It’s only natural to feel confused when you learn how to write a compare-and-contrast essay based on a given topic. This helpful writing guide will give you the basic structure and outline rules. You shall learn how to start with your compare and contrast essay, see useful formatting tips, and will benefit from our step-by-step writing guide. Once you master the basics, any subject will become much easier!
What is compare and contrast essay writing?
As the name implies, it is a type of essay where you have to provide a comparison with a contrast based on a certain method. As a rule, an author would have to compare why something is different, yet it also means seeking similarities and explaining them later. The content of your compare and contrast essay will always differ, depending on your chosen subject. In most cases, college and university professors ask students to work on possible positions or points of view. Alternatively, to start a compare and contrast essay, you may focus on specific theories, statistical data, figures, literary passages, historical or current events, and more.
Speaking of compare and contrast definition, it is easy to narrow things down to these two major points:
- Contrast: You must seek differences based on two or more subjects.
- Comparison: You must seek out similarities based on two or more subjects.
The confusing part is that you do not really have to compare because comparative analysis alone does not help you achieve the main point. The purpose is to explore how your chosen variables (issues, arguments, ideas, or beliefs) are similar and what exactly makes them different. We must “compare and contrast” as we do the writing and analytical part.
Basic essay structure and outline
The structure of the general compare and contrast essay will differ depending on the method specified in your grading rubric or what you have chosen to determine all the important points. We suggest using the Point-by-Point or Alternating method as it is one of the most logical and efficient solutions. Here is how such compare and contrast essay outline will look in practice:
Point 1: Discuss topic A.
Point 1: Discuss topic B.
Compare and contrast: Here, you talk about how the first point relates or differs between topics A and B.
Point 2: Discuss topic A.
Point 2: Discuss topic B.
Compare and contrast paragraph 2: Talk about how the second point relates or differs regarding a second point you discuss when dealing with A and B.
Once done with the main points, the conclusion should provide an analysis and an explanation of what has been learned to see why it is important and what comparison methodology has been used.
An alternative way would be to use a method called a Block Method. While you have to provide alternates between two points you have made and offer something of value, a block method works in blocks. Let’s sum up our options for compare and contrast writing by starting with the already-known Point-by-Point method:
Item A -> Paragraph 1 (Body) – 1st point.
Item B -> Paragraph 2 (Body) – 1st point.
Item A -> Paragraph 3 (Body) – 2nd point.
Item B -> Paragraph 4 (Body) – 2nd point.
The point-by-point method basically shows that you have something valuable to discuss about each item at each point. It should work as long as you keep it relevant to your thesis.
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The Block method is also known as the “Subject-by-Subject” approach, where you discuss a point for subject A and then every point for subject B. It looks this way:
Item A -> Paragraphs 1 to 3 (Body) – Points 1,2,3…
Item B -> Paragraphs 4 to 6 (Body) – Points 1,2,3…
If you choose the Block method structure, avoid trying to fit two unrelated essays into a single thesis statement. The second issue discussed should be related to the first subject and clearly show how these two can be compared or pose a difference. It will help with the compare-and-contrast essay flow and keep your readers inspired!
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What method should you choose to structure a compare and contrast essay? While it is less common in academic writing, choosing the Block Method is more helpful when establishing the point between all the vital points related to subject A and subject B. It also helps when you have to compare and contrast three or more items, events, or beliefs. The trick is keeping things consistent throughout your essay, meaning either solution will work fine.
Tip: It also takes some research, especially if your grading rubric mentions specific companies or problems that must be compared and contrasted. Take your time to learn how to write a research paper correctly by checking our helpful guide!
Step-by-step compare and contrast essay writing guide
Since compare-and-contrast papers can be met in high school and college circumstances, many students will already know how to start and what elements must be outlined. Nevertheless, working with a clear outline is essential and should not be ignored regardless of the subject that you plan to choose. If you are asked to come up with a specific subject, take your time to research things before you start by taking notes. Here are the steps that must be taken to make a compare-and-contrast essay work:
Step 1: Research your subject well.
It has to make sense because if you are asked to compare guitars to hammers, you might only say that both implement wood in construction. Now, things would be much simpler if you had to compare the different types of wood.
Step 2: Determine similarities and differences by grouping them in paragraphs.
Once you pick all the necessary items to compare and contrast, think about choosing a method and making a list that outlines your findings. See what differences your subject has and what is unique to each variable.
Step 3: Introduction and background.
Provide a basic background in the introduction with a brief list of objectives that will help your readers understand the subject. Remember that your compare and contrast essay thesis statement is not a list of ideas (at least, it should not be!). Your thesis should reflect your findings and provide detailed information about the main argument.
Step 4: Determine possible outcomes.
One of the outcomes is that the differences may outshadow the similarities, or the similarities play a major role in the differences. No matter what direction you may go, the trick is to divide information between the introduction, several body paragraphs, and the conclusion with the summary of the things learned.
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Step 5: Adding helpful information.
This is where you must add information about what we have learned and what information must be used for additional research. If you see it necessary, add a paragraph that explains what kind of further work must be done. As a rule, it is done to conclude a compare and contrast essay in the final paragraph. Provide all the necessary sources to support statistical data and the facts you mention as evidence.
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Step 6: Summary and post-editing.
The final paragraph is critical for the success of your compare-and-contrast essay. You have to summarize all of your points in compare and contrast essay conclusion while talking about what has been learned by adjusting it to your thesis statement. Once ready, continue with post-editing and proofreading your work aloud to avoid repetitions or lack of logic.
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Formatting tips
As we are nearing the end of our compare and contrast essay guide, let’s sum up several formatting points that will help you avoid the most common compare and contrast format mistakes:
- If you have not been assigned an essay topic yet, choose something that you know well and a topic subject that can be argued.
- Avoid stating that some items are different, but explain why by offering relevant examples.
- Provide the same amount of talk time for each item. If item X has three points or paragraphs, item Z should also have three points and paragraphs.
- Use topic sentences to connect the subjects and ensure that everything is connected. It is one of the most common challenges in writing a compare and contrast essay.
- Use your conclusion paragraph as a chance to reiterate your thesis and sum up the main points.
- Include information as to what has been learned and why it’s important.
- Always provide due credit for each external essay source or idea that is not originally yours.
Helpful compare and contrast essay examples
Undoubtedly, learning without a good compare-and-contrast essay example is the most challenging. As a way to remedy the situation, here are several compare and contrast essay examples worth checking:
- Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast by Kellogg Community College.
- Comparing and Contrasting – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Comparing & Contrasting – Walden University.
- Comparison and Contrast – University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
In some of the links above, you will be able to find actual essay samples and, in others, additional explanations and templates. If you have any questions left, feel free to ask; our experts will help you 24/7!
