Venn Diagrams to Plan Essays and More

  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

A Venn diagram is a great tool for brainstorming and creating a comparison between two or more objects, events, or people. You can use this as a first step to creating an outline for a  compare and contrast essay .

Simply draw two (or three) large circles and give each circle a title, reflecting each object, trait, or person you are comparing.

Inside the intersection of the two circles (overlapping area), write all the traits that the objects have in common. You will refer to these traits when you  compare  similar characteristics.

In the areas outside the overlapping section, you will write all of the traits that are specific to that particular object or person.

Creating an Outline for Your Essay Using a Venn Diagram

From the Venn diagram above, you can create an easy outline for your paper. Here is the beginning of an essay outline:

1. Both dogs and cats make great pets.

  • Both animals can be very entertaining
  • Each is loving in its own way
  • Each can live inside or outside the house

2. Both have drawbacks, as well.

  • They can damage property
  • Both can be costly
  • Both require time and attention

3. Cats can be easier to care for.

  • Leaving for a day

4. Dogs can be better companions.

  • Going to the park
  • Going for walks
  • Will enjoy my company

As you can see, outlining is much easier when you have a visual aid to help you with the brainstorming process.

More Uses for Venn Diagrams

Besides its usefulness for planning essays, Venn Diagrams can be used for thinking through many other problems both at school and at home. For example:

  • Planning a Budget: Create three circles for What I Want, What I Need, and What I Can Afford.
  • Setting Priorities: Create circles for different types of priorities: School, Chores, Friends, TV, along with a circle for What I Have Time for This Week.
  • Choosing Activities: Create circles for different types of activities: What I'm Committed to, What I'd Like to Try, and What I Have Time for Each Week.
  • Comparing People's Qualities: Create circles for the different qualities you're comparing (ethical, friendly, good looking, wealthy, etc.), and then add names to each circle. Which overlap?
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5 Compare and Contrast Essay Examples (Full Text)

A compare and contrast essay selects two or more items that are critically analyzed to demonstrate their differences and similarities. Here is a template for you that provides the general structure:

compare and contrast essay format

A range of example essays is presented below.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

#1 jean piaget vs lev vygotsky essay.

1480 Words | 5 Pages | 10 References

(Level: University Undergraduate)

paget vs vygotsky essay

Thesis Statement: “This essay will critically examine and compare the developmental theories of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, focusing on their differing views on cognitive development in children and their influence on educational psychology, through an exploration of key concepts such as the role of culture and environment, scaffolding, equilibration, and their overall implications for educational practices..”

#2 Democracy vs Authoritarianism Essay

democracy vs authoritarianism essay

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this analysis is that, despite the efficiency and control offered by authoritarian regimes, democratic systems, with their emphasis on individual freedoms, participatory governance, and social welfare, present a more balanced and ethically sound approach to governance, better aligned with the ideals of a just and progressive society.”

#3 Apples vs Oranges Essay

1190 Words | 5 Pages | 0 References

(Level: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade)

apples vs oranges essay

Thesis Statement: “While apples and oranges are both popular and nutritious fruits, they differ significantly in their taste profiles, nutritional benefits, cultural symbolism, and culinary applications.”

#4 Nature vs Nurture Essay

1525 Words | 5 Pages | 11 References

(Level: High School and College)

nature vs nurture essay

Thesis Statement: “The purpose of this essay is to examine and elucidate the complex and interconnected roles of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental influences (nurture) in shaping human development across various domains such as physical traits, personality, behavior, intelligence, and abilities.”

#5 Dogs vs Cats Essay

1095 Words | 5 Pages | 7 Bibliographic Sources

(Level: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade)

Thesis Statement: “This essay explores the distinctive characteristics, emotional connections, and lifestyle considerations associated with owning dogs and cats, aiming to illuminate the unique joys and benefits each pet brings to their human companions.”

