Comparison and Contrast Essay: What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between a comparison and contrast essay and an argumentative essay? People often get confused about this topic and wonder, Are they the same thing? Although both essays discuss two subjects side by side, each has its own purpose. A comparison/contrast essay is about examining how two different objects are similar to each other or how they differ from one another, whereas an argumentative essay presents facts in support of a particular claim in order to persuade readers to agree with the writer’s opinion on that subject.

Comparison vs. Contrast

They’re not opposites—you can have both comparison and contrast in a given essay. But they are different types of writing that shouldn’t be confused. The biggest difference is one is a formal essay that contrasts two things, while the other compares three or more things. Why do we care about how to write comparison vs. contrast essays? Well, these days everyone writes quickly online via short-form content like status updates, Tweets, emails, etc., so it’s important to remember all writing doesn’t need to be informal in tone. In fact, sometimes you want to sound smart by using formal writing techniques. 

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Case in point: Comparison/contrast essays allow you to show off your ability to analyze something deeply. It’s also an opportunity for you to make your reader think differently about something by showing similarities and differences between multiple subjects or ideas. So if you want an impressive way to demonstrate your analytical skills, try out a comparison/contrast essay!

When you write a comparison essay

Basically, when you're writing a comparison essay, you make note of how two or more people, objects, ideas, or places are similar. For example, if you're writing about new technologies and their effects on education in America, you might write about how social media has allowed for virtual office hours between students and professors. 

You might also talk about how both YouTube videos and online textbooks help expand access to learning. These similarities are what your paper will focus on during analysis. 

The opposite is true for a contrast essay. When you're writing one of these, you'll point out differences between items or topics instead of focusing on similarities. The same topic above could be used as an example here: New technologies can be used to create greater distance between learners and teachers (virtual office hours), but they can also be used to bridge that gap (YouTube videos). The latter may not have been as obvious before we started analyzing it, but that's exactly why we use contrast essays!

To find great comparisons and contrasts, try thinking from an either/or perspective. If something isn't X or Y, then it must be Z!

A good rule of thumb is

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This is especially true when it comes to writing comparison and contrast essays. Despite what you may have heard from your teacher (or read on countless educational websites), there are no right or wrong ways to write a comparison essay. The best thing you can do is use common sense, a little creativity, and – as with any kind of writing assignment – practice!  Here are some things to keep in mind while comparing and contrasting two different things:

Make sure that both items being compared have enough in common for an effective comparison/contrast essay. If they don't share enough similarities, it will be difficult for readers to understand how they differ. 

For example, a comparison between Facebook and Twitter might not work because one is a social network while another is a microblogging platform; readers would probably be confused by what you're trying to say about them because these platforms do not function in similar ways at all. To make your points clear, consider using examples from each item you are comparing or contrasting. This way, your audience can see exactly how two things are alike or different from each other.

When writing a comparison/contrast essay, think of yourself as an attorney arguing on behalf of one side of a case (the prosecution or defense). In other words, when comparing two things, focus on their differences; when contrasting two things, focus on their similarities.

The best way to write a good comparison/contrast essay is by starting with your thesis statement first – then writing your introduction – and finally moving on to body paragraphs (and conclusion). This approach will help ensure that everything flows together smoothly and makes sense for readers.

When you write a contrast essay

For example, a simple comparison could state that one thing is good while another is bad. In contrast, however, an essay would state both good and bad aspects of each object being compared. A writer may conclude a contrast essay by suggesting a middle ground or other options between two objects that were previously seen as polar opposites. Therefore, in order to write an effective contrast essay, it’s important to be able to recognize many different types of contrasts so you can effectively present them to your audience. If you are struggling with writing a paper of any kind, take advantage of our affordable custom research paper writing service!

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