How to Write an Essay That Introduces a Complex Topic by the Technique ofCompare/Contrast

How to Write an Essay That Introduces a Complex Topic by the Technique ofCompare/ContrastMany students are taught to write an essay that introduces a complex topic by the technique of compare/contrast. The explanation of the technique is that, instead of presenting just one main idea or argument in a single paragraph, you compare or contrast several related ideas or facts in a single paragraph.This style of writing is interesting because it allows you to concisely present some facts, then focus on the main point or idea, and then repeat that idea again in a paragraph or two. The whole point of using the technique is to 'state and then imply' the facts, rather than 'tell and imply'. However, sometimes using the technique as a substitute for narrative, or beginning a new paragraph with a particular fact, can be confusing. Some writers have found that the technique lends itself well to a slightly less formal style of writing, so if this is the case for you, think about the style and whe ther you would prefer to use it.Analytical writing is sometimes called persuasive writing. It is an approach in which you use your own ideas to support a thesis, rather than trying to convince your readers. For example, instead of writing a thesis statement that declares that your particular viewpoint on a complex issue is the only valid one, you could write a couple of paragraphs that draw attention to a few key points, offer examples of the views of those who disagree with you, and then offer some reasons why you believe your viewpoint is right.There are also essays that don't use the technique of compare/contrast, and instead ask a question. An example of this would be an essay that asks, 'What do you think about feminism?' Instead of starting with a general statement that feminism is 'the movement to end sexism in all its forms', the essay would start by briefly summarizing feminist history and critical debates, and then move on to explore the issue of what women really want. In order to figure out what the right answer is, you would need to write more than one paragraph, but if you do, you should follow the same techniques that I described above: you would state and then imply, and you would present and draw attention to a few key points, and then you would repeat your key points, hopefully with a little more personal insight.You should also make sure that your essay is grammatically correct, otherwise you'll end up repeating yourself, or contradicting yourself. Finally, make sure that you put your sentences in the correct order, whether you're using the technique or not.Ultimately, any essay can be written using the technique of compare/contrast, even if it doesn't call for it. In fact, in some cases, the essay will not appear as an essay at all, but as a straightforward 'how-to' guide to doing something. While you may not want to use the technique every time you write an essay, it is easy to use it at least once in the course of an essay. If you're writ ing an essay that you don't need to read, such as a persuasive essay, it is best to stick to straightforward facts and concepts, and then start drawing attention to some of the issues that you feel strongly about, or that have a lot of attention-grabbing features.One thing to remember is that, while there is no specific rule, there is a best practice when it comes to using the technique of compare/contrast in an essay. When you are writing an essay that you will submit for the final paper, you should try to minimize the use of the technique. If you find yourself thinking of your essay as an essay, use the technique sparingly; if it's not a concept that you can easily relate to in a paragraph, it's not a good idea to use the technique.