Writing a comparative essay

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• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Writing a comparative

 essay

Writing a comparative essay

A comparative essay asks that you compare at least two (possibly more) items. In this case two novels.

Although the assignment may say “compare,” the assumption is that you will consider both the similarities and differences; in other words, you will compare and contrast.

Block method

Point-by-point method

Introduction

Introduction of the two literary works and a thesis or an explanation of what you will discuss in your essay (=thesis).

Examples introduction

In the past philosophers, astronomers, and authors all attempted to predict what the future would be like. Either through mere speculation or by the judgement of constellations and their orientation, gret thinkers all wonder what society’s destiny is in terms of growth and its end. George Orwell and Aldous Huxley were no exception. Their ideals in their two dystopian prophetic books, 1984 and Brave New World respectively, reveal their differing perspectives on the same issues that they foresaw in their novels. Though both perspectives provide insight it is clear to see that Huxley’s vision is better suited for contemporary society, a society that has grown numb to the copious amount of available information, indifferent to the conformity of greed, and hungry for innovations that distract and oppress.

Examples introduction

The epic poems “The Iliad” and “Beowulf” meet certain requirements that make the features that they convey epic. In the impressive poems, the heroic actions that are described determine the fate of different groups of people, reflecting the values of the age. The two poems show similarities in the manner in which the hero interacts with the supernatural beings mentioned. The supernatural beings and events also determine the actions and fate of the heroes in the poems. 

Vampires, everyone has heard of them. From the award winning Twilight series to television shows such as The Vampire Diaries, vampires have become a nationwide phenomenon, but how do they compare to Bram Stoker’s Dracula? Written in 1897, Dracula expeditiously gained popularity and later became an eminent classic. While some people may conclude that Bram Stoker would be ravaged by the portrayal of vampire erudition today, both Dracula and current depictions of vampires have their commendable qualities.

Thesis

1.   In this essay, I will explore/discuss the similarities

      and differences between ...
2.  This essay will outline the similarities and differences 

      between ...
3.   This essay will compare and contrast ...

Look at the introductions on slides 5 and 6 and rewrite one of them using a thesis-construction from slide 7.

The body of the essay

Point-by-point

Recommended!

Block

Topic sentence

www.scribbr.com

Conclusion

1.    Restate your thesis or main idea in a concise manner.
2.   Summarize the key points of your comparison and contrast. 
3.   End with a concluding thought that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, highlighting the significance of understanding both the similarities and differences between your two novels.

Example