how to write a comparative law essay

Comparative Law Research Guide: Getting Started

• Getting Started
• Introductory Materials
• Treatises & Books
• Finding Articles
• Finding Constitutional Texts
• Finding Legislation
• Finding Cases
• Finding News Articles

What is comparative law?

Looking for a database.

This is an alphabetical list of FSU databases useful for researching legal issues dealing with comparative constitutional law.

Writing a Paper?

• Choose a Paper Topic
• Do a Pre-Emption Check
• Avoid Plagiarism
• Cite Correctly

Narrow  your topic on which you can write a 20-30 page paper. Select a topic that addresses an international law question that is of  interest  to you and also is  original and  topical .

To find ideas for your topic, go to the following sources with an international perspective.

• Read or search through  newspapers and magazines ,  newsletters , or  blogs
• Skim the tables of contents of newly-released law reviews and law journals  and the Current Index to Legal Periodicals . 

Once you've chosen a paper topic you'll need to review the legal literatute for a pre-emption check to be sure that another legal scholar has not already covered your topic.

Use these sources in a pre-emption check:

• articles-in-progress
• newly-published articles
• law review articles
• blogs and websites
• Citing Responsibly: A Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism
• Principles of Paraphrasing Online Tutorial
• FSU Law Research Center Plagiarism Guide
• Advanced Citation Guide for Scholarly Writing
• YouTube Bluebooking Series

Beginning Research?

• Background Info
• Country by Country Guide to Foreign Law Research
• Globalex Comparative Law Guides
• International and Foreign Law Research
• Researching Comparative Law 2017
• BBC Country Profiles
• CIA Country Handbook
• Political Database of the Americas
• Rule of Law Index

Presentation

Organizations

• American Society of Comparative Law
• British Institute of International and Comparative Law
• European Society for Comparative Legal History
• Next: Introductory Materials >>
• Last Updated: Jan 22, 2024 10:57 AM
• URL: https://guides.law.fsu.edu/comparativelaw

Faculty Scholarship

How to do comparative constitutional law.

For Mark Tushnet, you can’t leave out politics

H arvard Law School Professor Mark Tushnet is the rare scholar who has made huge contributions to a number of different fields. He was an active participant in the Critical Legal Studies movement of the 1980s; he has been a leading contributor to both academic and public debates on the U.S. Constitution; and he is one of the founders—along with HLS colleague Vicki Jackson, the Laurence H. Tribe Professor of Constitutional Law—of the modern field of comparative constitutional law. And inevitably, he has been able to connect these fields and ways of thinking about law and constitutional government, as few other scholars have been willing or able to do.

Our own experience of Mark has been as a comparative constitutional scholar, and mentor in the field. For one of us (Dixon), this began when Mark sat on her S.J.D. defense committee at Harvard; for the other (Landau), it began when Mark served as a formal mentor in the HLS Climenko program. But ever since, he has been an invaluable sounding board on all manner of things comparative constitutional: He has read almost everything we have written, provided incisive yet constructive criticism and given invaluable guidance on the direction of our careers. We know countless former HLS students of his and comparative colleagues who have had the same experience: He is undoubtedly one of the most generous readers of colleagues’ work anywhere in the world.

Mark has used comparative constitutional law to unsettle what we think defines a legitimate or well-functioning constitutional system.

More than anything, however, Mark has served as a model for us and other scholars of our generation—U.S.-trained constitutionalists with a strong interest in the law-politics relationship and a comparative interest and bent—for how to do comparative constitutional law.

Mark has made important contributions to nearly every area of the field. To give readers a sense of his prolific contributions just to comparative constitutional law, he is a leading contributor to the forms of judicial review, to the interpretation and structure of rights via proportionality and horizontality, to the enforcement of socioeconomic rights, to theories of constituent power and constitutional change, to the varieties of constitutionalism, including nondemocratic constitutionalism, and to comparative methodology, among other areas! He currently has an important ongoing project on independent accountability institutions. His casebook with Vicki Jackson is a standard reference point for all scholars, and emblematic of his influence. But more than anything, his work has helped lend credibility to the field, helped to grow it and to make it mainstream.

What is striking about so much of his work is how he connects comparative constitutional law to constitutional politics—and the insights of the Critical Legal Studies movement. One of the overarching ideas in Mark’s work is that we should think more about finding political solutions, and less about legal solutions, to the constitutional problems we face. We should be more skeptical of courts, and of constitutional design more generally. Related to that is a second point: We should be a lot less secure in the normative presuppositions we’re making about what a legal order should look like.

In important ways, these points are also deeply comparative; Mark has used comparative constitutional law to unsettle what we think defines a legitimate or well-functioning constitutional system, or to show that things we think are inevitable in reality are not.

His well-known project on “weak-form review” is a great example. In a terrific book and several articles, he looks at countries such as Britain and Canada, where the legislature and executive can reject constitutional rulings by the judiciary, or contexts such as South Africa, where the judiciary often issues remedies that defer to political actors. Mark argues that as compared with “strong-form” judicial interpretations and remedies we are more familiar with from the United States, this “weak-form review” may do a better job of squaring rights-enforcement with politics and democratic deliberation. These ideas have been especially influential for both of us, expanding the way we think about the enforcement of rights, especially new forms of rights like socioeconomic rights.

So too, in a very different way, these concerns are the motivations for Mark’s current project on independent accountability institutions such as ombudspersons and anti-corruption commissions, which in some sense he conceptualizes as alternatives to courts for dealing with areas where democracy might be expected not to work well, or at least not to self-police. The core idea is that you create other institutions, with some independence, but perhaps less independence than you give courts.

The use of comparative analysis to express skepticism about judicial power, constitutional design, and the status quo of liberal democracy, by opening up the range of possibilities, is squarely in the best traditions of comparativism, and it continues to be much needed.

At the same time, these concerns also reflect Mark’s experience and expertise in U.S. law. And they often read differently outside the U.S., since other systems have different ways of engaging with judicial power. One of us (Landau) remembers being in a judge’s chambers in the Constitutional Court in Bogota, where they were planning to invite Mark to an event. But then one of the clerks turned to Landau, momentarily alarmed, and asked, “But what about this book ‘Taking the Constitution Away from the Courts’?” The idea seemed too radical, indeed dangerous, for a system just beginning to establish judicial review.

The degree to which global audiences seek to situate Mark’s ideas with their own quite different legal contexts is a testament to the scope of Mark’s reach and his influence on the field. They may not want to “take the constitution away from the courts,” but they almost always want to consider what Mark’s ideas say about the scope and practice of judicial review—or, for that matter, federalism, constitutional change, or constitutional design—in their own systems.

Mark may be retiring from HLS, but it will be a long time before comparative scholars are willing to let him retire from the field—his voice is too generous, and too important and insightful, for us to miss out on.

Rosalind Dixon LL.M. ’04 S.J.D. ’08 is a professor at the University of New South Wales (Australia) Faculty of Law. David Landau ’04 is a professor at Florida State University College of Law.

Read other faculty tributes

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3 The Comparative Method

• Published: February 2019
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This chapter examines the methods used in comparative law. Today, functional comparison is considered the classic form of comparative law. The vast majority of comparative studies follow this method and the quality of any given comparative law study is often judged according to its principles. According to Zweigert and Kötz, the fundamental principle of comparative law is functionalism, according to which only law which fulfills the same function can be compared. At its core, this straightforward approach provides an exemplary description of the essential components of any individual comparison between two developed legal systems. However, attacks on the functional method has been increasing for decades. The chapter then describes these critiques and the alternatives they propose.

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4.1: Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay

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The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. Comparison and contrast is simply telling how two things are alike or different. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both. The thesis should focus on comparing, contrasting, or both.

Key Elements of the Compare and Contrast:

• A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
• The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
• The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.
• Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
• Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
• Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.

Objectives: By the end of this unit, you will be able to

• Identify compare & contrast relationships in model essays
• Construct clearly formulated thesis statements that show compare & contrast relationships
• Use pre-writing techniques to brainstorm and organize ideas showing a comparison and/or contrast
• Construct an outline for a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
• Write a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
• Use a variety of vocabulary and language structures that express compare & contrast essay relationships

Example Thesis: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Sample Paragraph:

Organic grown tomatoes purchased at the farmers’ market are very different from tomatoes that are grown conventionally. To begin with, although tomatoes from both sources will mostly be red, the tomatoes at the farmers’ market are a brighter red than those at a grocery store. That doesn’t mean they are shinier—in fact, grocery store tomatoes are often shinier since they have been waxed. You are likely to see great size variation in tomatoes at the farmers’ market, with tomatoes ranging from only a couple of inches across to eight inches across. By contrast, the tomatoes in a grocery store will be fairly uniform in size. All the visual differences are interesting, but the most important difference is the taste. The farmers’ market tomatoes will be bursting with flavor from ripening on the vine in their own time. However, the grocery store tomatoes are often close to being flavorless. In conclusion, the differences in organic and conventionally grown tomatoes are obvious in color, size and taste.

