How to write a Comparative Paper?

​A comparative analysis illustrates how two or more variables are similar and or different. A comparative study combines two or more variables for detailed analysis. When you compare two or more items, you tend to create an analogy between those items. The question that might arise here is, “what is the meaning of analogy?” An analogy primarily refers to a comparison that is done between one variable and another, for the purpose of explanation or clarification. In order to write a comparative paper, students have to consider those aspects while writing.
Do you think writing a comparative paper is a tedious assignment? If yes, then simply follow these easy steps below to do this task without any difficulty. The steps are as follows:

Warm up before writing

Before you start writing a comparative paper, you must do the warm-up, to successfully complete your paper. There are some basic steps that you must do before moving on to the drafting process.

• Analyze your question- Once you get your assignment take a moment to analyze the question. Get to know what the question is talking about. Try to understand, the essence of the question. Some students write a comparative paper that does not answer the question, as they do not comprehend the assignment before writing. To avoid this blunder you must first understand your question.
• Search about your topic- After the analysis, you must search information on your topic. Get to know your topic for a comparative study. Collect information, from credible sources and categorize it into two parts. Keep one section of information that focuses on the similarities, and the other that focuses on the differences.
• Evaluate your list- At this point you have all the information you need on your topic. You cannot include all the information, so decide your stance and evaluate your list accordingly. You must try to find a pattern or theme among the listed items for a better understanding.
• Find a base for comparison- You need to find a context for your comparison. What it means is that you need to find, a reason for your comparison. Depending on your assignment, try to identify the basis of your comparative study. You can explore on the questions like, “does the comparison have to do with a theme or characteristics?”
• Research on your theme of comparison- Now that you have a sorted list of your variables, you must now find information on each variable. In order to provide a clear understanding you must know each variable in detail. So, conduct a profound research.
• Make a blueprint of your paper​- At this step, you must organize your information to proceed with the drafting process. Having a rough plan helps you to write, in an organized manner. Since it is a comparative study, there might be a chance of getting lost in the information. To avoid this scenario, make a clear outline of your paper and then start writing. 

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​Steps to writing a comparative paper
1. Introduction- As the name suggests this section, introduces your topic. There are various elements that you must include under this section of your paper. The elements are:

• A frame of reference- Here, you need to mention two or more variables that you plan to compare and contrast in your paper. You must mention the categories under which you have grouped them. Ensure that your idea or thought is specific, not ambiguous.
• Grounds for comparison- Under this heading, you need to mention the basis of your comparison. You need to reason out your choice, as to why did you choose a particular variable over others. By answering such questions, you would let your readers know that your choice is calculated and it carries some meaning.
• Thesis- A thesis is a gist of your main argument that, you try to discuss in your paper. A thesis explores the common grounds between two or more chosen variables. You need to establish a relationship between them in this section. Bringing out a link is the whole point, of writing a comparative paper. 

2. Body Paragraphs- A body section in a comparative paper consists of information that is categorized into the following:

• Main Idea- Under the body segment you need to talk about your main idea and explain it extensively. Include all the necessary information that you want the reader to know.
• Variable 1 with examples- Here, you need to examine your variable meticulously. You must include examples to establish a clear understanding. You have to mention both the sides of variable 1 so that the reader knows what you are talking about.
• Variable 2 with examples- Analyze your second variable as a part of your comparative study. Explain this variable with the help of examples. Do not miss out on the information that defines this variable.
• Establish a link between the two variables- After talking about the variables individually, now you need to find a link between them. In order to do so, you need to analyze both the variables. The listing out of similarities and difference would come in handy, at this point in time. Try to find a common link, between your chosen variables.
• Concluding sentences- Mention sentences that would sum up your points in the body. There should be smooth transitions between the body paragraph and the concluding statement. 

​3. Conclusion
This is the last phase of writing a comparative paper. It includes the following:

• Summarize your main points- In the conclusion paragraph; you have to sum up your paper by providing a brief summary of your key points. Refrain from repeating the content; rather mention the points in a nutshell.
• Restate your thesis statement- You need to rephrase your thesis statement and write it in the conclusion part. Make sure that the essence of the statement does not change with words.
• Bring in your opinion- As you write your conclusion also include, your opinion and observation. This will give a new angle to the reader to look at the variables.

Follow the steps to complete the task successfully. The key to writing this successfully is to plan well and then write.