How do I start a compare and contrast essay? I am doing a compare & contrast essay on Tatooine and Mordor and i'm not sure what to put in the first sentence. Could I please have some ideas or examples? Thanks.
To start a compare and contrast essay, you can use a variety of techniques to engage your readers and provide them with a clear idea of what you will be discussing in your essay. Here are a few ideas for writing the first sentence or introductory paragraph of your essay comparing Tatooine and Mordor:
1. Pose a thought-provoking question: Begin by asking a question that stimulates curiosity and introduces the main focus of your essay. For example: "What do a desert planet and a volcano-ridden realm have in common? In this compare and contrast essay, we will explore the stark differences and surprising similarities between Tatooine and Mordor."
2. Use a captivating statement: Start with a bold statement or an intriguing fact that captures the attention of your readers. For instance: "Unlikely as it may seem, the fictional worlds of Tatooine and Mordor share chilling resemblances amidst their starkly contrasting landscapes. In this essay, we will delve into the parallels and differences, unraveling the mysteries behind these iconic settings."
3. Provide a concise summary: Offer a brief overview of the main elements you plan to compare and contrast. For example: "From the sun-scorched dunes of Tatooine to the fiery enclosures of Mordor, this essay will analyze the distinct characteristics, inhabitants, and underlying themes that set these two fantastical realms apart, while also revealing unexpected connections."
Remember, the first sentence or paragraph should grab the reader's attention, provide a clear indication of what you will be discussing, and set the tone for the rest of your compare and contrast essay. Consider using vivid language, descriptive imagery, or an interesting perspective to make your introduction stand out.
You DON'T start by writing the first sentence!!
Whenever you are writing a comparison/contrast paper (paragraph, essay, research paper), you need to plan it out very carefully on paper first.
Try this:
1. Brainstorm about one of your topics on one page.
2. Brainstorm about the other topic on a separate page.
3. Then read over your brainstorming. Indicate all things that are similar with one symbol (maybe stars), and indicate all things that are differences (or maybe opposites) with a different symbol.
4. Then put them together in this order:
1. Intro
2. All about topic A
~~~2A. detail 1
~~~2B. detail 2
~~~2C. detail 3
~~~2D. detail 4
~~~2E. detail 5
3. All about topic B
~~~3A. detail 1
~~~3B. detail 2
~~~3C. detail 3
~~~3D. detail 4
~~~3E. detail 5
4. Concl.
The number of details for each topic will vary depending on your main points. I would include comparisons (how they are similar) in the introduction and conclusion, but sections 2 and 3 and all those details will be stating and explaining how they are different.
There are two recognized patterns for writing comparison/contrast papers. One is casually referred to as "zig-zag,” but can be very confusing for the reader if you don’t use transitions effectively. The other is topic-by-topic (which is what I've outlined above) and is much easier for the reader to follow.
See http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html for further help with comparison/contrast writing.
Once you have organized your information, please re-post if you’d like feedback from someone here.