Comparative Legal Research: A Brief Overview

• Vellah Kedogo Kigwiru

January 25, 2020 Introduction

Fombad has argued that, legal research on any legal system, legal traditions or topic is either explicitly or implicitly comparative because none is self-contained or self-reliant. Comparative legal research and comparative law is evolving and attracting a lot of attention in the legal scholarly work. Africa , as a region is not an exception.  It is very common in Africa to come across research papers or thesis dissertations at undergraduate, masters and doctorate level, where the authors assert that they are undertaking a comparative study.  In most cases, the comparative legal research will involve countries beyond the African borders, or doctrines that have evolved and are more established in other jurisdictions. But do the outcome of the research reflect a comparative legal research or what should authors consider when selecting a comparative research method? In short, at what point does a researcher conclude that, indeed, a comparative study is relevant for their research project? It was during my own research presentation, when I posited that, my study was a comparative study between the European Union (EU) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), I realized despite having used the term ‘comparative analysis’ on various occasions, it was more than what I had contemplated. The questions that followed left me dumbfounded and I could not answer them clearly and with certainty. The questions asked were: how was my study an actual comparative study?; why a comparative study?; why did I choose the EU and not the US or any other existing regional regime in Africa?; what was the ‘construct equivalence’?; what was I going to compare? and why the comparison?; how was I going to compare the two?; and which method of data collection was I going to use in carrying out the comparative analysis? Finally, what was my research question and how was I going to use both cases to provide an answer? Was a comparative research necessary? Would I still answer my research question and objectives without a comparative study? The essence of these questions border on understanding comparative research methods . It also seeks to enable a researcher answer the why, where, what, when and how questions in selecting a research method and design.  Having difficulty answering these questions I decided to delve further into what comparative research method constitutes by attending research methods classes and reviewing available literature on comparative research methods  and I hope this article helps anyone who is seeking to employ a comparative legal research. Selecting a research method and design

Before you select any research method and design, the first thing as a researcher, is to formulate a clear research question informed by your research topic, aim, interests and theoretical framework. The assumption is that, you have selected a research topic that not only interests you, but is relevant and contributes to the ongoing conversation. The next step as vogt provides is to select a research design and method that will provide an answer to the research question. This implies that, you must have a great understanding of research methods and designs as noted by Cane and Kritzer in his detailed book  on empirical legal research. Choosing a research method or design is not easy and it is not exclusive either. A researcher can employ mixed methods if necessary to provide an answer to the research question and provide evidence to their argument in a logical manner. What is comparative legal research?

As this article focuses on comparative legal research, before choosing to employ it, it is critical to understand what it constitutes .   Hoecke notes that, ‘researchers get easily lost when embarking on a comparative legal research. The main reason being that there is no agreement on the kind of methodology to be followed, nor even on the methodologies that could be followed’. According to   Paris the lack of definition of what comparative law is, or what the method of comparative law is has exacerbated the situation. Despite these concerns, comparative legal research emanates from comparative research methods which is the study of more than two or more macro-level units with the aim of explaining the differences and similarities between the units of analysis. The term ‘comparative’ implies that, a researcher seeks to compare one subject with another. At the core of comparative research methods, some authors argue that some extent of similarities referred to as, the ‘ comparability’  or ‘ construct equivalence’ should exist.  Esser and Vliegenthart assert, ‘a key issue in concluding comparative empirical research is to ensure equivalence, that is, the ability to validly collect data that are indeed comparable between different contexts and to avoid biases in measurement, instruments and sampling`.  Yet, in real life scenarios, ‘comparability’ may not reflect similarities. Explaining equivalence is also undermined by the single reason that, meaning of any concept is contextual. Örücü   has argued that the concept of comparability which stipulates that things to be compared must be comparable is not entirely practical. What a researcher requires to show, is why they believe that the two unit of analysis should be compared by studying both similarities and diversity and taking into consideration the social context. Understanding the aim and goal of comparative study is therefore critical. This takes us to the next question, why comparative legal research? Why comparative legal research?

After understanding, what is comparative legal research, you have to justify why you selected it. Paris posits that, ‘the researcher in a comparative law, while going through the different stages of the comparative analysis, has to set her own parameters of research within the theoretical framework provided in the comparative law literature and has to justify the direction she chooses to give as regards her methodological choices. In short, the researcher has to master the art of justifying her choices about why and how she uses comparative law’. In answering the why question, it will be prudent to understand the aims and theoretical underpinnings of comparative research methods which seek to provide conclusions beyond single cases. Mills and others argue that, ‘the underlying goal of comparative analysis is to search for similarity and variance’. According to Wilson , ‘by looking overseas, by looking at the other legal systems, it has been hoped to benefit the national legal system of the observer, offering suggestions for future developments, providing warnings of possible difficulties, giving an opportunity to stand back from one’s own national system and look at it more critically, but not to remove it from first place on the agenda’ . In the modern globalized world and multidisciplinary research, comparative legal research is not limited to the analysis of national legal systems as was conceptualized in the 19 th and 20 th century.  Further the traditional aims of comparative legal studies which sought to harmonize laws especially in the Europe are questionable in the modern age. For instance, after colonization, most of the African countries adopted laws that were entirely a transplant of their former colonies as a result of western imperialism missing the contextualization of the African societies. This has led to massive reforms of the laws to reflect the realities in the various African societies. Scholars such as Shako have called for the need to dismantle the legacies of colonization. Justifying the case selection

As you seek to justify why you selected comparative legal research methods, another hurdle is justifying case selection. Case selection and the sampling in comparative research methods is closely linked to the concept of ‘comparability’ and ‘construct equivalence’ as discussed above. As a researcher you must carry out a thorough contextual approach. This will involve considering the historical and socio-economic context of the subjects under study to provide a better understanding and avoid unnecessary biasness. In essence case selection, narrows down to the ‘why’ question and understanding the aim of comparative research methods. For instance, you can use comparative analysis where a doctrine originated in a certain jurisdiction and it is well embedded to inform its application in another jurisdiction where the doctrine is still novel. So, before you indicate that you are carrying out a comparative analysis study between Nigeria and the US, on the fight against terrorism, you must justify why you chose US and not Kenya. For guidance see Erbele , Eser , Fombad . Epstein and Martin ,   Cane and Kritzer . You have justified why you selected a comparative legal research to answer your research question and also your case selection, the next hurdle is to explain how you are going to use the comparative legal research design. In what way are you going to compare these two cases? Hoecke, posits six methods for comparative research: ‘the functional method, the structural method, the analytical method, the law-in-context method, the historical method and the common-core method’.  To understand these methods and how you can employ each  see Michaels , Karst , Monateri , Leckey , Eberle , and Frohlich . Conclusion

As this blog article is limited to word limit, we cannot discuss everything related to comparative research methods in legal studies. However, before employing a comparative legal research method, understand what it entails, why you are adopting, justify the case selection and sampling. Finally, be very clear how you are going to carry out the comparative analysis.

• European Union (EU)
• Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
• Colonization

Comparative Essay

How to Write a Comparative Essay – A Complete Guide

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Comparative essay is a common assignment for school and college students. Many students are not aware of the complexities of crafting a strong comparative essay. 

If you too are struggling with this, don't worry!

In this blog, you will get a complete writing guide for comparative essay writing. From structuring formats to creative topics, this guide has it all.

So, keep reading!

• 1. What is a Comparative Essay?
• 2. Comparative Essay Structure
• 3. How to Start a Comparative Essay?
• 4. How to Write a Comparative Essay?
• 5. Comparative Essay Examples
• 6. Comparative Essay Topics
• 7. Tips for Writing A Good Comparative Essay
• 8. Transition Words For Comparative Essays

What is a Comparative Essay?

A comparative essay is a type of essay in which an essay writer compares at least two or more items. The author compares two subjects with the same relation in terms of similarities and differences depending on the assignment.

The main purpose of the comparative essay is to:

• Highlight the similarities and differences in a systematic manner.
• Provide great clarity of the subject to the readers.
• Analyze two things and describe their advantages and drawbacks.

A comparative essay is also known as compare and contrast essay or a comparison essay. It analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The Venn diagram is the best tool for writing a paper about the comparison between two subjects.  

Moreover, a comparative analysis essay discusses the similarities and differences of themes, items, events, views, places, concepts, etc. For example, you can compare two different novels (e.g., The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Red Badge of Courage).

However, a comparative essay is not limited to specific topics. It covers almost every topic or subject with some relation.

Comparative Essay Structure

A good comparative essay is based on how well you structure your essay. It helps the reader to understand your essay better. 

The structure is more important than what you write. This is because it is necessary to organize your essay so that the reader can easily go through the comparisons made in an essay.

The following are the two main methods in which you can organize your comparative essay.

Point-by-Point Method 

The point-by-point or alternating method provides a detailed overview of the items that you are comparing. In this method, organize items in terms of similarities and differences.

This method makes the writing phase easy for the writer to handle two completely different essay subjects. It is highly recommended where some depth and detail are required.

Below given is the structure of the point-by-point method. 

Block Method 

The block method is the easiest as compared to the point-by-point method. In this method, you divide the information in terms of parameters. It means that the first paragraph compares the first subject and all their items, then the second one compares the second, and so on.

However, make sure that you write the subject in the same order. This method is best for lengthy essays and complicated subjects.

Here is the structure of the block method. 

