The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast Essay Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants.Department stores and discount retail stores.Then come up with one difference and three similarities. Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar category will increase the audience’s understanding of that category, which is the purpose of the compare-and-contrast essay.īrainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges rather, you might choose to compare and contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both. Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different.