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

I’ve recorded a full video for you on how to write a compare and contrast essay:

Get the Compare and Contrast Templates with AI Prompts Here

In the video, I outline the steps to writing your essay. Here they are explained below:

1. Essay Planning

First, I recommend using my compare and contrast worksheet, which acts like a Venn Diagram, walking you through the steps of comparing the similarities and differences of the concepts or items you’re comparing.

I recommend selecting 3-5 features that can be compared, as shown in the worksheet:

compare and contrast worksheet

Grab the Worksheet as Part of the Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Pack

2. Writing the Essay

Once you’ve completed the worksheet, you’re ready to start writing. Go systematically through each feature you are comparing and discuss the similarities and differences, then make an evaluative statement after showing your depth of knowledge:

compare and contrast essay template

Get the Rest of the Premium Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Pack (With AI Prompts) Here

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement

Compare and contrast thesis statements can either:

  • Remain neutral in an expository tone.
  • Prosecute an argument about which of the items you’re comparing is overall best.

To write an argumentative thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay, try this AI Prompts:

💡 AI Prompt to Generate Ideas I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that pass a reasonable judgement.

Ready to Write your Essay?

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Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your compare and contrast essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

compare and contrast examples and definition

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Comparing and Contrasting

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you first to determine whether a particular assignment is asking for comparison/contrast and then to generate a list of similarities and differences, decide which similarities and differences to focus on, and organize your paper so that it will be clear and effective. It will also explain how you can (and why you should) develop a thesis that goes beyond “Thing A and Thing B are similar in many ways but different in others.”

Introduction

In your career as a student, you’ll encounter many different kinds of writing assignments, each with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis: when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples:

  • Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression.
  • Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars.
  • Contrast Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the major differences in their poetry?

Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both.

But it’s not always so easy to tell whether an assignment is asking you to include comparison/contrast. And in some cases, comparison/contrast is only part of the essay—you begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more things and then use what you’ve learned to construct an argument or evaluation. Consider these examples, noticing the language that is used to ask for the comparison/contrast and whether the comparison/contrast is only one part of a larger assignment:

  • Choose a particular idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and consider how it is treated in two Romantic poems.
  • How do the different authors we have studied so far define and describe oppression?
  • Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? Which is more accurate?
  • In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers who served in different wars offer differing accounts of their experiences and feelings both during and after the fighting. What commonalities are there in these accounts? What factors do you think are responsible for their differences?

You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Sometimes you may want to use comparison/contrast techniques in your own pre-writing work to get ideas that you can later use for an argument, even if comparison/contrast isn’t an official requirement for the paper you’re writing. For example, if you wanted to argue that Frye’s account of oppression is better than both de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the main arguments of those three authors might help you construct your evaluation—even though the topic may not have asked for comparison/contrast and the lists of similarities and differences you generate may not appear anywhere in the final draft of your paper.

Discovering similarities and differences

Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each one of the areas that doesn’t overlap; in those areas, you can list the traits that make the things different. Here’s a very simple example, using two pizza places:

Venn diagram indicating that both Pepper's and Amante serve pizza with unusual ingredients at moderate prices, despite differences in location, wait times, and delivery options

To make a chart, figure out what criteria you want to focus on in comparing the items. Along the left side of the page, list each of the criteria. Across the top, list the names of the items. You should then have a box per item for each criterion; you can fill the boxes in and then survey what you’ve discovered.

Here’s an example, this time using three pizza places:

As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?

Here are some general questions about different types of things you might have to compare. These are by no means complete or definitive lists; they’re just here to give you some ideas—you can generate your own questions for these and other types of comparison. You may want to begin by using the questions reporters traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? If you’re talking about objects, you might also consider general properties like size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, number, duration, and location.

Two historical periods or events

  • When did they occur—do you know the date(s) and duration? What happened or changed during each? Why are they significant?
  • What kinds of work did people do? What kinds of relationships did they have? What did they value?
  • What kinds of governments were there? Who were important people involved?
  • What caused events in these periods, and what consequences did they have later on?

Two ideas or theories

  • What are they about?
  • Did they originate at some particular time?
  • Who created them? Who uses or defends them?
  • What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each? What conclusions do they offer?
  • How are they applied to situations/people/things/etc.?
  • Which seems more plausible to you, and why? How broad is their scope?
  • What kind of evidence is usually offered for them?