Therefore, keep these methods in mind and choose the one according to the chosen subject.

Mixed Paragraphs Method

In this method, one paragraph explains one aspect of the subject. As a writer, you will handle one point at a time and one by one. This method is quite beneficial as it allows you to give equal weightage to each subject and help the readers identify the point of comparison easily.

How to Start a Comparative Essay?

Here, we have gathered some steps that you should follow to start a well-written comparative essay.  

Choose a Topic

The foremost step in writing a comparative essay is to choose a suitable topic.

Choose a topic or theme that is interesting to write about and appeals to the reader. 

An interesting essay topic motivates the reader to know about the subject. Also, try to avoid complicated topics for your comparative essay. 

Develop a List of Similarities and Differences 

Create a list of similarities and differences between two subjects that you want to include in the essay. Moreover, this list helps you decide the basis of your comparison by constructing your initial plan. 

Evaluate the list and establish your argument and thesis statement .

Establish the Basis for Comparison 

The basis for comparison is the ground for you to compare the subjects. In most cases, it is assigned to you, so check your assignment or prompt.

Furthermore, the main goal of the comparison essay is to inform the reader of something interesting. It means that your subject must be unique to make your argument interesting.  

Do the Research 

In this step, you have to gather information for your subject. If your comparative essay is about social issues, historical events, or science-related topics, you must do in-depth research.    

However, make sure that you gather data from credible sources and cite them properly in the essay.

Create an Outline

An essay outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, organizing key elements into a structured format.

With your topic, list of comparisons, basis for comparison, and research in hand, the next step is to create a comprehensive outline. 

Here is a standard comparative essay outline:

How to Write a Comparative Essay?

Now that you have the basic information organized in an outline, you can get started on the writing process. 

Here are the essential parts of a comparative essay: 

Comparative Essay Introduction 

Start off by grabbing your reader's attention in the introduction . Use something catchy, like a quote, question, or interesting fact about your subjects. 

Then, give a quick background so your reader knows what's going on. 

The most important part is your thesis statement, where you state the main argument , the basis for comparison, and why the comparison is significant.

This is what a typical thesis statement for a comparative essay looks like:

Comparative Essay Body Paragraphs 

The body paragraphs are where you really get into the details of your subjects. Each paragraph should focus on one thing you're comparing.

Start by talking about the first point of comparison. Then, go on to the next points. Make sure to talk about two to three differences to give a good picture.

After that, switch gears and talk about the things they have in common. Just like you discussed three differences, try to cover three similarities. 

This way, your essay stays balanced and fair. This approach helps your reader understand both the ways your subjects are different and the ways they are similar. Keep it simple and clear for a strong essay.

Comparative Essay Conclusion

In your conclusion , bring together the key insights from your analysis to create a strong and impactful closing.

Consider the broader context or implications of the subjects' differences and similarities. What do these insights reveal about the broader themes or ideas you're exploring?

Discuss the broader implications of these findings and restate your thesis. Avoid introducing new information and end with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression.

Below is the detailed comparative essay template format for you to understand better.

Comparative Essay Format

Comparative Essay Examples

Have a look at these comparative essay examples pdf to get an idea of the perfect essay.

Comparative Essay on Summer and Winter

Comparative Essay on Books vs. Movies

Comparative Essay Sample

Comparative Essay Thesis Example

Comparative Essay on Football vs Cricket

Comparative Essay on Pet and Wild Animals

Comparative Essay Topics

Comparative essay topics are not very difficult or complex. Check this list of essay topics and pick the one that you want to write about.

• How do education and employment compare?
• Living in a big city or staying in a village.
• The school principal or college dean.
• New Year vs. Christmas celebration.
• Dried Fruit vs. Fresh. Which is better?
• Similarities between philosophy and religion.
• British colonization and Spanish colonization.
• Nuclear power for peace or war?
• Bacteria or viruses.
• Fast food vs. homemade food.

Tips for Writing A Good Comparative Essay

Writing a compelling comparative essay requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning. Here are some valuable tips to enhance the quality of your comparative essay:

• Clearly define what you're comparing, like themes or characters.
• Plan your essay structure using methods like point-by-point or block paragraphs.
• Craft an introduction that introduces subjects and states your purpose.
• Ensure an equal discussion of both similarities and differences.
• Use linking words for seamless transitions between paragraphs.
• Gather credible information for depth and authenticity.
• Use clear and simple language, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
• Dedicate each paragraph to a specific point of comparison.
• Summarize key points, restate the thesis, and emphasize significance.
• Thoroughly check for clarity, coherence, and correct any errors.

Transition Words For Comparative Essays

Transition words are crucial for guiding your reader through the comparative analysis. They help establish connections between ideas and ensure a smooth flow in your essay. 

Here are some transition words and phrases to improve the flow of your comparative essay:

Transition Words for Similarities

• Correspondingly
• In the same vein
• In like manner
• In a similar fashion
• In tandem with

Transition Words for Differences

• On the contrary
• In contrast
• Nevertheless
• In spite of
• Notwithstanding
• On the flip side
• In contradistinction

Check out this blog listing more transition words that you can use to enhance your essay’s coherence!

In conclusion, now that you have the important steps and helpful tips to write a good comparative essay, you can start working on your own essay. 

However, if you find it tough to begin, you can always hire our professional essay writing service . 

Our skilled writers can handle any type of essay or assignment you need. So, don't wait—place your order now and make your academic journey easier!

Frequently Asked Question

How long is a comparative essay.

A comparative essay is 4-5 pages long, but it depends on your chosen idea and topic.

How do you end a comparative essay?

Here are some tips that will help you to end the comparative essay.

• Restate the thesis statement
• Wrap up the entire essay
• Highlight the main points

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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How to write a comparative essay

A step-by-step guide with instructions, outlines, and samples

Writing a great comparative essay means highlighting the similarities and differences between two things in a systematic manner. Start by choosing the parameters (items) to compare, write an outline, and fill in the details for each section. Make sure to have an introduction and conclusion.

The comparative essay is one form of document that you will probably be expected to write at some point over the course of your college career. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a thorough overview of the comparative essay. Specific things that will be addressed include:

Purpose of the comparative essay

Explanation of comparative models, how to analyze subjects, elements of a good comparative essay, how to write a great comparative essay.

• Samples/examples
• Best practices and advice
• Additional information

By the end of this article, you should feel more confident about your own knowledge of what a comparative essay is and the best ways to go about writing one (if you haven't decided to buy a comparative essay from Ultius ).

The fundamental purpose of a comparative essay is to elaborate the similarities and differences between two things in a systematic manner.

An effective comparative essay will leave the reader with much greater clarity about the natures and properties of the things that have been compared.

This could potentially serve as a basis for making a decision in favor of one or the other thing.

A comparative essay is different from, for example, an argumentative essay in that the comparative essay does not make a case for either of the two things under comparison. Rather, the point is to simply set up the comparison so that the reader will have as much information about the two things as possible.

Why are comparative essays important?

The comparative essay is an important form of document because when you have to make a decision or choose a side in an argument, you will want to know as much as possible about the two options under consideration—and a good comparative essay on the subject can bring out both the similarities and the differences between the options, thereby clarifying the stakes at play.

For example, a comparative essay could address the similarities and differences between any of the following pairs:

• The Republican Party and the Democratic Party
• Christianity and Marxism
• The Big Bang and creationism
• The Light or Dark side of the Force from Star Wars
• The revolutionary and the reformist perspectives on social change

By developing a comparative essay on any of these pairs, you can not only understand each item of under comparison is a more thorough way, you can also get closer to figuring out which item you prefer.

For example, a solid comparative essay on revolution vs. reformism could not only help you understand what each of these items entails, it can also help you figure out whether you would rather be a revolutionary or a reformist. Likewise, if you only have time to binge watch one show, then a comparative essay could help you figure out whether you would prefer to go with Game of Thrones or Westworld .

When writing a comparative essay, there are several models you can use in order to ensure that you set up your comparison as effectively as possible.

Venn diagram

The Venn diagram is a classic, and surely, you're familiar with it. This is the model of two overlapping circles, where each circle belongs to one item of comparison: features shared by both items (similarities) go in the overlapping middle zone, whereas features that are not shared go in the outer areas. For example, here is a Venn diagram that compares humans against gorillas.

When using the Venn diagram model, it is important to note that the differences must be symmetrical. In other words, every difference you list on one side of the comparison must be matched by a difference on the other side.

For example, if you were comparing Apple and Amazon, then for the parameter of "founder," you can list "Steve Jobs" in one circle and "Jeff Bezos" in the other. But it wouldn't make sense if you just listed one or the other: you must list something for each of the items of comparisons under the selected parameter of comparison.

In the Venn diagram above, the first parameter is "language," so for humans it is listed that we have a capacity of language, whereas for gorillas it is listed that they do not.

You don't need to worry about this kind of symmetry when it comes to the similarities, since you will list the same thing for both items of comparison (which means you only have to list it once, in the overlapping zone). In the example, above, the fact that both humans and gorillas are mammals is thus listed just once in the middle.

The dialectical method

The dialectical method is important within the discipline of philosophy, and it has been used to great effect by thinkers such as Socrates and Hegel and Kierkegaard.

