Comparison
Essays

A comparison essay is an essay that looks at two or more different things and then draws comparisons between the two of them.  A comparison essay may include comparison and contrast elements or may focus strictly on comparing similar elements.  However, it must, by definition, contain at least two distinct things to be compared. 

In the introduction of your comparison essay, you want to interview the things that you want to compare.  The easiest way to do so is with a blanket statement suggesting that the two things are similar.  You can do this by saying that they both fall into the same category or share the same characteristics.  Then, the introduction is a great place to provide an outline of the rest of your comparison essay, previewing how you will demonstrate the two things are similar.  This is particularly important if the two items do not have any obvious similarities. 

The body of your comparison essay is going to focus on further development of the similarities between the items that you are comparing.  If you provided a blueprint of how you were going to show their similarities in your outline, then you want to follow that blueprint in your body paragraph.  For each point of similarity that you make, you want to make sure that you are showing how all of your items have the same qualities.  Furthermore, unless you are specifically writing a comparison/contrast essay, you want to avoid writing about contrast in the body of your essay.  Instead, focus only on how the items are similar.    

As with most academic essays, in the conclusion of your comparison essay you want to provide a mirror of the introduction of that essay.  Reiterate that the items are similar and the reasons you gave to support that assertion.  If their similarities have additional relevance, mention it in the conclusion section.