Two pieces of writing or art

  • What are their titles? What do they describe or depict?
  • What is their tone or mood? What is their form?
  • Who created them? When were they created? Why do you think they were created as they were? What themes do they address?
  • Do you think one is of higher quality or greater merit than the other(s)—and if so, why?
  • For writing: what plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and type of narration are used?
  • Where are they from? How old are they? What is the gender, race, class, etc. of each?
  • What, if anything, are they known for? Do they have any relationship to each other?
  • What are they like? What did/do they do? What do they believe? Why are they interesting?
  • What stands out most about each of them?

Deciding what to focus on

By now you have probably generated a huge list of similarities and differences—congratulations! Next you must decide which of them are interesting, important, and relevant enough to be included in your paper. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What’s relevant to the assignment?
  • What’s relevant to the course?
  • What’s interesting and informative?
  • What matters to the argument you are going to make?
  • What’s basic or central (and needs to be mentioned even if obvious)?
  • Overall, what’s more important—the similarities or the differences?

Suppose that you are writing a paper comparing two novels. For most literature classes, the fact that they both use Caslon type (a kind of typeface, like the fonts you may use in your writing) is not going to be relevant, nor is the fact that one of them has a few illustrations and the other has none; literature classes are more likely to focus on subjects like characterization, plot, setting, the writer’s style and intentions, language, central themes, and so forth. However, if you were writing a paper for a class on typesetting or on how illustrations are used to enhance novels, the typeface and presence or absence of illustrations might be absolutely critical to include in your final paper.

Sometimes a particular point of comparison or contrast might be relevant but not terribly revealing or interesting. For example, if you are writing a paper about Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight,” pointing out that they both have nature as a central theme is relevant (comparisons of poetry often talk about themes) but not terribly interesting; your class has probably already had many discussions about the Romantic poets’ fondness for nature. Talking about the different ways nature is depicted or the different aspects of nature that are emphasized might be more interesting and show a more sophisticated understanding of the poems.

Your thesis

The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so they don’t get lost in the sea of points you are about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”

Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s, Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned earlier:

Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

You may find our handout on constructing thesis statements useful at this stage.

Organizing your paper

There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:

Subject-by-subject

Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you’re comparing/contrasting more than two things). If the paper is short, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item into a single paragraph, but it’s more likely that you’d have several paragraphs per item. Using our pizza place comparison/contrast as an example, after the introduction, you might have a paragraph about the ingredients available at Pepper’s, a paragraph about its location, and a paragraph about its ambience. Then you’d have three similar paragraphs about Amante, followed by your conclusion.

The danger of this subject-by-subject organization is that your paper will simply be a list of points: a certain number of points (in my example, three) about one subject, then a certain number of points about another. This is usually not what college instructors are looking for in a paper—generally they want you to compare or contrast two or more things very directly, rather than just listing the traits the things have and leaving it up to the reader to reflect on how those traits are similar or different and why those similarities or differences matter. Thus, if you use the subject-by-subject form, you will probably want to have a very strong, analytical thesis and at least one body paragraph that ties all of your different points together.

A subject-by-subject structure can be a logical choice if you are writing what is sometimes called a “lens” comparison, in which you use one subject or item (which isn’t really your main topic) to better understand another item (which is). For example, you might be asked to compare a poem you’ve already covered thoroughly in class with one you are reading on your own. It might make sense to give a brief summary of your main ideas about the first poem (this would be your first subject, the “lens”), and then spend most of your paper discussing how those points are similar to or different from your ideas about the second.

Point-by-point

Rather than addressing things one subject at a time, you may wish to talk about one point of comparison at a time. There are two main ways this might play out, depending on how much you have to say about each of the things you are comparing. If you have just a little, you might, in a single paragraph, discuss how a certain point of comparison/contrast relates to all the items you are discussing. For example, I might describe, in one paragraph, what the prices are like at both Pepper’s and Amante; in the next paragraph, I might compare the ingredients available; in a third, I might contrast the atmospheres of the two restaurants.