This involves holding two ideas or items in tension with each other, to better clarify not only the ideas themselves but also the dynamic relationship that exist between the ideas. The first idea is called the thesis , and the second idea is called the antithesis .

For example, Romanticism could be dialectically compared against the Enlightenment that came before it, because Romanticism was in some ways a rejection of the previous worldview.

Need help?  Essay writing services from Ultius can help you produce a great sample compare and contrast essay.

So, by setting up a comparison between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, it becomes possible to see both the continuities (or similarities) between the one and the other, as well as the contradictions (or differences) between them.

Berlin, Isaiah. The Roots of Romanticism . Princeton: Princeton U P, 2013. Print.

From the table above, it is clear that we are able to understand both Romanticism and the Enlightenment better if we set them up in terms of dialectical contrast.

Clearly, they are different in some important ways (logic vs. passion, for example), but we can also see that they are in continuity with each other (both happened in Western Europe and responded to previous developments). This comparison also leads one to wonder about whether it would be possible to make a synthesis that takes the best from both the thesis and the antithesis

A good comparative essay can lead one to ask such questions and pursue such lines of inquiry.

To analyze your subjects for a comparative essay, you need to identify clear parameters, or axes, in terms of which your two selected items can be compared. For example, in the table above, Romanticism and the Enlightenment were compared along the axis of " epistemology ". But that axis won't be relevant to all subjects.

Your job when preparing to write a comparative essay is to identify the specific axes that are relevant for the items that you are comparing. Why is the comparison interesting, and what insights are you trying produce? The answers to those questions will determine how you decide to frame your comparison.

For example, we could compare the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) against the Democratic Party in terms of the axis of membership. This would reveal that the DSA has far fewer registered members than does the Democratic Party.

We could also compare them on the axis of healthcare policy, where it may be found that the DSA and the Democratic Party agree about the importance of universal coverage. When we look at the axis of economics, though, we may find that the DSA is much more radical in its proposals than the Democratic Party.

The problem of identifying relevance

In principle, any one thing in the world could be compared with any other thing in the world. For example, you could compare your shoe with the moon, and conclude that one similarity is that they both exist within the Milky Way galaxy.

But this would be a meaningless point (even if it may make for some interesting poetry). It is important for you to figure out what exactly you are trying to determine through your comparative essay. What is your purpose for writing it?

This will help you choose two items where setting up a dialectical contrast between them will produce actual insight, and it will also help you to choose the proper parameters by which to compare those items.

For example, suppose that you are running a business, and there are two expansion options open in front of you. It would be logical for you to compare and contrast these options, since this will help ensure that you are making your decision with as much knowledge and insight as possible.

Likewise, one parameter that you are sure to consider is: which option will make your business the most money? If you pick parameters that are meaningless, then you will obtain no real insight that can help you make the important decision.

Using a rubric

Once you have identified both the two items of comparison and the axes along which they will be compared, you can proceed to analyze the items by applying the axes in the form of a table or rubric.

This is what has been done, for example, in the tables that have been developed above in this article. In the left-most column, list the parameters you have selected in order to compare your items. Then, in the top-most row, list the items.

Then go ahead and list the relevant details for each parameter for each of the two items. This will produce a table where you can see how each item measures up against the other for each parameter.

The important thing is to be systematic when you are making your comparison: it should not seem random or arbitrary. Thus, it is important to carefully select both the items and the parameters for comparison, and then to proceed to address each item/parameter combo in turn.

There are several elements that are a part of any good comparative essay.

Effective selection of items

A strong comparative essay has well-chosen items for comparison, with the comparison producing actual insights of value through the juxtaposition of the two items. If the items appear to be chosen for no apparent reason, or if the comparison does not in fact produce insight, then the comparative essay would be quite weak (or at any rate pointless).

The comparative essay is not meant to make an argument in favor of one thing or another, but it is meant to produce knowledge and insight about the two things under comparison. In order to compare and contrast items in an effective way, the two items must be different enough from each other, but they should also not be so different that it just feels absurd to even compare them at all.

Effective selection of parameters of comparison

A good comparative essay not only includes well-selected items of comparison, it also includes well-selected parameters of comparison. Between any two selected items, you could theoretically make an endless number of comparisons.

But a good comparative essay identifies parameters of comparative in terms of salience , or the reasons why anyone would be interested in the comparison in the first place. This can be difficult, because in principle, any comparison could be interesting, depending on the audience of the comparative essay and the intended purpose of the essay.

For example, one could use the parameter of zodiac sign to compare Romantic artists against Enlightenment artists.

This could be very interesting to people who are very serious about the zodiac, but it would probably seem ridiculous to just about everyone else.

But if you were writing for an audience of zodiac fanatics, then this comparison could actually be a success.

So, there is no parameter of comparison that is "inherently" bad. Rather, the point is to find parameters that highlight specific salient aspects of the selected items.

For example, when comparing Romanticism against the Enlightenment, core values would be a solid parameter of comparison, because that will surely help produce insights about how worldviews changed from the one paradigm to another.

Strong organizational structure

If you want your comparative essay to be a success, then it absolutely must have strong organizational structure . This is because an effective comparison must be easy for your reader to follow. It can't just jump all over the place at random, which not only be confusing but could also result in the reader forgetting what the point of the comparison was in the first place.

In general, there are two ways in which you can organize your comparative essay. In the first format, each of the parameters would be considered in the section for similarities and the section for differences.

In the first format the comparative essay is organized in terms of similarities and differences, whereas in the second format the essay is organized in terms of parameters of comparison.

In the second format, both similarities and differences would be considered within each of the parameter sections.

Both these are formats are good, and a strong comparative essay could be built around either one.

The important thing is to have a clear system and to not make your comparisons random.

There needs to be an organizational structure that your reader can easily follow.

There are steps you can follow in order to ensure that your comparative essay has all the elements that will be required in order to make it great.

Ask yourself about your intention

If you have selected two items for your comparative essay, then you should start by asking yourself why you selected those two items. What is it about the two items that made you think it would be a good idea to compare them? (Or if you were assigned the two items, then why do you think those items were selected by your professor?)

The point here is that the items selected for a comparative essay are non-random. They are selected because that specific comparison should be able to yield interesting insights (unlike research papers ).

For example, if you are writing a comparative essay on the dogs vs. cats, then are you writing this from the perspective of evolutionary biology? Or are you perhaps writing it in order to inform potential pet owners who are debating whether they want a dog or a cat?

The purpose of your essay will determine what parameters you will select in order to compare your two items. This means that you should have an intended audience in mind, and you should also have specific questions you would like to know more about.

In short, in order to develop effective parameters for your comparative essay, you have to ask yourself why you are writing it and who would be interested in the insights produced by the essay. This can help ensure you select both appropriate items and appropriate parameters for comparison.

Develop a structural outline

It is very important that you do not just jump into your comparative essay and start writing it without a plan. That is a recipe for disaster, and the comparisons will almost certainly turn out random and confusing. Rather, you should begin with a solid outline .

A good outline will do three main things:

• 1. Identify the selected items of comparison in the introduction/thesis
• 2. Utilize one of the two organizational formats described above
• 3. Provide a roadmap for how you intend to systematically follow through on the comparison

For example, here is how an outline could look for a comparative essay on Romanticism vs. the Enlightenment.

In this sample outline, the format that is used dedicates a paragraph to each of three parameters of comparison, and both similarities and differences are addressed for each of those parameters.

This is the kind of logical flow that you will need to have in order for your comparative essay to turn out great.

Write in a systematic way

A comparative essay is not a place to get too creative with your writing, whether in terms of organization or in terms of style.

Rather, you should focus on simply carrying out your comparison, point-by-point and in a way that is easy for your reader to follow. This can get a little tedious, so if that is a problem for you, then you should make sure that you set aside enough time to work on your comparative essay little by little.

For example, if your essay has three parameters, then you could write a section on the first parameter today, the second parameter tomorrow, and the third parameter the next day.

The important thing is for you to ensure that you consider each of your two selected items in terms of each of your selected parameters. This needs to be done in a smooth and logical manner, such that your reader knows where you are in the comparison. There should be no jumping around, and there should be no departure from the basic format or structure.

Example comparative (compare/contrast) essay

Best practices/tips.

We have now arrived at the end of this guide, and you should have a much better idea of what makes a comparative essay successful and how you can go about writing one. It may be helpful to now summarize some of the main points that have been addressed here.

Let's address five main points.

1. Ensure that you select appropriate items for comparison

The two items that will be compared in your comparative essay should be carefully selected. The items should have some shared features and be in the same "class" of items, but they should also have substantial differences to which you are trying to call attention. If the items are too similar, then there would be no point in the comparison, but if they are too different, that can also make the comparison meaningless.

2. Select effective parameters of comparison

Your comparative essay shouldn't compare anything and everything between your two items; rather, the parameters should be specifically selected to highlight specific, salient similarities and differences. In order to determine what parameters would be effective, you have to ask yourself why you are writing your comparative essay and what sort of insights you intend to produce about the items being compared.

