thesis statement example for compare and contrast essay
While this may sound like it is leading to an evaluative essay because the writer has included some of his or her own analysis To analyze is to make a thoughtful and detailed study of something. An analysis is the end result of analyzing. , the thesis statement suggests that the writer will primarily be explaining similarities and differences.
Write a thesis for this prompt.
The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. 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. For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. 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.
Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.
Any compare and contrast essay compares two things, ideas, or people for the purpose of arriving at a conclusion. The thesis statement for this type of essay is the sentence in the introduction that relays to readers the results of the comparison and what to expect from the essay that follows. This sentence must also clearly state the significance of the comparison, answering the question of why this comparison is worthy of attention.
The language of a compare and contrast thesis usually begins with a conditional word, like “although” or “whereas,” then expresses the outcome of the comparison. For example, “Although the advantages of on-site college courses benefit students living on campus, online courses provide returning adult learners with more flexibility and cost savings.” Here, the two groups affected by the comparison are more clearly identified and connected to the value judgement made by the comparison.
The list you have generated is not yet your outline for the essay, but it should provide you with enough similarities and differences to construct an initial plan.
For example, you might decide that in Great Expectations, being a true gentleman is not a matter of manners or position but morality, whereas in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, being a true gentleman is not about luxury and self-indulgence but hard work and productivity.
Ever been stuck on a thesis statement? Or maybe, you submitted a paper without a thesis and had a professor ask you where it was? No worries, we’ve all been there. You are definitely not the first student to experience this — especially during first years of college. After all, the bar seems so high compared to the standards set in most schools that keeping up proves challenging — even for the brightest and the most industrious of us. This is especially so when it comes to compare and contrast essay. After all, a thesis statement should be just one sentence, right? How do you manage a proper contrast in just one sentence? How do you convey differences and similarities in this one sentence? It may indeed prove tough. The good news is that we’re ready to help you figure out what makes a good thesis for a compare and contrast essay, so read on.
Still, for a compare and contrast essay, scientific proof is hardly ever necessary. And, even if your subject calls for it, the major challenge is to make a compelling statement. So, let’s focus on this part for now.
References:
http://courses.lumenlearning.com/ivytech-engl111/chapter/comparecontrast-essays/
http://education.seattlepi.com/create-thesis-compare-contrast-essay-2541.html
http://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/comparative-essay/
http://eliteessaywriters.com/blog/compare-and-contrast-thesis-statement/
http://content.nroc.org/DevelopmentalEnglish/unit07/Foundations/developing-a-thesis-for-a-compare-and-contrast-essay.html