Literature and Writing

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline: A Detailed Guide

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Compare and contrast essays are aimed at examining topics from numerous points of view. This piece of writing, often assigned in high schools or higher educational institutions, assists in teaching students in the analytical writing and critical thinking processes and preparing them for more sophisticated academic writing forms. Compare and contrast essays are very easy to compose if you apply a step-by-step approach. Do not know how to write a compare and contrast essay outline? Our professionals are ready to assist.

What Is Meant by a Compare and Contrast Essay?

To begin with, a compare and contrast essay is an academic piece of writing aimed at providing points of contrast and comparison between two objects or issues. As evident from its name, it presents how the subjects or objects are similar in specific or different aspects. The structure of this piece of writing essay features body paragraphs describing the two concepts, before providing a final and thorough analysis.

The outline for a strong compare-and-contrast paragraph must include details from both sides to support every point, editorial, counterargument, etc. A compare-contrast task shows the differences and similarities between two ideas or concepts.

  1. Comparing: aimed at showing the similarities between two ideas or concepts.
  2. Contrasting: aimed at presenting the differences between two ideas or concepts.

Transitional Words and Phrases

It is recommended to utilize transitional words and phrases when working on a compare-contrast task to show the relationships between your arguments or considerations and to connect your key points of view.

Transitional Words and Phrases showing Comparison:

  • in comparison
  • in the same way
  • comparably
  • equally
  • equivalently
  • in a similar manner
  • likewise
  • similarly
  • moreover

Transitional Words and Phrases showing Contrast:

  • but
  • conversely
  • however
  • in contrast
  • on the contrary
  • on the other hand
  • otherwise
  • rather
  • though

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Like any other academic pieces of writing, the outline for a strong compare-and-contrast essay must include a clear organizational structure that reflects your most significant viewpoints in the body paragraphs.

  1. Start by Brainstorming or the Venn Diagram Application.

The best compare and contrast essays should demonstrate a high level of detailed analysis. This implies that you should brainstorm effectively before you start working on it. A Venn diagram is a splendid visual tool used for brainstorming topics of compare and contrast essays. A Venn diagram comprises a set of the overlapping circles in which one circle represents the characteristics of the first concept, and another circle - the characteristics of the second one; an overlapping sections between the circles are composed of the characteristics shared by both analyzed concepts.

  1. Prepare a Thesis Statement.

After you have mapped out the differences and similarities between your concepts, you will start comprehending the relationships between them. This pre-writing process will always allow you to prepare your thesis statement, as well as your topic essay sentences. Your thesis statement is aimed at functioning as a road map for your piece of writing. You can always refer to our sample compare and contrast essay outline database to clearly see what is meant.

  1. Prepare an Original Outline.

Once you have spent enough time on your data collection, the process of prewriting goes to outline preparation. An effective compare and contrast essay outline should follow the standard essay format, including introduction, main body, and conclusion. Always keep to your outline while working on your essay. Great and detailed outlining distinguishes focused and strong essays from the meandering and poor ones.

  1. Work on the Introduction.

A decent introductory paragraph is to set the tone for the whole piece of writing. The best introduction starts with an interesting hook, for instance, a rhetorical question or a quote. After your hook your readers, introduce the concept(s) that you will analyze in your piece of writing. Your thesis statement is to be present at the end of the introduction.

  1. Compose the First Paragraph of the Main Body.

Start with a topic sentence that explicates one area of contrast or comparison between your first and second concepts. For instance, if your subjects are two various states and your paragraph topic is the political structure, then you may focus on broadly presenting each state’s political features and processes. Furthermore, you may devote about two sentences to how these states’ politics are different and two sentences to how they are similar.

  1. Repeat the Same Process in Other Paragraphs.

Such pieces of writing usually take their concepts through several aspects of comparison or contrast. Thus, plan on composing at least 2-3 body paragraphs that make emphasis on your two concepts from different sides. Link each paragraph by means of transition words or phrases.