3. Use tools and models in an effective way

The Venn diagram is one tool that can be very helpful in conceptualizing your comparative essay, especially if you are a more visual kind of learner. Tables, rubrics, and outlines will also work to help ensure that you are developing a strong backbone of logic and systematic reasoning for your comparative essay. These and other tools may even help you reconsider your initial choices of items and parameters, if you realize that significant insights are not being produced.

4. Choose an organizational format, and stick with it

There are two main ways in which to structure an effective comparative essay, which have been described above. You can dedicate one section to similarities and one section to differences; or, you can dedicate a section to each of the parameters of comparison. This second option is usually more effective, especially if you are new to comparative essays. But either way, it is crucial that you stick to your chosen format and do not jump around and confuse the reader.

5. Seek assistance if you need it

If you are still uncertain about how to write a successful comparative essay, then Ultius is here to help. Our writer help section has many tools like this one available on various types of essays; we have a huge writer help section that contains all sorts of information on pretty much any writing-related questions you may have; and we also have elite professional writers who can produce a sample comparative essay for you on any subject of your choosing. We are here for you, and if you have any further questions about how to write a comparative essay, then you should feel free to reach out.

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• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

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Table of contents

When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

• Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
• Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

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As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

• Point of comparison A
• Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

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• Comparative Analysis

What It Is and Why It's Useful

Comparative analysis asks writers to make an argument about the relationship between two or more texts. Beyond that, there's a lot of variation, but three overarching kinds of comparative analysis stand out:

• Coordinate (A ↔ B): In this kind of analysis, two (or more) texts are being read against each other in terms of a shared element, e.g., a memoir and a novel, both by Jesmyn Ward; two sets of data for the same experiment; a few op-ed responses to the same event; two YA books written in Chicago in the 2000s; a film adaption of a play; etc. 
• Subordinate (A  → B) or (B → A ): Using a theoretical text (as a "lens") to explain a case study or work of art (e.g., how Anthony Jack's The Privileged Poor can help explain divergent experiences among students at elite four-year private colleges who are coming from similar socio-economic backgrounds) or using a work of art or case study (i.e., as a "test" of) a theory's usefulness or limitations (e.g., using coverage of recent incidents of gun violence or legislation un the U.S. to confirm or question the currency of Carol Anderson's The Second ).
• Hybrid [A  → (B ↔ C)] or [(B ↔ C) → A] , i.e., using coordinate and subordinate analysis together. For example, using Jack to compare or contrast the experiences of students at elite four-year institutions with students at state universities and/or community colleges; or looking at gun culture in other countries and/or other timeframes to contextualize or generalize Anderson's main points about the role of the Second Amendment in U.S. history.

"In the wild," these three kinds of comparative analysis represent increasingly complex—and scholarly—modes of comparison. Students can of course compare two poems in terms of imagery or two data sets in terms of methods, but in each case the analysis will eventually be richer if the students have had a chance to encounter other people's ideas about how imagery or methods work. At that point, we're getting into a hybrid kind of reading (or even into research essays), especially if we start introducing different approaches to imagery or methods that are themselves being compared along with a couple (or few) poems or data sets.

Why It's Useful

In the context of a particular course, each kind of comparative analysis has its place and can be a useful step up from single-source analysis. Intellectually, comparative analysis helps overcome the "n of 1" problem that can face single-source analysis. That is, a writer drawing broad conclusions about the influence of the Iranian New Wave based on one film is relying entirely—and almost certainly too much—on that film to support those findings. In the context of even just one more film, though, the analysis is suddenly more likely to arrive at one of the best features of any comparative approach: both films will be more richly experienced than they would have been in isolation, and the themes or questions in terms of which they're being explored (here the general question of the influence of the Iranian New Wave) will arrive at conclusions that are less at-risk of oversimplification.

For scholars working in comparative fields or through comparative approaches, these features of comparative analysis animate their work. To borrow from a stock example in Western epistemology, our concept of "green" isn't based on a single encounter with something we intuit or are told is "green." Not at all. Our concept of "green" is derived from a complex set of experiences of what others say is green or what's labeled green or what seems to be something that's neither blue nor yellow but kind of both, etc. Comparative analysis essays offer us the chance to engage with that process—even if only enough to help us see where a more in-depth exploration with a higher and/or more diverse "n" might lead—and in that sense, from the standpoint of the subject matter students are exploring through writing as well the complexity of the genre of writing they're using to explore it—comparative analysis forms a bridge of sorts between single-source analysis and research essays.

Typical learning objectives for single-sources essays: formulate analytical questions and an arguable thesis, establish stakes of an argument, summarize sources accurately, choose evidence effectively, analyze evidence effectively, define key terms, organize argument logically, acknowledge and respond to counterargument, cite sources properly, and present ideas in clear prose.

Common types of comparative analysis essays and related types: two works in the same genre, two works from the same period (but in different places or in different cultures), a work adapted into a different genre or medium, two theories treating the same topic; a theory and a case study or other object, etc.

How to Teach It: Framing + Practice

Framing multi-source writing assignments (comparative analysis, research essays, multi-modal projects) is likely to overlap a great deal with "Why It's Useful" (see above), because the range of reasons why we might use these kinds of writing in academic or non-academic settings is itself the reason why they so often appear later in courses. In many courses, they're the best vehicles for exploring the complex questions that arise once we've been introduced to the course's main themes, core content, leading protagonists, and central debates.

For comparative analysis in particular, it's helpful to frame assignment's process and how it will help students successfully navigate the challenges and pitfalls presented by the genre. Ideally, this will mean students have time to identify what each text seems to be doing, take note of apparent points of connection between different texts, and start to imagine how those points of connection (or the absence thereof)

• complicates or upends their own expectations or assumptions about the texts
• complicates or refutes the expectations or assumptions about the texts presented by a scholar
• confirms and/or nuances expectations and assumptions they themselves hold or scholars have presented
• presents entirely unforeseen ways of understanding the texts

—and all with implications for the texts themselves or for the axes along which the comparative analysis took place. If students know that this is where their ideas will be heading, they'll be ready to develop those ideas and engage with the challenges that comparative analysis presents in terms of structure (See "Tips" and "Common Pitfalls" below for more on these elements of framing).

Like single-source analyses, comparative essays have several moving parts, and giving students practice here means adapting the sample sequence laid out at the " Formative Writing Assignments " page. Three areas that have already been mentioned above are worth noting:

• Gathering evidence : Depending on what your assignment is asking students to compare (or in terms of what), students will benefit greatly from structured opportunities to create inventories or data sets of the motifs, examples, trajectories, etc., shared (or not shared) by the texts they'll be comparing. See the sample exercises below for a basic example of what this might look like.
• Why it Matters: Moving beyond "x is like y but also different" or even "x is more like y than we might think at first" is what moves an essay from being "compare/contrast" to being a comparative analysis . It's also a move that can be hard to make and that will often evolve over the course of an assignment. A great way to get feedback from students about where they're at on this front? Ask them to start considering early on why their argument "matters" to different kinds of imagined audiences (while they're just gathering evidence) and again as they develop their thesis and again as they're drafting their essays. ( Cover letters , for example, are a great place to ask writers to imagine how a reader might be affected by reading an their argument.)
• Structure: Having two texts on stage at the same time can suddenly feel a lot more complicated for any writer who's used to having just one at a time. Giving students a sense of what the most common patterns (AAA / BBB, ABABAB, etc.) are likely to be can help them imagine, even if provisionally, how their argument might unfold over a series of pages. See "Tips" and "Common Pitfalls" below for more information on this front.

Sample Exercises and Links to Other Resources

• Common Pitfalls
• Advice on Timing
• Try to keep students from thinking of a proposed thesis as a commitment. Instead, help them see it as more of a hypothesis that has emerged out of readings and discussion and analytical questions and that they'll now test through an experiment, namely, writing their essay. When students see writing as part of the process of inquiry—rather than just the result—and when that process is committed to acknowledging and adapting itself to evidence, it makes writing assignments more scientific, more ethical, and more authentic. 
• Have students create an inventory of touch points between the two texts early in the process.
• Ask students to make the case—early on and at points throughout the process—for the significance of the claim they're making about the relationship between the texts they're comparing.
• For coordinate kinds of comparative analysis, a common pitfall is tied to thesis and evidence. Basically, it's a thesis that tells the reader that there are "similarities and differences" between two texts, without telling the reader why it matters that these two texts have or don't have these particular features in common. This kind of thesis is stuck at the level of description or positivism, and it's not uncommon when a writer is grappling with the complexity that can in fact accompany the "taking inventory" stage of comparative analysis. The solution is to make the "taking inventory" stage part of the process of the assignment. When this stage comes before students have formulated a thesis, that formulation is then able to emerge out of a comparative data set, rather than the data set emerging in terms of their thesis (which can lead to confirmation bias, or frequency illusion, or—just for the sake of streamlining the process of gathering evidence—cherry picking). 
• For subordinate kinds of comparative analysis , a common pitfall is tied to how much weight is given to each source. Having students apply a theory (in a "lens" essay) or weigh the pros and cons of a theory against case studies (in a "test a theory") essay can be a great way to help them explore the assumptions, implications, and real-world usefulness of theoretical approaches. The pitfall of these approaches is that they can quickly lead to the same biases we saw here above. Making sure that students know they should engage with counterevidence and counterargument, and that "lens" / "test a theory" approaches often balance each other out in any real-world application of theory is a good way to get out in front of this pitfall.
• For any kind of comparative analysis, a common pitfall is structure. Every comparative analysis asks writers to move back and forth between texts, and that can pose a number of challenges, including: what pattern the back and forth should follow and how to use transitions and other signposting to make sure readers can follow the overarching argument as the back and forth is taking place. Here's some advice from an experienced writing instructor to students about how to think about these considerations:

a quick note on STRUCTURE

     Most of us have encountered the question of whether to adopt what we might term the “A→A→A→B→B→B” structure or the “A→B→A→B→A→B” structure.  Do we make all of our points about text A before moving on to text B?  Or do we go back and forth between A and B as the essay proceeds?  As always, the answers to our questions about structure depend on our goals in the essay as a whole.  In a “similarities in spite of differences” essay, for instance, readers will need to encounter the differences between A and B before we offer them the similarities (A d →B d →A s →B s ).  If, rather than subordinating differences to similarities you are subordinating text A to text B (using A as a point of comparison that reveals B’s originality, say), you may be well served by the “A→A→A→B→B→B” structure.  

