The Ultimate Guide on Compare and Contrast Essay - Topics, Outline, Example

Writing a compare and contrast essay may sound challenging, but it’s simply about examining two topics side-by-side and analyzing their similarities and differences. This type of essay helps students sharpen critical thinking and organization skills, making it a common assignment in high school and college. 

Whether you’re comparing historical events, scientific ideas, or even different books, the goal is to show what sets each topic apart and what brings them together. This guide will walk you through the basics of crafting an engaging compare and contrast essay, with tips to make your points clear and persuasive. And if you need extra help with your assignments, pay for essay on our platform and get professional writing help!

What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

The compare and contrast essay format is similar to that of other essay types. The writer must state a thesis in the introduction, argue the thesis in the body, and then form a conclusion. However, with a compare and contrast essay, the goal is to show how one subject is similar to another (i.e., compare them), as well as how it is different (i.e., contrast them). Such an essay requires upfront planning to ensure the writer has a firm grasp on both subjects. One way to plan for a compare and contrast essay is to create a Venn diagram to show how two subjects are similar and different, such as this one. Here’s an example:

You may find that you need to create several of these diagrams before you know what your thesis is and what your two subjects are. Be open to different possibilities. The first two subjects you diagram may not be the ones you want to compare and contrast in your essay, but creating that diagram may give you some useful ideas.

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

According to our write an essay for me service professionals, it would also be a good idea to create an outline before you begin writing. The outline is like a template that you can follow to keep your essay on track throughout the writing process, and it should include the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Introduction

The standard compare and contrast essay format implies that the author should start a paper with a concise, to-the-point, and clear introduction. The good news is that the opening paragraph in this type of essay is not much different compared to other papers. It is a clause that introduces and outlines the general topic of the paper.

When writing a comparing and contrasting essay intro, you need to ensure it has the following elements:

Body Paragraphs

Once you have dealt with the introduction, it’s natural to wonder how to write a body paragraph for a compare and contrast essay.

Let’s start with the length. The number of body paragraphs can vary depending on the general word limit and the number of criteria against which you will compare contrast your subjects. But, as a rule, there should be at least 2-3 paragraphs. Every paragraph should wrap around one specific criterion (either a difference or similarity) of the comparison.

As for the contents, each paragraph must have:

Pro tip: Feel free to use connector phrases (e.g., both, likewise, compared to, in contrast, unlike, etc.) and words in your comparison to give your paper a logical flow and ensure the cohesion of all your points.

Conclusion

When you have your intro and body ready, you can move on to shaping your compare and contrast essay conclusion. As a rule, this is the simplest part to write. A conclusion in compare and contrast essay should wrap up everything discussed throughout the paper and give it a sense of completion.

Here are the main points on how to write a conclusion for a compare and contrast essay:

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

When it comes to the question of how to structure a compare and contrast essay, there are a few strategies that students can stick to. Namely, the two methods of organizing your paper are called a Point-by-Point Method and Block Method.

Let’s take a look at each method in detail.

Point-by-Point Method

As you can easily guess, this type of structure of a compare and contrast essay implies comparing and contrasting the subjects point by point. This method works best when you are planning to compare 2 or more subjects that are more or less similar or, on the contrary, different. 

To help you grasp the idea, here is how a typical body paragraph should look if you use the Point-by-Point Method:

1. Topic sentence
2. Subject 1

1. Detail (point of comparison) 1
2. Detail (point of comparison) 2
3. … 

1. Subject 2

1. Detail (point of comparison) 1
2. Detail (point of comparison) 2
3. …

As you can see, using this method of organization, you will be reviewing all subjects by certain points within the same body paragraph, not dividing them. The key thing to remember is that all points within one paragraph should relate to each other, and there should be one general idea per paragraph.

Block Method

Unlike the Point-by-Point Method that organizes a compare and contrast essay based on specific criteria of comparison, the Block compare and contrast essay structure implies organizing the paper based on your items. This approach will work best when the subjects of comparison are absolutely different and you have multiple criteria against which you will be contrasting them. In this case, every paragraph in the essay body will focus on a specific item.