  1. Prepare the Conclusion.

An excellent compare and contrast pieces of writing should include an excellent conclusion. By the following point, you should prove your thesis regarding how your two concepts are both different or similar. Your concluding paragraph should present key insights and reinforce the thesis of your essay. Avoid introducing novel info in your concluding paragraph. Apply it to sum up the whole work.

  1. Proofread and Edit.

Your piece of writing is incomplete until you have edited and proofread it accordingly. Ensure each of your concept gets equal space in your essay. You should take a clear viewpoint regarding how the concepts under analysis are different or similar. Double-check for any mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, style, format, etc. We hope that now you have a clear idea concerning how to outline a compare and contrast essay accordingly.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Template

Like in any other piece of academic or custom writing, introductionmain body, and conclusion are considered basic components in compare contrast essay outline template structure. An outline should be composed of these elements. Notably, compare and contrast outlines are different from outlines for other types of academic writing due to specific organization of their body paragraphs. Numerous guidelines on academic writing explain these differences without attributing certain attention to the introduction and conclusion sections. Still, whenever working on an outline, it is reasonable to start with the introduction, as there are several universal tricks that may ensure your arguments are logical, persuasive, and clear.

Outline Template for Compare and Contrast Essay

Whenever you prepare an outline, there are no needs to complete the whole intro. Instead, just put down some details indicated in this template concerning this section: 

Essay Topic – it is necessary to specify a compare and contrast essay topics as it is. For example, it can be provided in the following way: “Comparing concept A to concept B,” “Contrasting concept A to concept B,” or “Comparing and Contrasting concept A with concept B.” 

Purpose of the essay – Depending on the topic chosen, you may pursue such purposes: “Explicating the similarities between concept A and concept B,” “Making analysis of the differences between concept A and concept B,” or “Discussing differences or similarities between concept A and concept B” respectively.

Significance – The following detail can be optional and usually depends on the academic level. It is recommended to include it to make the introduction stronger and more significant. It is imperative to justify why you should know similarities or differences of the analyzed concepts under analysis. Take into consideration that you can always refer to our databases of compare and contrast essay outline pdf samples for further analysis.

Thesis statement – It is aimed at presenting a strong outline argument. This implies that it is not enough to indicate that two concepts are different or similar. Instead, you ought to explicate how they are different or similar. With this in mind, you thesis is to specify concepts under analysis. Make a clear point of specific significance by presenting numerous supporting facts or pieces of evidence, which are capable of clarifying key features, thus making them different or similar. At this point, it is advised to utilize info accumulated while brainstorming.

Our experts suggest that you should apply this template for your future five-paragraph outline for a compare and contrast essay: “Concept A and Concept B can be different in several aspect, but they both have a few similar feature 1, 2, 3.” In terms of contrast and comparison essay, the compared features should be evaluated clearly, based on which concept is better or worse than the other one. Below is a thesis template for a decent five-paragraph comparison and contrast essay: “Although Concept A and Concept B have some similarities, Concept A has more essential characteristic 1, 2, 3.”

After you have finished with outlining essential details for the intro and with thesis statement preparation, it is time for you to move to the body organization. Refer to our compare and contrast essay outline format tips.

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Methods of Structure

Two methods may assist you in organize your ideas or facts: apply the block or point-by-point methods, to compose your exceptional compare and contrast essay outline.

While applying the block compare and contrast essay structure, consider that all the info is provided for the first concept, and its features and certain details are explicated. This presents one block. The second one utilizes the same approach as the first block for the second concept.

The structure of the point by point compare and contrast essay outline presents every similarity or difference simultaneously, thus taking notes regarding both concepts. For instance, you may list a feature specific to one concept, followed by its difference or similarity to the other concept.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The block method is relatively easier to apply, as you just indicate all of the info concerning the two concepts, and leave it to the future readers to make some comparisons. The point-by-point method requires that you should analyze each points yourself while focusing on differences and similarities, which is more explicit to the future readers to easily understand. Below is a detailed and clear compare and contrast essay block method outline structure of every type discussed.

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Point-by-Point Method Applied in the Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Introduction

  • Introduce the chosen topic;
  • Indicate the theme selected;
  • Present the thesis statement - indicate all the areas in one sentencein your contrast essay outline.

