Writing a thesis statement compare and contrast can be an easy thing to do if you know what to do when writing. In this article, you will be getting tips on how to write a compare and contrast thesis statement.
What is a Thesis Statement Compare and Contrast?
Compare and contrast means to put two topics side by side and examine their similarities and differences to get a result. A thesis statement compare and contrast example includes the spending habit of men vs women, patriarchy vs feminism, 21st-century living vs 20th-century living, etc.
Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement Compare and Contrast
- Draw out a rough outline
Many students usually use a Venn diagram to help them with brainstorming their thesis statement. A Venn diagram is a drawing of two or more circles overlapping each other. Since you are writing a compare and contrast statement between two topics, you should only have two circles. One circle should be for the first topic and contain its main features. Similarly, the second circle should be for the second topic and contain its main features. With a Venn diagram, you can easily spot out the similarities and differences between your topics.
Some students use a tabular form to outline their ideas while others simply scribble down their ideas on paper. Just find out which method works best for you and stick with it.
- Create a thesis statement
After getting the similarities and differences from your topics, the next thing to do is create a thesis statement. A thesis statement is the central idea of an academic work. Usually, it appears as the last sentence in the introduction of an academic paper. It explains the main idea or what the paper is claiming to focus on. It could come in the form of a question or just a statement. Usually, the writer may repeat this thesis statement over and again in the paper for emphasis. However, this should not be abused as the thesis statement should only be repeated only when necessary.
It is your thesis statement that will be the guide for your thesis, essay, or any other academic paper.
- Create a structure
The structure of your work depends on the type of academic paper that you are writing. If you are writing an essay, then the structure of your work will follow the basic introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, if you are writing a thesis, your structure will consist of chapters. These include chapter one which is the introduction; chapter two which is the literature review; chapter three which is the methodology; chapter four which is the analysis; chapter five which is the discussion chapter; and chapter six which is the conclusion.
- Write for your structure
After outlining the structure for your academic work, the next thing to do is write content for each of them. To write your introduction, make sure you start with a statement that will hook the reader’s attention. This could be a controversial statement or a shocking question. Make sure that a reader can tell the direction of the content of your paper just by reading your introduction.
After writing your introduction, write the body paragraphs. You can start by comparing the differences or similarities between your topics. For example, if your topic was patriarchy vs feminism, you could write about how each one wants to dominate the other. Make sure your body paragraphs have enough points so that you are not just using words. The most important thing is to constantly make comparing and contrasting statements in your body paragraphs.
After writing your body paragraphs, write your conclusion. Now, do not write new information in your conclusion. Instead, make your conclusion a summary of all your main points.
- Edit and proofread
After writing, the next thing to do is edit and proofread. If you are feeling tired after writing, then you can take a break before editing and proofreading. You can also use an online spellchecker to correct for errors and bad grammar. After editing and proofreading, check for plagiarism.
Now before you submit, you can give your work to a senior or an expert to help you proofread.
Conclusion
With this thesis statement compare and contrast example, it should now become easier for you to write yours.
