Writing a Comparative Analysis

Most of the time that you spend in college will require that you write a comparative analysis paper. This is a paper which will require that you compare and contrast two items, whether text, theories, historical or scientific processes. These papers are supposed to weigh each item equally and differentiate the two. This can be two products with different solutions or two things that are somewhat similar, but very different in nature. The commonalities should be noted then the differences compared between the two products. When you do a general comparison and weigh the points of each item that is being compared, you would weigh one more heavily than the next. You can use the perspective of one to view the other, in the same way that you use your glasses to view objects. If you compare the two, you will find that you can judge one object with the framework of the other. This method of comparing objects can work to illuminate, challenge or critique the object’s stability. Most times, the stability would not be questionable before the analysis is performed. Comparing things in this way accounts for the time, texts that were printed at an earlier date, historical data or any data that can provide a comparison between the two. If you are faced with the daunting task of differences and similarities that seem to be unrelated, it can confuse the way you would prepare the paper. This is not just a task where you can list the similarities and then outline the differences, in this instance, you can assume that both objects are somewhat similar, yet have differences as well. In order to write a paper which compares and contrasts, the raw data should be compiled outlining the similarities and the differences. They should then come together in an argument that is meaningful. For this to happen, the five elements that are listed below should be observed. 1. Reference frame First you place the two items that are being compared into context and group them under an umbrella. The reference frame can be made up as a question, a theme, an idea, theory or problem. It can consist of two items which differences are drawn from. These reference frames can either be constructed from different sources as opposed to your own observations. For topics that are compared based on the norms of society, it would be best to get the views that are expressed by a sociologist rather than expressing your own banal thoughts on the topic. Most of the assignments that are given will explain the frame of reference that is required; the sources are also supplied for the completion. The courses that don’t supply the frame require that you do it on your own. This particular assignment would have no frame on which the student can produce a meaningful paper. 2. Grounds on which to compare If you are writing a paper and decide on two particular topics to compare, you have to be able to say why those two were selected and form the basis on which you choose to present your argument. The rationale behind the pair that you choose will allow your readers know that it was not a random choice but had meaning to it. For a paper that has an issue with two sides that are conflicting. It is always required that you make an indication of the reason that is behind your choice. 3. Thesis Statement The comparative nature of your thesis statement should be anticipated as the grounds on which that statement is made. With argumentative papers, the thesis statement will bring across the main feature of your argument. This follows the reference frame. If you are doing a paper which you are required to compare and contrast, it is totally dependent on the way in which the two topics are related to one another. If they are corroborated, extended, complicated, debated, or contradict each other, then the word “whereas” can be used in your thesis to compare the two. The relationship between the two is the center of your compare and contrast paper. 4. Scheme and Organization The reference frame is included in the introduction, reasons for the comparison, as well as the basis or thesis of your argument. Two of the main ways in which your paper can be organized are text by text in which you list one set and then another and point by point where you list alternate points about one list and compare it with the other. In the instance where one list is longer than the other, then a text by text is probably best. If it is a paper that needs to be debated, then using a point by point scheme will highlight the conflict. You can easily group points together to avoid alternating them. To make the paper interesting, it is better if you get to the point in as little time as possible. 5. Linking Points to the Thesis On an argumentative paper, you are required to link the points to the thesis, if the link is not done, the logical and systematic advancement of the new parts of your argument will be completely lost on your audience. For the paper to be held together, you have to link two sections of a compare and contrast paper. Transitional expressions are used to hold the paper together. Examples of transitional words are likewise, similarly, on the contrary, otherwise, moreover, or on the other hand. You can also use what is known as contrastive vocabulary such as easterner/westerner. An example of a compare and contrast paragraph is as follows: Even though Amy was a girl who grew up in the south, amidst magnolias and moonlight tales, her mother grew up in another era. She knew hard times, racism, conflicts, and a time in which the opportunities were limited. Justin, on the other hand is deeply saddened by the Old English nature of his dwelling, he is reminiscent of a new generation of southerners. He viewed his nativity through the eyes of a scornful northerner.