Writing an effective compare and contrast essay requires several skills. It involves identifying similarities and differences between subjects and articulating them in a logical, structured manner. Crafting such an essay also demands strong writing abilities to convey ideas and arguments supported by evidence. Additionally, thorough research must be done to gather pertinent details about the subjects being compared, which can be time-consuming. Balancing comparisons and contrasts throughout the essay while maintaining objectivity presents another challenge. Overall, writing a high-quality compare and contrast essay requires analytical thinking, strong writing skills, and a significant time commitment.