How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay | Advance Writing

The video begins with an introduction to compare and contrast writing, emphasizing its importance in convincing people and its frequent use in both everyday speech and academic writing. The speaker plans to discuss running and swimming, aiming to persuade the audience that running is a better option, despite their love for swimming. A Venn diagram is suggested as a tool to organize ideas by identifying similarities and differences between the two subjects.

The speaker outlines a brainstorming process for identifying differences and similarities between running and swimming. They note the social aspects of running, the potential for injuries, ease of access, and stress relief as key points. For swimming, the solitary nature, difficulty in access, need for equipment, and lower injury rates are highlighted. The speaker then decides to focus more on the differences rather than similarities, selecting three main points of comparison: social interaction, physical demands (later changed to equipment), and access.

Two methods for structuring a compare and contrast essay are presented: the point-by-point method and the block method. The point-by-point method involves discussing one point of comparison in each body paragraph, comparing and contrasting the two subjects throughout. The block method, on the other hand, dedicates separate paragraphs to each subject, discussing the points of comparison within each block. The speaker also suggests organizing the points from most to least impactful, saving the most persuasive for last.

The speaker provides a detailed comparison between running and swimming, focusing on the ease of access to each activity. They argue that running is more accessible because it requires no special location or equipment, whereas swimming necessitates finding a body of water and specific gear. The discomfort of entering cold water is also contrasted with the ease of starting to run, suggesting that these factors make running a more motivating option.

The video discusses the costs and requirements of equipment for both swimming and running. Swimming is described as requiring expensive, specialized gear that deteriorates quickly, while running can be done with minimal and long-lasting equipment. The contrast is made clear, with running presented as a more cost-effective and accessible option in terms of necessary gear.

The speaker argues that running has greater social benefits than swimming. They note that while swimming can be a group activity, opportunities for social interaction are limited due to the nature of the sport. Running, however, allows for conversation and the development of friendships over time. A personal anecdote is shared to illustrate how running can lead to meaningful connections, reinforcing the social advantages of the activity.