If I had a bit more to say about the items I was comparing/contrasting, I might devote a whole paragraph to how each point relates to each item. For example, I might have a whole paragraph about the clientele at Pepper’s, followed by a whole paragraph about the clientele at Amante; then I would move on and do two more paragraphs discussing my next point of comparison/contrast—like the ingredients available at each restaurant.

There are no hard and fast rules about organizing a comparison/contrast paper, of course. Just be sure that your reader can easily tell what’s going on! Be aware, too, of the placement of your different points. If you are writing a comparison/contrast in service of an argument, keep in mind that the last point you make is the one you are leaving your reader with. For example, if I am trying to argue that Amante is better than Pepper’s, I should end with a contrast that leaves Amante sounding good, rather than with a point of comparison that I have to admit makes Pepper’s look better. If you’ve decided that the differences between the items you’re comparing/contrasting are most important, you’ll want to end with the differences—and vice versa, if the similarities seem most important to you.

Our handout on organization can help you write good topic sentences and transitions and make sure that you have a good overall structure in place for your paper.

Cue words and other tips

To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you’ll want to be sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already have given the reader an idea of the points you’ll be making and the organization you’ll be using, but you can help them out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you in signaling your intentions:

  • like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.

For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:

  • Compared to Pepper’s, Amante is quiet.
  • Like Amante, Pepper’s offers fresh garlic as a topping.
  • Despite their different locations (downtown Chapel Hill and downtown Carrboro), Pepper’s and Amante are both fairly easy to get to.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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How to Use a Venn Diagram

Cultura RM Exclusive / yellowdog / Getty Images

What Is a Venn Diagram?

A Venn diagram is a visual tool used to compare and contrast two or more objects, events, people, or concepts. It is often used in language arts and math classes to organize differences and similarities. This simple graphic makes it easy for students to understand how two things are both different and alike at the same time. 

A Venn diagram can become complicated, but in its simplest form, it is two circles that overlap in the middle.

  • Each circle represents one item that is being compared: Item 1 and item 2.
  • One circle contains the qualities that are unique to item 1. The other circle contains the qualities unique to item 2.
  • The area where the circles overlap contains qualities that both item 1 and item 2 have in common.

Simple Venn diagrams can be used to compare more than two things by adding more circles.

Venn Diagram Uses

Children will often learn to use Venn diagrams in language arts. They can be used to compare characteristics in two different books or two characters in the same book. A Venn diagram can also be used to:

  • Visualize information for a compare-and-contrast essay : For example, a student may need to compare the differences between a fish and a whale. They are alike because they both live in the water and that is written in the overlap. Only fish have scales so that would go in the fish-only circle. Only whales breathe air and that would go in the whale-only circle.
  • Brainstorm ideas when writing a story:  For example, each circle may represent a character in the story and a student may write down personality traits or events that happen to each character separately, then use the overlap to figure out where the characters interact in the story.
  • Help make decisions:  A Venn diagram can also be used like a list of pros and cons when making a decision. Maybe your child wants to get a pet and you have given permission, but they cannot decide whether they want a dog or cat. You can use a Venn diagram to help them decide (and get a teaching moment in at the same time).

Venn Diagram Examples

Here are a couple more Venn diagram examples to help illustrate the many ways students can use this tool.

Compare Jobs in the Government

A student may need to compare the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government for social studies. In one circle they would list the responsibilities and powers of the president and in the other circle the job details of the Congress.

In the center would be commonalities like the fact that they are both elected to office, have term limits, and so on.

Compare Books

A Venn diagram can be used to compare two books by the same author. Dr. Seuss is a popular topic for young children. When comparing The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, we can see that:

  • Both books : Rhyme; include hats and fish; have characters who are asked to leave, get upset, and think they don't like something.
  • The Cat in the Hat : There is a cat and six characters; the setting stays in the house; includes people.
  • Green Eggs and Ham : There is no cat and only two characters, the story moves to different locations and includes no people. It does have green eggs and ham!