     Ultimately, you need to ask yourself how many “A→B” moves you have in you.  Is each one identical?  If so, you may wish to make the transition from A to B only once (“A→A→A→B→B→B”), because if each “A→B” move is identical, the “A→B→A→B→A→B” structure will appear to involve nothing more than directionless oscillation and repetition.  If each is increasingly complex, however—if each AB pair yields a new and progressively more complex idea about your subject—you may be well served by the “A→B→A→B→A→B” structure, because in this case it will be visible to readers as a progressively developing argument.

As we discussed in "Advice on Timing" at the page on single-source analysis, that timeline itself roughly follows the "Sample Sequence of Formative Assignments for a 'Typical' Essay" outlined under " Formative Writing Assignments, " and it spans about 5–6 steps or 2–4 weeks. 

Comparative analysis assignments have a lot of the same DNA as single-source essays, but they potentially bring more reading into play and ask students to engage in more complicated acts of analysis and synthesis during the drafting stages. With that in mind, closer to 4 weeks is probably a good baseline for many single-source analysis assignments. For sections that meet once per week, the timeline will either probably need to expand—ideally—a little past the 4-week side of things, or some of the steps will need to be combined or done asynchronously.

What It Can Build Up To

Comparative analyses can build up to other kinds of writing in a number of ways. For example:

• They can build toward other kinds of comparative analysis, e.g., student can be asked to choose an additional source to complicate their conclusions from a previous analysis, or they can be asked to revisit an analysis using a different axis of comparison, such as race instead of class. (These approaches are akin to moving from a coordinate or subordinate analysis to more of a hybrid approach.)
• They can scaffold up to research essays, which in many instances are an extension of a "hybrid comparative analysis."
• Like single-source analysis, in a course where students will take a "deep dive" into a source or topic for their capstone, they can allow students to "try on" a theoretical approach or genre or time period to see if it's indeed something they want to research more fully.
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How to Write a Comparative Essay

Last Updated: May 19, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,682,404 times.

Perhaps you have been assigned a comparative essay in class, or need to write a comprehensive comparative report for work. In order to write a stellar comparative essay, you have to start off by picking two subjects that have enough similarities and differences to be compared in a meaningful way, such as two sports teams or two systems of government. Once you have that, then you have to find at least two or three points of comparison and use research, facts, and well-organized paragraphs to impress and captivate your readers. Writing the comparative essay is an important skill that you will use many times throughout your scholastic career.

Comparative Essay Outline and Example

How to Develop the Essay Content

• Many comparative essay assignments will signal their purpose by using words such as "compare," "contrast," "similarities," and "differences" in the language of the prompt.
• Also see whether there are any limits placed on your topic.

• The assignment will generally ask guiding questions if you are expected to incorporate comparison as part of a larger assignment. For example: "Choose a particular idea or theme, such as love, beauty, death, or time, and consider how two different Renaissance poets approach this idea." This sentence asks you to compare two poets, but it also asks how the poets approach the point of comparison. In other words, you will need to make an evaluative or analytical argument about those approaches.
• If you're unclear on what the essay prompt is asking you to do, talk with your instructor. It's much better to clarify questions up front than discover you've written the entire essay incorrectly.

• The best place to start is to write a list of things that the items you are comparing have in common as well as differences between them. [3] X Research source

• You may want to develop a system such as highlighting different types of similarities in different colors, or use different colours if you are using an electronic device.
• For example, if you are comparing two novels, you may want to highlight similarities in characters in pink, settings in blue, and themes or messages in green.

• The basis for your comparison may be assigned to you. Be sure to check your assignment or prompt.
• A basis for comparison may have to do with a theme, characteristics, or details about two different things. [7] X Research source
• A basis for comparison may also be known as the “grounds” for comparison or a frame of reference.
• Keep in mind that comparing 2 things that are too similar makes it hard to write an effective paper. The goal of a comparison paper is to draw interesting parallels and help the reader realize something interesting about our world. This means your subjects must be different enough to make your argument interesting.

• Research may not be required or appropriate for your particular assignment. If your comparative essay is not meant to include research, you should avoid including it.
• A comparative essay about historical events, social issues, or science-related topics are more likely to require research, while a comparison of two works of literature are less likely to require research.
• Be sure to cite any research data properly according to the discipline in which you are writing (eg, MLA, APA, or Chicago format).

• Your thesis needs to make a claim about your subjects that you will then defend in your essay. It's good for this claim to be a bit controversial or up for interpretation, as this allows you to build a good argument.

How to Organize the Content

• Use a traditional outline form if you would like to, but even a simple list of bulleted points in the order that you plan to present them would help.
• You can also write down your main points on sticky notes (or type them, print them, and then cut them out) so that you can arrange and rearrange them before deciding on a final order.

• The advantages of this structure are that it continually keeps the comparison in the mind of the reader and forces you, the writer, to pay equal attention to each side of the argument.
• This method is especially recommended for lengthy essays or complicated subjects where both the writer and reader can easily become lost. For Example: Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle X / Engine power of vehicle Y Paragraph 2: Stylishness of vehicle X / Stylishness of vehicle Y Paragraph 3: Safety rating of vehicle X / Safety rating of vehicle Y

• The advantages of this structure are that it allows you to discuss points in greater detail and makes it less jarring to tackle two topics that radically different.
• This method is especially recommended for essays where some depth and detail are required. For example: Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle X Paragraph 2: Engine power of vehicle Y Paragraph 3: Stylishness of vehicle X Paragraph 4: Stylishness of vehicle Y Paragraph 5: Safety rating of vehicle X Paragraph 6: Safety rating of vehicle Y

• This method is by far the most dangerous, as your comparison can become both one-sided and difficult for the reader to follow.
• This method is only recommended for short essays with simplistic subjects that the reader can easily remember as (s)he goes along. For example: Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle X Paragraph 2: Stylishness of vehicle X Paragraph 3: Safety rating of vehicle X Paragraph 4: Engine power of vehicle Y Paragraph 5: Stylishness of vehicle Y Paragraph 6: Safety rating of vehicle Y

How to Write the Essay

• Body paragraphs first . Work through all that information you've been compiling and see what kind of story it tells you. Only when you've worked with your data will you know what the larger point of the paper is.
• Conclusion second . Now that you've done all the heavy lifting, the point of your essay should be fresh in your mind. Strike while the iron’s hot. Start your conclusion with a restatement of your thesis.
• Intro last . Open your introduction with a "hook" to grab the reader's attention. Since you've already written your essay, choose a hook that reflects what you will talk about, whether it's a quote, statistic, factoid, rhetorical question, or anecdote. Then, write 1-2 sentences about your topic, narrowing down to your thesis statement, which completes your introduction.

• Organize your paragraphs using one of the approaches listed in the "Organizing the Content" part below. Once you have defined your points of comparison, choose the structure for the body paragraphs (where your comparisons go) that makes the most sense for your data. To work out all the organizational kinks, it’s recommended that you write an outline as a placeholder.
• Be very careful not to address different aspects of each subject. Comparing the color of one thing to the size of another does nothing to help the reader understand how they stack up. [15] X Research source

• Be aware that your various comparisons won’t necessarily lend themselves to an obvious conclusion, especially because people value things differently. If necessary, make the parameters of your argument more specific. (Ex. “Though X is more stylish and powerful, Y’s top safety ratings make it a more appropriate family vehicle .”)
• When you have two radically different topics, it sometimes helps to point out one similarity they have before concluding. (i.e. "Although X and Y don't seem to have anything in common, in actuality, they both ....”)

• Even the best writers know editing is important to produce a good piece. Your essay will not be your best effort unless you revise it.
• If possible, find a friend to look over the essay, as he or she may find problems that you missed.
• It sometimes helps to increase or decrease the font size while editing to change the visual layout of the paper. Looking at the same thing for too long makes your brain fill in what it expects instead of what it sees, leaving you more likely to overlook errors.

