully read the assignment prompt. What exactly are you being asked to compare and contrast? Is there a specific focus or angle you should take? Sometimes, instructors will provide very specific instructions, outlining the subjects, the points of comparison, or even the intended length and structure of the paper. Other times, the prompt might be more open-ended, giving you greater freedom in your choice of topics and approach.
Pay close attention to keywords in the prompt. Words like “analyze,” “compare,” “contrast,” “discuss similarities and differences,” or “explore” all signal that you’re being asked to write a compare and contrast paper. Understanding the specific verbs used can also give you clues about the depth of analysis expected. For instance, “analyze” suggests a more in-depth, critical examination than simply “discuss.”
Brainstorming and Choosing Your Topics: Selecting a Focus
Once you understand the assignment, the next step is to brainstorm potential topics. If the assignment doesn’t specify subjects, you have the exciting task of choosing them. The key to a successful compare and contrast paper is selecting topics that are both comparable and contrasting. This means they should share enough common ground to make comparison meaningful, yet have distinct differences that are worth exploring.
Start by listing subjects that genuinely interest you. Interest will fuel your research and writing process, making the task more enjoyable and the final paper more engaging. Think broadly at first. You could consider comparing:
- Two historical events: (e.g., the French Revolution vs. the American Revolution)
- Two scientific theories: (e.g., Newtonian physics vs. Einstein’s theory of relativity)
- Two literary works: (e.g., Hamlet vs. Macbeth)
- Two political systems: (e.g., democracy vs. socialism)
- Two cities: (e.g., New York City vs. Los Angeles)
After brainstorming, evaluate your potential topics. Ask yourself:
- Are they genuinely comparable? Do they share enough features to make a meaningful comparison?
- Are there significant contrasts? Are the differences interesting and substantial enough to write about?
- Is there enough information available? Can you find sufficient sources to research both subjects adequately?
- Am I genuinely interested in these topics? Will I be motivated to research and write about them?
Choosing topics that meet these criteria will set you up for a strong and compelling compare and contrast paper.
Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement: Developing a Clear Focus
With your topics chosen, the next vital step is crafting a clear and focused thesis statement. The thesis statement is the backbone of your paper; it’s the central argument that you will develop and support throughout your essay. In a compare and contrast paper, your thesis statement should not only identify your subjects but also clearly state the main points of comparison and contrast you will explore, and often, the overall significance or conclusion you will draw from this comparison.
A weak thesis statement might simply state: “London and Washington, D.C. are both capital cities.” While true, this lacks focus and analytical depth.
A stronger thesis statement would be more specific and insightful: “While both London and Washington, D.C. serve as capitals of English-speaking nations and share global influence, they diverge significantly in their historical development, cultural landscapes, and demographic compositions, reflecting distinct national identities and historical trajectories.”
This stronger thesis statement clearly identifies the subjects (London and Washington, D.C.), hints at both similarities (“capitals,” “global influence”) and differences (“historical development,” “cultural landscapes,” “demographic compositions”), and suggests an underlying argument about “distinct national identities and historical trajectories.”
When developing your thesis statement, consider these questions:
- What are the main points of comparison and contrast? Summarize the key similarities and differences you plan to discuss.
- What is the overall point you want to make? What conclusion or insight do you want your reader to gain from your comparison?
- Is my thesis statement specific and focused? Does it clearly guide the direction of my paper?
- Is my thesis statement arguable? Does it present a point of view that can be debated or supported with evidence?
A well-crafted thesis statement is your roadmap for writing a successful compare and contrast paper. It provides direction, focus, and a clear argument to guide your exploration of similarities and differences. With these initial steps completed – understanding the assignment, choosing compelling topics, and crafting a strong thesis – you’re well-prepared to move forward and develop a thoughtful and insightful compare and contrast paper.
