Compare and Contrast Essay

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline, Samples and More

Compare and contrast essays are assignments that tutors often assign learners to gauge their understanding of particular courses. This essay type uses a rhetoric writing style that demonstrates the variations and similarities of certain entities.

This essay needs two entities that you will use as a basis for your paper. First, you will compare them and come up with similarities, then later spot their differences. Writing such essays needs extensive analysis to present logical explanations of each entity.

This article aims to help students understand how to develop an exceptional comparison and contrast essay outline to simplify the work.

How to Select the Best Compare and Contrast Essay Format

Choosing the right format for a compare and contrast essay can be challenging. There are various formats that are suitable for these types of essays, but determining which one is the best for your paper can be tricky.

One format is the point-by-point format, which involves arranging your ideas in a sequential manner. On the other hand, the block format requires a thorough explanation of one item before moving on to the next.

Before deciding on an appropriate compare and contrast essay format, it is essential to evaluate whether the subjects being compared have any similarities or differences. Many students mistakenly assume that a compare and contrast essay is a simple paper that only compares two items. However, it requires extensive research to identify all the similarities and differences between the subjects. Moreover, the paper should provide clarifications to clear up any confusion regarding the subject matter.

How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Now that you have an appropriate topic ready, you can start analyzing the subject matter. Reflect and write significant points that come into your mind. Be creative and examine the research subject objectively from various angles.

You can also sketch a diagram with two overlapping circles. One for similarities and another part for differences. It acts as a mind map to guide you when composing your paper.

Follow the steps below to commence your outline development.

Topic Introduction

The first step is to introduce the topic you selected after brainstorming. For instance, you can write ‘Comparison of item A to B.’

Theme Specification

It is essential to specify the significant themes that you will later highlight in the essay. The themes will reveal the primary purpose of the analysis.

Thesis Presentation

Develop a powerful thesis statement in the introduction section that informs the readers about your essay and what you aim to achieve.

How to Structure Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

A compare and contrast essay outline are similar to other common essay types in terms of structure with an introduction, detailed body text, and a conclusion. The only striking difference is that the body content has a unique organization, depending on the format. However, it is always advisable, to begin with, the introduction when developing an outline as you progress to other sections.

The introduction usually entails an essay topic that reveals the subject matters of the comparison, the purpose, significance, and a powerful thesis statement. Let your readers know the research objects in question and highlight the significance of the study by mentioning the supporting thoughts you gathered during brainstorming.

Proceed to the main body text and organize the paragraphs according to a suitable compare and contrast format. You can either use the block format or the point-by-point arrangement. We shall expound on the formats later in the article.

Finally, outline your conclusion by restating the thesis statement and the importance of the analysis.

How to End Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Ending a compare and contrast outline is also crucial, just like the introduction. In the outline, you must paraphrase the thesis statement using different words. Include a summary of the significant similarities and differences you mentioned in the main body text. It is an essential section since the readers will know which object or item is superior.

Remember, the outline only highlights the significant pointers. Do not write too much information since you will expound on the points in the main essay paper.

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Examples

Here are the two compare and contrast essay format examples:

Point-by-Point

1. Introduction (Topic introduction, mention themes, thesis statement)
2. Main Body

Paragraph 1 – (Idea Aspect 1):

• Topic sentence
• Object A

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• Object B

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

Paragraph 2 – (Idea Aspect 2)

• Topic sentence
• Object A

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• Object B

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• Paragraph 3 (Idea Aspect 3)
• Topic sentence
• Object A

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• Object B

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

1. Conclusion

• Paraphrase thesis statement
• Mention main points
• Closing remarks

Block

1. Introduction

• Topic introduction
• Mention themes
• Thesis statement

1. Main Body

• Paragraph 1
• Topic sentence
• (Idea Aspect 1)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• (Idea Aspect 2)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• (Idea Aspect 3)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• Paragraph 2
• Topic sentence
• (Idea Aspect 1)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• (Idea Aspect 2)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• (Idea Aspect 3)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• Paragraph 3
• Topic sentence
• (Idea Aspect 1)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• (Idea Aspect 2)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

• (Idea Aspect 3)

– Supporting Fact

– Supporting Fact

1. Conclusion

• Paraphrase thesis statement
• Mention main points
• Closing remarks

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline College

If you are outlining a college essay, follow the above compare and contrast essay outline template, and you will be on the right track to composing an exceptional paper.

You must have two objects for comparing and contrasting to reveal the slightest differences and unforeseen similarities in the subjects. Develop a clear and powerful thesis statement that allows the readers to know the primary purpose of the analysis.  Furthermore, ensure you choose the best essay format that aligns with your academic paper and subject.

Dos & Don’ts to Remember

Developing a compare and contrast outline entails more than organizing the two columns that have similarities and differences. You must plan your outline and consider several dos and don’ts to guide you when composing your essay. All academic papers usually have specific requirements, and a compare and contrast essay is no exception.

Here are some dos and don’ts that will help you achieve top-notch papers.

Do’s

• Develop a powerful thesis statement
• Present both entities clearly
• Choose a suitable compare and contrast outline
• Incorporate valid quotations
• Write clear explanations
• Have a consistent outline structure

Don’ts

• Don’t compose a common thesis
• Don’t force arguments

Need Help? You Got It!

Ultimately, composing a compare and contrast essay requires more than impressive writing skills. You must conduct comprehensive research to develop active discussions. The readers should have a clear-cut explanation of the similar aspects and differences in the subject matter. If you make your essay interactive, the audience will also enjoy reading the paper.

Implement the tips below to craft an outstanding paper:

• Incorporate authoritative transitions

Ensure your paragraphs have a logical and transitional flow to allow the readers to understand your essay. Use powerful transitions from one paragraph to the next.

• Clear explanations

Clarity and cohesion will make your essay exceptional and easy to read. Thus, don’t use complicated jargon or vague sentences to explain your points. Make it simple for your audience.

• Thorough edits

An essential step that most students undermine is editing. You have to conduct thorough edits on your paper to eliminate all grammatical and typographical errors.

• Third-party review

After completing your work, it is advisable to give a friend to review for any other possible errors. A third eye is vital for polishing your essay.

Ultimately, you need an organized and proper comparison essay outline to develop an outstanding essay. Thus, ensure you have chosen a suitable format that will clearly outline your points logically.

If it is too much work, don’t panic. We have competent essay writers who are ready to provide professional academic assistance. Talk to us and allow us to deliver flawless papers.