Expert Q&A

• The title and introduction really catch the reader's attention and make them read the essay. Make sure you know how to write a catchy essay title . Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
• Quotes should be used sparingly and must thoroughly complement the point they are being used to exemplify/justify. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
• The key principle to remember in a comparative paragraph or essay is that you must clarify precisely what you are comparing and keep that comparison alive throughout the essay. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2

• Avoid vague language such as "people," "stuff," "things," etc. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid, at all costs, the conclusion that the two subjects are "similar, yet different." This commonly found conclusion weakens any comparative essay, because it essentially says nothing about the comparison. Most things are "similar, yet different" in some way. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• Some believe that an "unbalanced" comparison - that is, when the essay focuses predominantly on one of the two issues, and gives less importance to the other - is weaker, and that writers should strive for 50/50 treatment of the texts or issues being examined. Others, however, value emphasis in the essay that reflects the particular demands of the essay's purpose or thesis. One text may simply provide context, or historical/artistic/political reference for the main text, and therefore need not occupy half of the essay's discussion or analysis. A "weak" essay in this context would strive to treat unequal texts equally, rather than strive to appropriately apportion space to the relevant text. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Beware of the "Frying Pan Conclusion" in which you simply recount everything that was said in the main body of the essay. While your conclusion should include a simple summary of your argument, it should also emphatically state the point in a new and convincing way, one which the reader will remember clearly. If you can see a way forward from a problem or dilemma, include that as well. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/comparing-and-contrasting/
• ↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/specific-types-of-writing/comparative-essay
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/comparing-and-contrasting/
• ↑ http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/how-write-comparative-analysis
• ↑ https://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/compare_contrast.html
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/10-7-comparison-and-contrast/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/steps_for_revising.html
• How to Structure Paragraphs in an Essay

About This Article

To write a comparative essay, start by writing an introduction that introduces the 2 subjects you'll be comparing. You should also include your thesis statement in the introduction, which should state what you've concluded based on your comparisons. Next, write the body of your essay so that each paragraph focuses on one point of comparison between your subjects. Finally, write a conclusion that summarizes your main points and draws a larger conclusion about the two things you compared. To learn how to do research for your essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a First-Class Law Essay

Studying law at university entails lots of essay writing. This article takes you through the key steps to writing a top law essay.

Writing a law essay can be a challenging task. As a law student, you’ll be expected to analyse complex legal issues and apply legal principles to real-world scenarios. At the same time, you’ll need to be able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively. In this article, we’ll cover some top tips to guide you through the process of planning, researching, structuring and writing a first-class law essay with confidence. 

1. Start In Advance

Give yourself plenty of time to plan, research and write your law essay. Always aim to start your law essay as soon as you have the question. Leaving it until the last minute does not only create unnecessary stress, but it also leaves you insufficient time to write, reference and perfect your work.

2. Understand The Question

Do not begin until you fully comprehend the question. Take the time to read the question carefully and make sure that you understand what it’s asking you to do. Highlight key terms and annotate the question with definitions of key concepts and any questions that you have have. Think about how the question links back to what you’ve learned during your lectures or through your readings.

3. Conduct Thorough Research

Conducting thorough research around your topic is one of the most fundamental parts of the essay writing process. You should aim to use a range of relevant sources, such as cases, academic articles, books and any other legal materials. Ensure that the information you collect is taken from relevant, reliable and up to date sources. Use primary over secondary material as much as possible.

Avoid using outdated laws and obscure blog posts as sources of information. Always aim to choose authoritative sources from experts within the field, such as academics, politicians, lawyers and judges. Using high-quality and authoritative sources and demonstrating profound and critical insight into your topic are what will earn you top marks.

4. Write A Detailed Plan

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to plan your essay. When writing your plan, you’ll need to create an outline that clearly identifies the main points that you wish to make throughout your article. Try to write down what you wish to achieve in each paragraph, what concepts you want to discuss and arguments you want to make.

Your outline should be organised in a clear, coherent and logical manner to ensure that the person grading your essay can follow your line of thought and arguments easily.  You may also wish to include headings and subheadings to structure your essay effectively This makes it easier when it comes to writing the essay as starting without a plan can get messy. The essay must answer the question and nothing but the question so ensure all of your points relate to it.

Start Writing Like A Lawyer

Read our legal writing tips now

5. Write A Compelling Introduction

A great introduction should, firstly, outline the research topic.  The introduction is one of the most crucial parts of the law essay as it sets the tone for the rest of the paper. It should capture the readers attention and provide the background context on the topic. Most importantly, it should state the thesis of your essay.

When writing your introduction, avoid simply repeating the given question. Secondly, create a road map for the reader, letting them know how the essay will approach the question. Your introduction must be concise. The main body of the essay is where you will go into detail.

6. Include A Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis should clearly set out the argument you are going to be making throughout your essay and should normally go in the introduction. Your thesis should adopt a clear stance rather than being overly general or wishy-washy. To obtain the best grades, you’ll need to show a unique perspective based upon a critical analysis of the topic rather than adopting the most obvious point of view.

Once you’ve conducted your research and had a chance to reflect on your topic, ask yourself whether you can prove your argument within the given word count or whether you would need to adopt a more modest position for your paper. Always have a clear idea of what your thesis statement is before you begin writing the content of your essay. 

7. Present the Counter-argument

To demonstrate your deeper understanding of the topic, it’s important to show your ability to consider the counter-arguments and address them in a careful and reasoned manner. When presenting your counterarguments, aim to depict them in the best possible light, aiming to be fair and reasonable before moving on to your rebuttal. To ensure that your essay is convincing, you will need to have a strong rebuttal that explains why your argument is stronger and more persuasive. This will demonstrate your capacity for critical analysis, showing the reader that you have carefully considered differing perspectives before coming to a well-supported conclusion.

8. End With A Strong Conclusion

Your conclusion is your opportunity to summarise the key points made throughout your essay and to restate the thesis statement in a clear and concise manner.  Avoid simply repeating what has already been mentioned in the body of the essay. For top grades, you should use the conclusion as an opportunity to provide critical reflection and analysis on the topic. You may also wish to share any further insights or recommendations into alternative avenues to consider or implications for further research that could add value to the topic. 

9. Review The Content Of Your Essay

Make sure you factor in time to edit the content of your essay.  Once you’ve finished your first draft, come back to it the next day. Re-read your essay with a critical perspective. Do your arguments make sense? Do your paragraphs flow in a logical manner? You may also consider asking someone to read your paper and give you critical feedback. They may be able to add another perspective you haven’t considered or suggest another research paper that could add value to your essay. 

10. Proofread For Grammatical Mistakes

Once you’re happy with the content of your essay, the last step is to thoroughly proofread your essay for any grammatical errors. Ensure that you take time to ensure that there are no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors as these can be one of the easiest ways to lose marks. You can ask anyone to proofread your paper, as they would not necessarily need to have a legal background – just strong grammar and spelling skills! 

11. Check Submission Guidelines

Before submitting, ensure that your paper conforms with the style, referencing and presentation guidelines set out by your university. This includes the correct font, font size and line spacing as well as elements such as page numbers, table of content etc. Referencing is also incredibly important as you’ll need to make sure that you are following the correct referencing system chosen by your university. Check your university’s guidelines about what the word count is and whether you need to include your student identification number in your essay as well. Be thorough and don’t lose marks for minor reasons!

12. Use Legal Terms Accurately

Always make sure that you are using legal terms accurately throughout your essay. Check an authoritative resource if you are unsure of any definitions. While being sophisticated is great, legal jargon if not used correctly or appropriately can weaken your essay. Aim to be concise and to stick to the point. Don’t use ten words when only two will do.

12. Create a Vocabulary Bank

One recurring piece of advice from seasoned law students is to take note of phrases from books and articles, key definitions or concepts and even quotes from your professors. When it comes to writing your law essay, you will have a whole range of ideas and vocabulary that will help you to develop your understanding and thoughts on a given topic. This will make writing your law essay even easier!

13. Finally, Take Care of Yourself

Last but certainly not least, looking after your health can improve your attitude towards writing your law essay your coursework in general. Sleep, eat, drink and exercise appropriately. Take regular breaks and try not to stress. Do not forget to enjoy writing the essay!

Words by Karen Fulton

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Nursing Essay Writing Services: 3 Best Dependable Websites

• April 1, 2024

Feeling overburdened by endless piles of nursing essays and close deadlines? We’ve been there. But before you take a chance on nursing essay services, explore our reviews on the top websites. In this text, we’ll dissect the best nursing paper services based on our experience and highlight the key features of each. It’ll help you differentiate the reliable options from those you should avoid.

The Best 3 Nursing Essay Writing Services for Top-Grade Papers

• com – the top nursing essay writing service overall – 4.9/5
• com – best nursing essay writing service for cheap – 4.8/5
• or g with top nursing essay writers – 4.8/5

NursingPaper.com – The Top Nursing Essay Writing Service Overall

NursingPaper.com is a well-known service, offering assistance with various nursing papers across different academic levels, including RN, BSN, MSN, and even DNP and PhD. Since 2015, the company has helped more than 10,000 students, as stated on their website. They have established a good reputation among students by providing nursing papers of the highest quality on time. Despite their glowing recommendations from former clients, we tested the service to confirm their credentials and ability, and here’s what we’ve found.

