Is your assignment question asking you to do at least one of these things: compare, contrast, find similarities, find differences? If so, then you have a compare and contrast paper to write.
For example: Compare and contrast Fry’s and Bartly’s accounts of oppression.
Often an instructor will ask you to go even further and construct an argument with what you’ve compared.
Here focus on the compare and contrast before creating an argument.
For example: Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? What is more accurate?
Tip: You don’t need to list all the similarities and differences. Only the most important to you.
Thesis Statement
The thesis statement of a compare and contrast essay will state
Tip: Starting your thesis statement with the word ‘While’ may help you express your thoughts.
For example: "While both Judaism and Christianity are Abrahamic religions that sprung from the same cultural hearth, they have diverged in their practices of the faith, recognition of religious cannon, and the divinity of Jesus Christ."
Here is an example of a compare and contrast thesis statement with an argument added:
"While both Hamlet and Macbeth contemplate assassinating a ruler, Shakespeare portrays Hamlet as more morally conflicted, causing greater delay in action."
Paragraphs
The most common method is to talk about one point of comparison/contrast at a time.