Different Ways to Make a Venn Diagram

Venn diagrams use two or more circles and there are a few different ways to make them. They can be interactive and fun.

  • Draw the circles on a blank piece of paper and fill in the information. Use watercolor paints or crayons to color in the finished diagram (use two colors that combine to make a third color, such as blue and yellow to make green in the overlapping area.
  • Use a dry erase board and three different colors of marker.
  • Place two hula hoops on the floor and cut out strips of paper to write on and place in the correct circle. Pieces of string laid out in a circle can be used as well.
  • Instead of or in addition to text, include pictures to illustrate differences and similarities.

20+ Free Editable Venn Diagram Examples

Venn diagrams are one of the most accessible graphical representations. School courses include Venn diagrams as it has the potential of simplifying things. The users can easily discuss and analyze simple or complex theoretical relationships between two components. The relationship can be ideas based as well. Various fields like marketing, research, psychology, and science use Venn diagrams for a straightforward approach to complicated topics. There are a variety of Venn diagram examples based on their extensive usage.

1. What is A Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram is the graphical representation of relations between various elements or components of a particular concept or scenario. It helps an individual to analyze the relationship between those elements. Different subjects like maths, statistics use Venn diagrams to explore the relationship between the components.

In a Venn diagram , the relationship can be theoretical or ideas. It helps with the analysis of different complex concepts. The periphery of the Venn diagrams is now no more restricted to math and other related subjects. They have become useful for studies, data, even sorting life goals. With the following Venn diagram examples , you may understand and create Venn diagram easier.

2. The Venn Diagram Examples

There are various sorts of Venn diagrams, and the user can plan their Venn diagrams based on the elements they need to work on for their project. Here are some Venn diagram examples that the users can refer to while designing their own.

Example 1: Three Circle Venn Diagram

This example shows the three circle venn diagram, and from which it is clearly to see the relationships among three sets, and the intersections. From this Venn diagram, the sports game has been classified by the tools, teams, and high energy. A 3-circle Venn diagram, named after the English logician Robert Venn, is a diagram that shows how the elements of three sets are related using three overlapping circles.

Three Circle Venn Diagram

Example 2: Venn Diagram Math

In this case, the two circles representing positive integers that are greater than 5 and positive integers that are less than 10 have an overlapping region that represents the set of positive integers that are both greater than 5 and less than 10—in other words, the set { 6, 7, 8, 9 }.

Venn Diagram Math

Example 3: Probability Venn Diagram

The Venn diagram not only can represent the relations between two or more sets, but also can show the probability. Probability is a repeatable process that gives outcomes, an event to show the collection of one or more outcomes, and a sample space to show all the possible results. As this Venn diagram shows, the circle A represents the Probability of event A, circle B shows the Probability of event B, and S represents the Sample Space.

Probability Venn Diagram

Example 4: Funny Venn Diagram

Check this funny Venn diagram, which used the cute icons to represents the elements in our daily life, and the classfication for foods and plants. In this example, the foods are breads, meat, and ham. In contrast, the plants are trees, flowers. However, as for the intersection between foods and plants are some vegetables, like onion, broccoli, carrot, and more.

Funny Venn Diagram

Example 5: Purpose Venn Diagram

The purpose Venn diagram is a simplified view of the current work situation. It provides us with a starting point to think about whether we might miss an aspect of our current work and what that aspect might be. Purpose Venn diagram can help us create a more balanced work environment.

Purpose Venn Diagram

Example 6: A U B Venn Diagram

The Venn diagram is a visual representation of the reletions between or among sets. The diagram below shows the different relationships for two sets. A intersect B, A union B, A', A intersect B', A' intersect B, A union B', A' union B, A' union B' = (A intersect B)', A' intersect B' = (A union B)'. For more details, you can check this Venn diagram.