Here is how the body of your paper should look like if you choose this comparing and contrasting essay format:

1. Body paragraph 1 (Item 1)

1. Criteria for contrasting 1
2. Criteria for contrasting 2
3. Criteria for contrasting 3
4. … 

1. Body paragraph 2 (Item 2)

1. Criteria for contrasting 1
2. Criteria for contrasting 2
3. Criteria for contrasting 3
4. … 

1. Body paragraph 3 (Item 3)

1. Criteria for contrasting 1
2. Criteria for contrasting 2
3. Criteria for contrasting 3
4. … 

As you can see, each body paragraph investigates a single item, spanning all the criteria that make it different from other items. If you pick this method, the main rule to stick to is to only mention one item per paragraph and always use connectors to ensure smooth transitions from one item to another.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

End your introduction with a thesis sentence. It will allow readers to grasp your opinion of the compared subject matters, and it will logically draw their attention to the main idea.

In the thesis, provide one idea or a statement that unites both subject matters. Even if you have discovered more differences than similarities between your subject matters, you should be able to find at least one element that they have in common and include it as part of your main idea.

In the body, present as much support for your thesis as you can. Support can come in the form of statistics, research results, interviews, or other sources. Some writers prefer to mention the evidential base in the thesis, but others prefer to wait until the body of the essay.

Draw a conclusion at the end of your essay based on the similarities and differences you have presented throughout the paper. The conclusion should not introduce any new ideas but should bring closure to the paper.

Choose Your Topic

The subjects of a compare/contrast essay can vary from some physical objects to historical figures and events. The core thing to remember when choosing compare and contrast topics is that the subjects you will compare must be different. But, at the same time have some common features. For example, you may compare Democrats and Republicans, Extroverts and Introverts, etc.

Brainstorm Similarities and Differences

If you are wondering how to start a compare and contrast essay, the answer is simple - with some brainstorming. Once you define the subjects, the next thing you need to do is to brainstorm what similarities and differences they have.

To get things right, look at your two subjects separately and analyze them. Then, make two lists, one for similar points and the other one for differences, where you will be writing down all points that come into your mind.

Pro tip: If you are wondering how to compare and contrast your subjects, making lists is definitely helpful. But, if you are more of a visual person, you may find it more convenient to map out your ideas using a Venn diagram, where you’ll have two overlapping circles, one for each of your subjects, with similarities written where the circles overlap and differences written on the other sides of circles.

Write An Introduction

To start a compare and contrast essay, you will need to write a solid introduction that transitions into a clear and specific thesis sentence. The introductory paragraph should outline the topic you want to cover and provide insight into your main idea. It should mention what matters—the people, ideas, events, or other subjects you are going to compare and contrast in the body of your essay.

In the introduction, include the necessary background information. Your introduction should be brief, but exhaustive. Before stating your thesis, you should provide a preview of your supporting arguments and positions, as your reader needs to understand why your subject matter is worth comparing and contrasting.

Pay attention to the structure of your essay, and make sure it is balanced. For instance, if the whole essay will be three pages long, you should not spend two of them on the introduction.

Develop a Thesis Statement for Your Compare and Contrast Essay

The thesis statement is one of the key elements of contrast and compare paper. Its purpose is to introduce the topic and formulate a focused argument.

To create a powerful compare and contrast thesis, replace a vague, general topic (for instance, the comparison of democracy and republic ideologies) with something more specific and detailed. For example, it may sound like, “The ideas of Republicans and Democrats vary significantly in terms of plans and policies on gun control, death penalty, and other major issues, but they do agree on certain points”.

Note how this sample compare and contrast thesis statement gives you the scope for showing both similarities and differences inherent in the ideas of these two parties. But, at the same time, the statement is not 100% concrete in terms of similar and contrasting points, so it also leaves you some space to alter your comparison.

To make your statement stronger, it is also important to answer several questions such as: “So what?” and “Why do you choose to compare these particular parties?”.

To answer these questions, be sure to add some background info concerning your topic. For example, stress that Democrats and Republicans are the two largest opposing parties.

Decide on Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

Unlike other types of essays, a comparison/contrast essay doesn’t imply using the same structure. In fact, there are a couple of ways to organize your work:

Choose any of these methods. The two things that remain unchanged are the introduction with a thesis statement and a conclusion, which have to be included regardless of the chosen structure.

