How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

So, what is a compare and contrast essay? Here, all you need to know is that these types of essays look into two subjects. These items might either be vastly different or closely related. It concentrates on what makes two things similar or different or various combinations of differences and similarities. Of course, if it were just about making simple comparisons then it would be too natural right?

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A good compare and contrast essay should:

• State the unknown
• Clear up all sort of misunderstanding
• Show how one thing is different from the other
• Show a new way of seeing, doing and understanding a particular issue
• Explain a point and provide supportive facts

To help you in understanding the process much better, here are some of the guidelines that you’ll need to remember:

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline: A Point-By-Point Organization

By point-by-point, we merely mean a comparison that concentrates on comparing and contrasting one factor in both subjects, and all at the same time! As a reader, you’ll quickly follow its simple structure. You’ll find that to keep things as simple, an outline has three parts:

• The introduction
• The main body – Here, you should include all the differences in the two subjects
• Conclusion

The Presentation of Your Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

This is the part where you present your topic in broad and specific terms. You’ll also need to state your thesis statement here. What is a thesis statement? Well, it’s merely the basis of the ideas in your essay!

Below are some of the three elements you’ll want to include in your thesis statement:

An Introduction To The Main Idea

While introducing your crucial point, the best way is to begin with a hook line. You should then write the points of concern in your topic. A compare and contrast essay outline example such as comparing and contrasting two dogs, Molly and Morgan may sound something similar to this:

“Do opposite poles attract? Well, the principle of attraction states that they do. However, I don’t think this great phenomenon is meant only for humans. It’s not even subject to romantic feelings. Dogs with shockingly different characteristics and behaviors form personal attachments from time to time.”

It Contains Certain Subjects To Compare And Contrast

After that, you’ll need to specify what or who you are comparing and contrasting. Do this under the theme and main topic. Proceeding on from our Molly and Morgan example, the next sentences would probably sound like this:

“I have some of the best dogs in my household. The fact that they are dogs shows that they are similar in many features. Interestingly, such is not the case with Molly and Morgan. Molly is a huge bully who loves to lick, pounce and paw at both humans and canines until she wins. On the other hand, Morgan is a smaller 50-pound loveable dog who always seems satisfied with what’s going on. Despite such differences, both dogs possess a strong bond.”

The Thesis Statement

To finally end your introduction, you’ll need to present your main point with clarity. The best way to do this is to express all the things that you’re comparing and contrasting. Such offers a perfect idea of the direction which your essay is taking. In our compare and contrast essay outline example, the thesis statement concentrates on three characteristics of Molly and Morgan:

“It is clear that Morgan and Molly differ in the manner in which they accessorize, the toys that they use and how they spend their leisure time. Despite this, both have a strong ‘sister’ bond shown through frequent and long cuddling sessions.”

Are you struggling with your introduction? Well, it’s the toughest part, and it’s always good to feel relieved once you’re through. The trick to writing an impressive debut is to still write it as your last piece of text.

Paragraph and Body Outline for Compare and Contrast Essay

While still concentrating on the three aspects in our Molly and Morgan thesis statement, arrange your body in three paragraphs. An organized outline for compare and contrast essay paragraphs comes with a good number of points. You’ll need to show the differences and similarities of each:

Body paragraph one – Here, you’ll include the main paragraph idea. Let us look at a good example:

“First, the difference between Morgan and Molly is how they accessorize. While both dogs tend to help each other on matters of fashion, none of them share a similar style.”

Body paragraph two:

“Another interesting difference between these lovely girls is playing with their variety of toys. Both of them guard their favorites, but their choices do not match their personalities.”

Body Paragraph three – one the third part of your body paragraph, you should wind up on the last part included in your thesis. You can do it like this:

“The last difference is the way in which they handle their leisure time. Specifically, this is their ability to relax while not ignoring all manner of distraction.”

As we wind up on the body section of your compare and contrast essay, it’s essential to note some few things. First, you can include as many paragraphs as possible depending on the ideas that you have. Second, outline and explain your points in a straightforward manner.

The Conclusion to Your Compare and Contrast Essay

After the tedious process of having to arrange your points in organized and quick fashion, the conclusion is just the ‘icing on the cake.’ Remember that you’ve already nailed down a captivating thesis statement and properly arranged your paragraphs. Now, all you have to do is put all these factors together using three simple areas:

Summarising The Main Points

As you wind up, you’ll need to carefully summarize your main points. However, this is more than just any other simple conclusion. Here, you’ll need to bring together information in your thesis and that of your body paragraphs.

Still following our Molly and Morgan example, we can start our first conclusion statements with something which sounds like:

“In conclusion, all these aspects show how Morgan and Molly handle their lives in separate yet exciting ways. While Morgan loves rawhide bones, sleeping throughout the day and relaxing, Molly is a different kind of girl. She likes to play around with baseball caps, sit around in a rather bored manner and even cuddle with dolls.”

Evaluation

The next step is a simple analysis of all that you’ve written down. You can even go ahead and mention some future developments. Keep in mind that the main purpose of your conclusion is to answer one particular question, “What does all this mean?”

As you write this part, remember that your conclusion should complete a whole circle going back to your introduction. A properly drafted evaluation will go like this:

“In some cases, their differences show their personalities. Molly is a brute while Morgan is an adorable sweetheart. These differences also show that these girls may also stray from their normal behavior. This is notable in the way in which they play with their toys. All in all, these characteristics do not hinder their attraction. Although they have a different fashion sense, love to play with different objects, and like to enjoy a good relaxation session, they still adore one another and cuddle at each opportunity.”

Why Is It Essential To Have An Organized And Clear Outline For Your Compare And Contrast Essay?

There are several reasons on why an orderly outline for compare and contrast essays is crucial to your overall writing success. Here are just some of the critical factors you’ll need to put your fingertips:

• An organized outline shows that you are a professional
• It helps you to hold your ideas in a systematic order!
• As a student, it acts as your bridge to scoring good grades
• It saves you on time by helping you arrange your thoughts
• It ensures that you mention the critical points if not all!

An organized outline gives the chance to streamline your thoughts and brainstorm over what you are actually going to write. This is important since it will guide you on what to cover so you’ll waste no time thinking of what to write next when you start on your essay.

Conclusion

So, do you know how to write a compare and contrast essay outline? With the above tips, you’ll be on the way to landing an impressive essay both in school and also in your professional career later. There are also some lessons that you’ll need to always keep in mind before you start writing your essay. Some of these include:

• Your essay should connect and talk to your audience in a friendly and professional tone
• Avoid saying too much. Instead, keep your ideas short and straight to the point
• Take your time before writing your introduction
• Your thesis statement is the foundation of your essay. It should be bright and adequately highlighted

The last point to always remember is that you can never get better at writing without practice. Even the simplest compare and contrast essays require constant writing and perfection!