Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Step by Step Guide
12 min read
Published on: Mar 1, 2020
Last updated on: Jul 20, 2023
12 min read
Published on: Mar 1, 2020
Last updated on: Jul 20, 2023
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Have you ever been assigned a compare and contrast essay and found yourself staring at a blank page, unsure of where to start?
It can be overwhelming to tackle this type of essay without a clear plan in place. With so many possible points of comparison and contrast, it's easy to get lost in a sea of ideas.
But fear not!
With a solid outline, you can organize your thoughts and arguments, and create a well-structured essay that effectively compares and contrasts two or more subjects.
In this post, we'll guide you through the process of creating a compare-and-contrast essay outline, providing you with tips and examples along the way.
Let's dive in!
This type of essay simply asks you to compare and contrast two things that belong to the same category.
Think of it as comparing two apples or two oranges, not cats and dogs - we're talking about similarities and differences within a specific group.
When we say "compare," we mean finding the similarities between the two subjects. And when we say "contrast," we're looking at the differences.
To successfully compare and contrast, the subjects must be in the same category.
When it comes to choosing a subject for your compare and contrast essay, remember to keep these key factors in mind:
To ensure that you cover all of these points in your essay, it's a smart idea to create an outline before you start writing.
There are two different structures you can use for a compare-and-contrast essay: the point-by-point method and the block method.
You'll need to decide which method to use based on your specific topic and the points you want to make. With a well-planned outline, you'll be able to organize your thoughts and write a clear, effective essay that makes a compelling argument.
A point-by-point compare and contrast essay outline follows a specific structure to help you organize your thoughts and make clear, concise arguments.
Here's an example of what a point-by-point compare and contrast-essay outline might look like:
I. Introduction A. Hook II. Point 1: Aspect A A. Description of Aspect A III. Point 2: Aspect B A. Description of Aspect B IV. Point 3: Aspect C A. Description of Aspect C V. Conclusion A. Restate the thesis statement |
In a point-by-point compare and contrast essay outline, you'll examine each point of comparison or contrast between the two subjects.
For each point, you'll discuss the similarities and differences between the two subjects, alternating between the two as you go.
This format allows for a clear and logical progression of ideas and makes it easy for readers to follow your argument.
Here is a block diagram to help you understand the format more clearly.
| Point-by-Point Organization in Five Paragraphs | |
| 1 | introduction: Get your reader's attention on A and B, focusing on two key distinctions: 1) -------- and 2) ---------. |
| 2 | The first difference between A and B is |
| 3 | The second difference between A and B is |
| 4 | The third difference between A and B is |
| 5 | Conclusion |
Check out this video to learn more!
A compare-and-contrast essay using the block method outline is another way to organize your thoughts when writing this type of essay. Here's an example of what a block method outline might look like
I. Introduction A. Hook or attention-grabbing statement II. Body A. Point 1 - Similarities 1. Topic sentence introducing the first similarity B. Point 1 - Differences A. Restatement of the thesis statement and the main points discussed |
In a block method outline, you'll discuss all the similarities and differences of one subject before moving on to the next.
This format allows you to delve more deeply into each subject and make clear, comprehensive arguments about the similarities and differences.
Make sure to connect your points back to the thesis statement, and use transitions to smoothly move from one point to the next.
Here is a block diagram to help you understand more!
| Block Organization in Four Paragraphs | |
| 1 | Introduction |
| 2 | Topic A, (1)-----------(2). |
| 3 | Topic B, (1).-------------(2)---------------and (3) |
| 4 | Conclusion: |
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To write a good compare and contrast essay, make sure that you have explored the similarities and differences in an orderly manner. You might use a Venn diagram or simple lists to do that.
Once you have collected the raw data, the next step is to arrange it in the form of an essay. For this purpose, you need an outline. By creating an outline, you will ensure that you do not miss out on any important point.
A compare and contrast essay outline has the following elements.
1. Introduction
2. Body paragraphs
3. Conclusion
These are the elements that are present in the outline for nearly all types of essays. The method of writing an introductory part of an essay is the same for all essay types.
The introduction of a compare and contrast essay must be written to let the reader know about the overall theme of the essay.
To convey all this information, the writer needs to write the introduction properly. A strong and appropriate introduction of a compare and contrast essay has the following parts:
1. A Hook Statement
It is a statement with which we start our compare and contrast essay. We can use a famous quotation, an interesting fact, or a question as a hook for our essay.
A hook statement helps to seek the readerâs attention and convince the reader to read the complete essay.
2. Background Information
Providing background information for a compare and contrast essay topic leaves a good impression on the reader. In the background information, you must mention the purpose of why you have chosen this particular topic for the essay.
In the background information, also let your readers know what scope do you expect from this essay.
3. Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the essence of an entire essay. It is a sentence or two that explains the whole theme and topic of your essay.
The thesis statement is stated at the end of the introduction before the body paragraphs start. Ensure that the thesis statement you write is arguable, meaningful, and strong enough to support your essay.
Make sure that you end the introduction with good transition words. It helps to show a logical connection with the rest of the essayâs body.
Writing any type of essay is the same, but not for a compare and contrast essay. To write the body of a compare and contrast essay, there are two standard methods.
It might use a 5 paragraph essay format, but the content in the body paragraphs is different. Though, the body paragraph, in any case, starts with a topic sentence.
When you get the title and aspects to compare but without a certain number of criteria to cover similarities and differences, you have to brainstorm.
Take a blank piece of paper and write the first item in the left corner, and the second item in the right corner. Make a Venn diagram and start analyzing.
Once you are done writing the introduction and body paragraphs in the outline, it's time to draw a conclusion.
A good conclusion is neither too long nor too short. Usually, the conclusion comprises six sentences at maximum. In these sentences, you are supposed to provide a summary of all the main points of comparison you have discussed in your essay.
The conclusion includes a reiteration of the thesis statement in a more effective way. Make sure that the content you add in conclusion is directly referring to the rest of the essay.
Add a small sentient to evaluate the significant points and give a good concluding statement at the end.
Here is a template for you to follow!
I. Introduction A. Hook: [Insert attention-grabbing statement or question] C. Thesis statement: In this essay, we will compare and contrastâ--- [Object A] â---and â-[Object B]----- in terms of â-[Aspect 1], [Aspect 2], and [Aspect 3]---------. II. Point 1: [Aspect 1] A. Description of [Aspect 1]: â------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.Differences:â--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Description of [Aspect 2]: [Explain the second aspect being compared and contrasted]----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Comparison of [Aspect 2] in [Object A] and [Object B]: 1. Similarities:â--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Examples can help you understand the concept of the essay outline in a better way. Here are some well-written examples and compare and contrast essay outline sample for your help. Use them as a guide to create a good outline.
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Here are two ways that will help you to structure a compare and contrast essay.
WRITTEN BY
Cathy A. (Education)
For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.
For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.
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