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LRC Writing Guide - Terre Haute / Greencastle

Comparative Analysis

For a Comparative Analysis essay, the writer is often asked to compare 2 or more perspectives on a topic by analyzing the written work of other writers or researchers.

As the name of the assignment suggests, an essay in this category should compare the perspectives and report on them through citation and analysis of the writing, thoughts, perspectives, and opinions expressed by the authors.

How are the perspectives alike?  How are they different? 

The shape of a comparative analysis essay is somewhat like an hourglass---drawing together similar perspectives before branching out into an explanation of how the perspectives are different. 

This type of writing provides an opportunity to practice using transitional words and phrases to connect, compare, or contrast topics or points of view. 

Using Transitions

Here's an example of how transitional words and phrases are used to develop content and to move between ideas: 

In the photo, two hourglasses are depicted, both of the same height and width. In addition, they are side by side in the same window space.  However, one of the hourglasses is shown with white sand inside the glass, while the other is shown with black sand inside.

 

Comparison and analysis of ideas instead of a photo might look like this:

Smith believes "school lunches should be free for every child in the United States" (29).  Harris agrees with Smith when he says, "There is no reason any school child in America should go to bed hungry" (78).  However, the two authors disagree on how eliminating hunger should be accomplished.  Smith argues for "higher state taxes" (35).  In contrast, Harris wants "subsidies and federal funds" to resolve the issue (82).

 

Additional Tips & Tools

In addition to comparing and contrasting ideas or opinions, comparative analysis can also be used to gain insight regarding human experiences or themes as expressed in literature or film.   
For example, consider how Disney princesses very often share the same kind of experiences---loss of a parent or kingdom or birthright--but how they regain those things can be a different story.           

 

Always check your specific assignment guidelines to meet your professor's expectations, but the following outline worksheet might also help you to shape your thoughts and your comparative analysis essay:

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