A comparison essay is useful when discussing two subjects that are somehow related. Three general ways which comparison occurs is to:

1  Focus on the similarities

2  Focus on the differences

3  Focus on both the similarities and the differences

Other methods compare the strengths and weaknesses or the advantages and disadvantages of various positions or arguments. One thing to be wary of is to not compare a similarity with a difference. Logical to understand, but a mistake that is nevertheless sometimes made.

Essay Style – Block Method

Present the first main subject and all its sub-topics for evaluation. Discuss all the points of the first main subject before moving on to do the same for the second. Bring the main points together in the conclusion to validate the thesis stated in the introduction.

Title                              Cultural Comparison – Korea and America

Introduction                    Hook & Thesis statement

Body – Paragraphs                 Korea:       Sub-topic 1: Tradition – rice and kimchi

                                                          Sub-topic 2: Change – fast food

                                                          Sub-topic 3: Future – overweight Koreans?

                                                          Sub-topic 4: Dieting

                                          America:    Sub-topic 1: Tradition – vegetables and beef

                                                          Sub-topic 2: Change – fast food

                                                          Sub-topic 3: Future – overweight Americans

                                                          Sub-topic 4: Dieting

Conclusions

Essay Style – Point by Point Method

  With this style, both subjects are compared in turn in their respective topics.

Title                              Cultural Comparison – Korea and America

Introduction                    Hook & Thesis statement

Body – Paragraphs                         Topic 1: Tradition – America Vs Korea

                                                  Topic 2: Change – America Vs Korea

                                                  Topic 3: Future – America Vs Korea

                                                  Topic 4: Dieting – America Vs Korea

Conclusions