Comparative essays call for a comparison between two or more things. You may be asked to “discuss” by putting the case for and against something, or you may be asked to “compare” different views, events, people or things.
As with other essays you need to be extremely clear about the purpose of the piece. The crucial element is to prove your thesis (your essay’s argument) in a way that is clear and makes sense to your reader.
Steps
1.
Choose a subject/topic which you will be arguing and transform it into a workable and arguable thesis statement.
Example
Essay Prompt: Compare and contrast two modern day heroes to a hero of the past.
Thesis: Though cartoon characters Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin are seldom thought of as heroes, their values, perseverance and attitudes rival those of Superman.
Is this a clear workable thesis statement?
YES – The reader knows that the essay will prove how Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin are equal or better superheroes than Superman. The reader also knows that the essay will evaluate these characters’ values, perseverance and attitudes. Finally the thesis is arguable. Not many people would readily agree with this statement.
2.
Create an outline for your essay. Remember this is a 3 pt essay which means that you must use 3 different ideas to prove your thesis.
Example
I – Introduction: divided into three parts
Vague statement: One or two sentences presenting the topic of the essay. It should be nonspecific yet content relevant.
Specific statement: One to three sentences which describe the topic with more precision
(without revealing the thesis statement or the argument). Your specific statement should mention the author(s) and title(s) of the works you will be analysing in your essay.
Thesis statement: One or two sentences which let the reader know what will be proven and how this will be done. It must be arguable – otherwise, why would anyone want to read the essay?

II – Development
There are many different ways you may choose to organize the sequence of your paragraphs. Here is the most widely accepted method.
Paragraph 1: Subject being argued (ie: Values of heroes)
Opening Sentence: This sentence must present to the reader the topic of this paragraph.
Argument #1: Homer Simpson’s values which make him a hero
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Linking Sentence(s): This sentence (or two) wraps-up the first argument and helps introduce the next one.
Argument #2: Peter Griffin’s values which make him a hero
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Linking Sentence(s): This sentence (or two) wraps-up the first argument and helps introduce the next one.
Argument #3: Superman’s values which make him less heroic than the others
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Closing Sentence: This sentence must wrap-up your ideas and can hint to, or help introduce the next one.
Paragraph 2: Subject being argued (ie: Perseverance of heroes/characters)
Opening Sentence: This sentence must present to the reader the topic of this paragraph.
Argument #1: Homer Simpson’s perseverance makes him a hero
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Linking Sentence(s): This sentence (or two) wraps-up the first argument and helps introduce the next one.
Argument #2: Peter Griffin’s perseverance makes him a hero
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)

Linking Sentence(s): This sentence (or two) wraps-up the first argument and helps introduce the next one.
Argument #3: Superman’s perseverance makes him less heroic than the others
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Closing Sentence: This sentence must wrap-up your ideas and can hint to, or help introduce the next one.
Paragraph 3: Subject being argued (ie: Attitude of heroes/characters)
Opening Sentence: This sentence must present to the reader the topic of this paragraph.
Argument #1: Homer Simpson’s attitude makes him a hero
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Linking Sentence(s): This sentence (or two) wraps-up the first argument and helps introduce the next one.
Argument #2: Peter Griffin’s attitude makes him a hero
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Linking Sentence(s): This sentence (or two) wraps-up the first argument and helps introduce the next one.
Argument #3: Superman’s attitude makes him less heroic than the others
Value #1: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #2: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Value #3: explain and give a specific proof (quote)
Closing Sentence: This sentence must wrap-up your ideas and can hint to, or help introduce the next one.
III – Conclusion: divided into two parts
Thesis re-stated: Here you restate your thesis in a way that shows that you proved the argument you set out to prove.
Thought to ponder: Here you give your reader something to think about. This new idea must be related and relevant to your essay. Avoid asking your reader a cheesy question like :”What would the world be like without heroes?”.