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A comparative essay is an essay in which you compare two or more items. A strictly comparative essay will ask you to highlight the similarities between these two or more items, while a compare-and-contrast essay will highlight the essential similarities and differences between those items. Comparative essays often focus on ideas rather than items, and may ask you to compare approaches, theories, or positions about an issue. Some common comparative essays are to compare pro-life/pro-choice stances on abortion or anti-death penalty and pro-death penalty positions. At the end of a comparative essay, you may be asked to draw a conclusion based on the evidence you have presented, however you need to treat all of the items or ideas evenhandedly throughout your essay or you will transform your comparative essay into an argumentative essay.