User Experience

We first noticed the website design, which was easy on the eyes and easy to navigate by scrolling. Their home page describes everything you should know, including their guarantees, details about their nursing assignment helpers, and an order process you can follow. The order button is also well placed at the top for quick ordering in a rush.

The order button redirected us to the order form, where we specified the type of nursing essay we needed. We had to select the type of work, subject, education level, page count, spacing, deadline, and even pick a writer for the task. After filling in the details, the form calculated our price, and we provided additional instructions for the work. We also added several files with special requirements for the essay writer and proceeded to checkout so the order would be placed. Then, we got an email confirming the order and went to the customer area. Overall, ordering was fast, and the writer was assigned quickly. Their attention to detail was commendable – all instructions we sent were followed.

Customer Support

We also tested their customer support using the information on the home page to learn more about the website. They responded quickly and answered our questions accordingly any time we contacted them.

Delivery and Content Quality

They completed our order earlier than we expected, and we were notified via email that the essay was ready to download. After downloading the work, we assessed it, and the nursing essay was well-written and without any errors. Great job, nothing more to add.

The pricing of their writing help was notable in that it was a little higher than other nursing essay writing services we’ve tried. However, they clearly explain that it is because of the highly skilled nursing writers who possess verified M.Sc., Ph.D., and DNP degrees. So, while their base price of $14.59 might be higher than most, their writers guarantee quality papers. Plus, it saves you time for possible revisions. The only thing is to specify instructions as much as possible and don’t hesitate to communicate with your writer to clarify something.

Pros and Cons

Overall, our experience with the service was great, from the ordering process to customer support, delivery, and quality of the work. Based on our experience, the pros of the platform are:

• Easy-to-navigate website.
• Simple order process.
• Timely delivery.
• High-quality nursing papers.
• Top nursing writers with advanced degrees.

The only notable con was their pricing. However, while you pay a little extra, it is completely justified by the quality of content and overall experience.

Special Features

We’ve never seen anything like this before, so it’s worth discussing. In addition to their comprehensive writing help, NursingPaper.com has a sample project and blog. There’s a lot of useful information there, including examples of different papers, writing tips, and engaging articles nursing students can use in their studies. Turns out they even have a dedicated NursingPaper blog expert  – incredible!

Based on the quality of their writing, we could tell that their team of nursing writers was experienced. We interacted with the author of our paper during the writing process, and they understood what college instructors expected in the assignment. Besides, the content was unique, informative, and written in perfect English, meaning the writers are qualified and native speakers. So, we would recommend NursingPaper.com to students.

DNPCapstoneProject.com – Best Nursing Essay Writing Service For Cheap

Lengthy nursing research papers such as a DNP capstone can be a headache, especially because of the research required. This is when you look to DNPCapstoneProject.com. It is a proficient writing company that has provided DNP students worldwide with quality writing help since 2010. As the name suggests, the service started by specializing in DNP capstones but expanded to offer various nursing essay services. Since then, it has grown and currently has more than 500 experts who’ve handled more than 7500 orders.

User Experience and Prices

Their 98% client satisfaction rate is impressive, but we tested the service ourselves. Their website has a simple design with all the basics, such as an order button, a login button, and useful information about the service. The unique part was the price calculator on the homepage that let us calculate the price of our nursing essay before placing an order. The ordering process was also easy, and we completed it within minutes. What set this company apart from others we’ve tested was the option to pay in parts, something we’ve not seen with other websites. Their pricing starts at around $14.26 for a BSN essay, but you will also receive a discount on your first order.

As advertised, their nursing essay writer worked fast and delivered it within our deadline. They also did a good job in writing, using good-quality language and well-researched content. The work barely had any errors, so we didn’t need to request revisions. Also, their customer support responded on time and answered our queries throughout the process.

Pros, Cons, and Summary

In summary, DNPcapsstoneproject.com is a reliable budget option offering pros such as:

• Payment in parts.
• Cheaper prices with discounts.

Among the cons, we found nothing suspicious. However, we just ordered a 5-page essay and would also like to test their assistance with a capstone. Based on our experience, the work was decent for the price, which is what you’d expect from a good budget option.

NursingWriting.org With the Best Nursing Essay Writers

Another great option to consider is NursingWriting.org. Like the previous two, this one has assisted students for over a decade. Over the years, its reputation has developed greatly, especially among students who are short on time and urgently need a nursing essay writing service. So, are they reliable? Here’s what we discovered from testing the service.

Their website is easy to navigate, and the homepage has all the important information you need before placing an order. Interestingly, we encountered the choice between the standard process with the order form and ordering through chat, but we chose the first. After filling out the form, the price was calculated, and we selected the best available nursing essay writer for free to mimic the average user’s experience. Then, we provided the additional details and finished placing the order.

Delivery, Content Quality, and Prices

They completed the work within the deadline we provided, and after reviewing it, we can conclude that they have some of the best nursing writers out there. That’s because the essay was well-written and researched. That’s also because the service specializes in nursing papers and only hires skilled, verified nurses with proper knowledge and experience to be their nursing essay writers. The prices are consistent with most companies at $15.41 for a BSN-level essay, but first-time orders enjoy a 15% discount. We were also impressed by their customer support, as they were available throughout.

NursingWriting.org specializes in nursing only, meaning their essay writers are thorough with their research and writing. The service is reliable for students under pressure from deadlines and has a lot of interesting guarantees to protect students. These are the main pros making them a reliable student’s choice. As for the cons, this is more like subjective nitpicking. We want to see paper samples and valuable educational information on the blog.

Nursing Essay Writing Service: Comparative Analysis of Best Options

Exploring the different essay services has provided much important information about choosing an assistant. The three websites we’ve reviewed might be similar but have some distinct differences that set them apart. Here’s how these platforms compare to each other based on our experience.

Pricing-Quality Ratio

All three websites offered competitive prices; however, the cheapest option is DNPCapstoneProject.com. Their base price reflects their willingness to understand the students’ financial situations, and additional discounts make their essays even more affordable. NursingPaper.com offers services at a higher price than the other two because it guarantees superior papers and highly qualified nursing experts to handle them. So, your choice may come down to quality and price.

Quality and Depth of Content

Quality was one of the first things we always prioritized when thinking, “I should hire someone to write my nursing essay.” Many websites promise the world to clients but often fail by providing lower-quality nursing essays. The three services we’ve reviewed are among the few reliable choices in terms of quality. NursingPaper.com offers premium writers with years of experience but costs a little more. NursingWriting.org comes a close second in terms of quality, followed by DNPCapstoneProject.com, the reliable budget option. Note that all three produce excellent nursing papers, but based on experience, NursingPaper.com is the best. That’s where quality is valued above price.

Overall Experience

After testing all three services, it’s fair to say that they are all quite impressive in delivering good quality nursing essays, as their reviews will state. However, NursingPaper.com did just enough to stand out among the three by providing a fast and enjoyable experience from ordering to receiving the work. Their customer-focused approach and genuine interest in students’ success make it the best nursing essay writing service to trust with your essay.

FAQ About   Nursing Essay Service

We understand you’ll likely have more questions about making the right choice. So, let’s answer some of the questions students frequently ask.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Service

When choosing a nursing paper service, you should first seek one that provides competent writers and guarantees quality work. This will ensure that any work you receive meets the requirements. From there, you can look at pricing, safety, plagiarism, money-back guarantees, on-time delivery, etc. These factors can help you choose the right assistant. Here’s some more information  about making the right call.

How Can I Be Sure My Paper Is Not Plagiarized?

You can confirm your paper’s uniqueness through a plagiarism detector. NursingPaper.com writers compose every paper from scratch and run it through plagiarism checkers. After receiving your work, you should also do the same to confirm that it’s not plagiarized.

What Guarantees Do I Get?

In the context of nursing essay services, guarantees are promises that essay websites make to protect your interests as a client. Regarding the above services, the guarantees include:

• 24/7 availability so that clients can order at any time.
• Allowed communication with the assigned writer.
• Free unlimited corrections within 14 days.
• Complete confidentiality to protect your privacy.
• Safe payments to keep your money and account secure.
• A money-back guarantee when the work doesn’t meet quality standards.

Every top nursing essay service offers the above or similar guarantees as a sign that they are reliable.

What Is the Best Nursing Essay Writing Service?

Our experience with the various services showed us that NursingPaper.com is the best fit for any nursing student seeking a reliable service. Even though opinions might differ, we believe the service values clients and always aims to get them the papers they need. But if you’re still unsure, there are more suggestions, as you’ll se e here .

Are Essay Writing Services Worth It?

Sites writing nursing essays can help you manage heavy workloads, beat close deadlines, and complete complex assignments on time. While they will charge a fee, essay services can help raise or maintain your grades, so they are definitely worth it.

Closing Remarks

Nursing essay assistants play a major role in helping college students navigate their college struggles and helping them improve their grades through quality nursing papers. Finding a dependable essay service can be challenging, and one needs to be keen to ensure they don’t get disappointed. That’s why you should take the time to research a service before purchasing an essay. Based on our experiences, we consider NursingPaper.com as the best choice for nursing students seeking high-quality work from verified RN, MSN, and DNP writers.

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