Description
In this essay type, two topics (although sometimes more than two topics are used) are compared to each other and contrasted. In comparison, it is shared how these topics are similar to each other, but when contrasting, the differences of the two topics is the focus.
Example of a Compare and Contrast topic: Instructors and Students.
Venn Diagrams are useful when brainstorming the similarities and differences for this essay type.
Example of a Compare and Contrast topic: Instructors and Students.
Venn Diagrams are useful when brainstorming the similarities and differences for this essay type.
Common Compare & Contrast Essay Structure
Compare & Contrast essays are typically four or five paragraphs (Introduction Paragraph, Body Paragraph 1, Body Paragraph 2, Body Paragraph 3, and Concluding Paragraph), depending on the format chosen. Compare & Contrast Essays use one of two formats: Block Format or Point-by-Point Format (most frequently used).
Example of a Block Format Compare and Contrast Essay
Topic: Instructors and Students
In the block format, each "subject" is addressed individually. For instance, you would discuss instructors and then you would discuss students in a separate paragraph.
1. Introduction
2. Instructors
a. Preparing for a lecture
b. Attending class
c. Assignments and exams
3. Students
a. Preparing for a lecture
b. Attending class
c. Assignments and exams
4. Concluding Paragraph
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Example of a Point-by-Point Compare and Contrast Essay
Topic: Instructors and Students
In the point-by-point format, the "subjects" are addressed together with the same points. For instance, you would discuss instructors and students preparing for a lecture in body paragraph 1.
1. Introduction
2. Preparing for a lecture
a. Instructors
b. Students
3. Attending class
a. Instructors
b. Students
4. Assignments and exams
a. Instructors
b. Students
5. Concluding paragraph
Introduction Paragraph: includes the thesis statement/shares the subjects to be compared and contrasted as well as the points to be made
Body Paragraph 1: includes support/evidence of the thesis statement
Body Paragraph 2: includes support/evidence of the thesis statement
Body Paragraph 3: includes support/evidence of the thesis statement
Concluding Paragraph: reiterates the thesis statements but not in the exact same words; new information is never added to this paragraph
Example of a Block Format Compare and Contrast Essay
Topic: Instructors and Students
In the block format, each "subject" is addressed individually. For instance, you would discuss instructors and then you would discuss students in a separate paragraph.
1. Introduction
2. Instructors
a. Preparing for a lecture
b. Attending class
c. Assignments and exams
3. Students
a. Preparing for a lecture
b. Attending class
c. Assignments and exams
4. Concluding Paragraph
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Example of a Point-by-Point Compare and Contrast Essay
Topic: Instructors and Students
In the point-by-point format, the "subjects" are addressed together with the same points. For instance, you would discuss instructors and students preparing for a lecture in body paragraph 1.
1. Introduction
2. Preparing for a lecture
a. Instructors
b. Students
3. Attending class
a. Instructors
b. Students
4. Assignments and exams
a. Instructors
b. Students
5. Concluding paragraph
Introduction Paragraph: includes the thesis statement/shares the subjects to be compared and contrasted as well as the points to be made
Body Paragraph 1: includes support/evidence of the thesis statement
Body Paragraph 2: includes support/evidence of the thesis statement
Body Paragraph 3: includes support/evidence of the thesis statement
Concluding Paragraph: reiterates the thesis statements but not in the exact same words; new information is never added to this paragraph