Write A Body Paragraphs

Start a compare and contrast paragraph with a clear but concise topic sentence that defines one point of comparison (e.g., shape, look, etc.) against which you will compare your subjects. Then say a couple of words about each of your subjects concerning the chosen point. And, finally, highlight similarities or differences using compare and contrast words.

Use the same tactic for the following body paragraphs. Remember to focus on a single point of comparison in every paragraph to retain the integrity and logical flow of your paper and, at the same time, unfold your subjects to the fullest extent.

Write Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion

As you saw in the example above, the conclusion of an essay should help the reader understand the writer’s point of view. In other words, the best essays have a conclusion that reminds the reader of the thesis and shows, through a summary of the paper’s findings, how the thesis is correct. The example compare and contrast essay, about energy drinks, uses the thesis that energy drinks are overused and can be seen as either mind boosters or “soft drugs”. The conclusion sums up the findings from the body of the essay and then uses those findings to provide an opinion, a direct answer to the thesis question of whether energy drinks help boost the mind or inhibit it like a drug.

Proofread

Once the final draft of your compare/contrast paper is ready, be sure to read it several times and eliminate any grammar, punctuation, and other mistakes.

To make proofreading simple, make use of these tips:

• Let it rest for a few hours or, even better, a day or two;
• Use grammar and spell-check tools;
• Ask a friend to cast a fresh pair of eyes on your paper to make sure that there is nothing you may have missed.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

A good compare and contrast essay topic often includes words such as “versus” (vs.) or “or”, and these words may be useful in the essay’s title as well. Below is a list of potential compare and contrast essay topics for college papers. Ten of these sample topics have “vs.” in the title, and ten have “or”, clearly indicating that the resulting essays will either compare and contrast two completely different subjects or clarify two positions on the same subject.

Here is the list of possible topics for compare and contrast essay:

1. E-books vs. Printed Books: Which offers a better reading experience?
2. Online Learning vs. Traditional Classroom Learning: Effectiveness in modern education.
3. Public Transportation vs. Personal Vehicles: Costs, convenience, and environmental impact.
4. Living in a City vs. Living in the Countryside: Quality of life and lifestyle differences.
5. Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels: Advantages, limitations, and future potential.
6. High School vs. College Life: Responsibilities, freedom, and academic challenges.
7. Home Cooking vs. Eating Out: Health, cost, and convenience.
8. Owning a Pet Dog vs. Pet Cat: Lifestyle compatibility and care requirements.
9. Facebook vs. Twitter: Communication styles and user engagement.
10. Renewable Energy vs. Nuclear Energy: Sustainable solutions for future generations.
11. Electric Cars vs. Hybrid Cars: Environmental impact and practicality.
12. Introverts vs. Extroverts: Social behavior and personal growth.
13. Marvel vs. DC Comics: Character development and storyline depth.
14. Apple iOS vs. Android OS: Features, usability, and customization.
15. Summer vs. Winter Vacations: Activities, weather, and travel costs.
16. Dieting vs. Exercise: Which is more effective for long-term weight management?
17. Owning a House vs. Renting an Apartment: Financial and lifestyle considerations.
18. Books vs. Movies: Differences in storytelling and audience engagement.
19. Working Remotely vs. Working in an Office: Productivity, communication, and work-life balance.
20. Professional Sports vs. College Sports: Player dedication, audience interest, and overall impact.

Compare and Contrast Essay Sample

This example compare and contrast essay clarifies two positions on energy drinks. Notice that it does so by comparing and contrasting energy drinks with other types of caffeinated beverages. If you need more examples, you can order essay samples from our service.

Final Outlook

Writing a strong compare and contrast essay means starting with solid planning and knowing the steps involved. Here’s a quick recap:

• Pick two clear subjects to compare.
• Research your subjects thoroughly, looking at both similarities and differences.
• Outline your points in a clear structure.
• Write with clarity, starting with an engaging introduction, balanced body paragraphs, and a concluding summary.
• Edit and proofread to refine your arguments and improve clarity.

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