Example of the thesis statement:
Cars and bicycles are considered excellent means of transport, but an exceptional choice usually depends on the lifestyle, finances, and place of residence the person.

Body Paragraph 1 – STYLE of LIFE

  • Topic Sentence: Bicycles affect the lifestyle of the person less than cars.
  • Topic 1 - Bicycles
  • Argument A: Bicycles are more comfortable, nature-friendlier, and smaller than cars.
  • Argument B: Bicycles are simple to learn and apply.
  • Topic 2 - Cars
  • Argument A: Cars are referred to as a second home for the person.
  • Argument B: It takes some time to become a sophisticated driver.

Body Paragraph 2 – FINANCIAL ASPECT

  • Topic sentence: Cars are more expensive than bicycles
  • Topic 1 - Bicycles
  • Argument A: It is possible to purchase a good bicycle for under 100$.
  • Argument B: Many parts can easily be fixed and are available.
  • Topic 2 - Cars
  • Argument A: Parts and services are very expensive.
  • Argument B: Cars contribute to the green-house effect.

Body Paragraph 3 – PLACE OF THE RESIDENCE

  • Topic sentence: Bicycles are a better option for cities due to different reasons, for instance, traffic jams.
  • Topic 1 - Bicycles
  • Argument A: Riding Bicycles in big cities is quicker than driving cars.
  • Argument B: Bicycles do not pollute the nature compared to cars.
  • Topic 2 - Cars
  • Argument A: Cities are not easier to drive by car..
  • Argument B: With cars, traveling in the long distances is much more convenient.

There should be the Conclusion in each outline of a compare and contrast essay.

Block Method in the Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Introduction

  • Introduce the selected or set topic;
  • Indicate the theme selected;
  • Thesis — it should comprise all areas focused in the whole work in one sentence

Sample of the thesis statement:
Cars and bicycles are considered excellent means of transport, but an exceptional choice usually depends on the lifestyle, finances, and place of residence the person.

Body Paragraph 1

  • Topic Sentence: Bicycles are easier and easier to care for than cars.
  • Aspect 1 – Style of life
  • Argument A: Bicycles are more comfortable, nature-friendlier, and smaller than cars.
  • Argument: Bicycles are simple to learn and apply.
  • Aspect 2 – Financial Aspect
  • Argument A: It is possible to purchase a good bicycle for under 100$.
  • Argument B: Parts and services are very expensive
  • Aspect 3 – Place of residence
  • Argument A: Riding Bicycles in big cities is quicker than driving cars.
  • Argument B: Bicycles do not pollute the nature compared to cars.

Body Paragraph 2

  • Topic sentence: Cars are regarded more expensive but more comfortable for  travelling.
  • Aspect 1 - Style of life
  • Argument A: Cars are referred to as a second home for the person
  • Argument B: It takes some time to become a sophisticated
  • Aspect 2 - Financial Aspect
  • Argument A: Parts and services are very expensive.
  • Argument B: Cars contribute to the green-house effect
  • Aspect 3 - Place of residence
  • Argument A: Cities are not easier to drive by car.
  • Argument B: With cars, traveling in the long distances is much more convenient.

Body Paragraph 3
Utilize the last paragraph in, for instance, your compare and contrast essay outline college to evaluate all the comparisons and explicate why they are of great significance. Presenting numerous facts can be very boring and overwhelming. Thus, you are recommended to provide the readers with real-life applications of the indicated facts in your outline compare and contrast essay.

Point-by-Point Method vs. Block Method

As a general rule, apply the block method for such paragraphs as discussion board post. As paragraphs are very short, the readers will be incapable of losing track of every point as it is explicated in reference to every topic.

Utilize the point-by-point method for extended essays to thoroughly compare and contrast the two concepts. The readers will be unable to lose track of the key considerations if they are presented point-by-point in your piece of writing.

Creative and Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Examples

We expect that you are well aware of each aspect of compare and contrast essays preparation. You can always refer to our compare and contrast essay outline example database to start your own piece of writing.

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