A contrast essay, also known as a comparative essay, is a type of academic writing that compares and contrasts two or more subjects or ideas. These subjects or ideas can be anything from literary works, historical events, scientific concepts, or personal experiences. The purpose of a contrast essay is to analyze the differences and similarities between these subjects or ideas and to provide a well-reasoned argument about their relationship.
To start a contrast essay, you first need to choose the subjects or ideas that you will be comparing and contrasting. It's important to choose subjects or ideas that are relevant and have enough similarities and differences to analyze. Once you have chosen your subjects or ideas, you should brainstorm and create a list of the similarities and differences between them. This list will serve as the basis for your essay and will help you organize your thoughts and ideas.
Next, you will need to choose a structure for your essay. There are several options for organizing a contrast essay, including the block method, the point-by-point method, and the alternating method. The block method involves discussing all of the similarities and differences of one subject or idea before moving on to the other. The point-by-point method involves discussing the similarities and differences of both subjects or ideas in each paragraph. The alternating method involves alternating between discussing the similarities and differences of each subject or idea in each paragraph.
Once you have chosen a structure for your essay, you should begin by introducing your subjects or ideas and explaining the purpose of your essay. This introduction should provide background information and context for your readers and should clearly state your thesis statement, which is the main argument or point of your essay.
After the introduction, you should begin the body of your essay by discussing the similarities and differences between your subjects or ideas. Each paragraph should focus on a specific similarity or difference and should provide evidence and examples to support your argument. It's important to use transitions between paragraphs to help your readers follow the flow of your essay and to clearly connect your ideas.
Finally, you should conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your argument and restating your thesis. In the conclusion, you should also reflect on the significance of your findings and explain why your argument is important.
In conclusion, starting a contrast essay involves choosing relevant subjects or ideas to compare and contrast, brainstorming and organizing your ideas, choosing a structure for your essay, introducing your subjects or ideas and explaining your purpose, discussing the similarities and differences between your subjects or ideas, and concluding your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. By following these steps, you can write a well-organized and thoughtfully argued contrast essay.