A U B Venn Diagram

Example 7: Venn Diagram Formula

Here is an Venn diagram applied in math formula. If these three circles are A, B, and C. From this Venn diagram, we can see the numbers related only to A is a-(w+y-z), B is equal to b-(w+x-z), C is c-(y+x-z). Then, as for the elements related to (A and B) is w-z, (B and C) is x-z, (A and C) is equal to y-z, all three sets is equal to z. So, the formula for all three sets is [a-(w+y-z)]+[b-(w+x-z)]+[c-(y+x-z)]+(w-z)+(x-z)+(y-z)+z. Following this formula, the results for this kind of math problems will be easy to get.

Venn Diagram Formula

Example 8: Venn Diagram for Kids

The given example of the Venn diagram showing the animals' classfications by the place where they live. On the earth, there are animals, like mammals, birds, insects, and more are lived on the land. On the contrary, some are live in water, such as fish, coral, and others. However, there are animals can live between land and water, due to their body specaility, like duck, penguine, turtul, frog, and etc. This venn diagram is for kids and let them know the diversity of this world.

Venn Diagram for Kids

Example 9: Five Circles Venn Diagram

Venn diagram is usually used for compare the differences and similarities, and the five circle venn diagram is the for showing the differences and similarities of human automation. The study of human-computer interaction, or more specifically human-automation interaction, therefore continues to remain relevant as automated systems.

Five Circles Venn Diagram

Example 10: Social Networking Venn Diagram

The given example of the Venn diagram shows how for social media, their function gets overlapped. A Venn diagram shows the interrelationship between the elements present in social media. There are specific differences between the Venn diagram and the Euler diagram. Here the diagram shows Facebook and Google+ both have a similar function: entertainment and involves friends and families. The example spots the similarity in functions of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Social Networking Venn Diagram

Example 11: Corporation Culture Venn Diagram

The mentioned example analyses the relationship of various elements present in the corporate culture. The corporate houses have to deal with the team, boss, and individual employees who have connections with the strategies, commitments, aims. Their engagement to the work, absence, connection, and more, contribute to their performance. The Venn diagram clarifies how the link works. The designer working on a Venn diagram on corporation culture can take it as an example and modify it as per their requirements.

Corporation Culture Venn Diagram

Example 12: Business Venn Diagram

Here is an example of a Venn diagram that shows how it works in a business. Various affordable price ranges, quality, and fast market penetration lead to a business organization's dream goal. The Venn diagram also shows that factors like inferior quality, delay in delivery, or high expenses can cause a decrease in sales. This administrator can use this model for developing their own.

Business Venn Diagram

Example 13: Human VS Owl Eyes Venn Diagram

There are specific Venn diagram structures that the teachers and students can use in school. These Venn diagrams can also simplify the subject topics and make it easier for learning. For example, the Venn diagram shows the similarities and dissimilarities between the human eyes and owl eyes. The Venn diagram has two distinct regions that show their features, while the overlapping middle part shows their common traits.

Human VS Owl Eyes Venn Diagram

Example 14: Essay Topics Venn Diagram

When individuals select a topic for their research paper, they must consider certain sides of the particular subject. For essays, the elements that affect the score are competition, potential, and value. When students are short-listing, they can put their topics in their circles, denoting competition, potential, and value. The three circles' overlapping part indicates the best issue with all the qualities like value, potential, and competition.

Essay Topics Venn Diagram

Example 15: Market Research Venn Diagram

The given Venn diagram example shows the interrelationship between various factors of market research. The different market research elements, including the data, solutions, promotional campaigns, consumer feedback, adaptation, and other things, have interconnection, and the sale of a product depends on them. The designer working on a business research Venn diagram can add separate other market research parameters based on their data.

Market Research Venn Diagram

Example 16: Animals and Plants

Venn diagram explains the complex relationship between two various elements. It allows the user to have a better understanding of the dynamics of the components of the diagram. The Venn diagram example shows how the two various elements like animals and plants exist, and they have some relation or standard features. Similarly, the user can include more aspects in the Venn diagram to show the relationship between two or more elements. They can modify the example as per their requirements.

Animals and Plants Venn Diagram

Example 17: Customer Satisfaction Venn Diagram

A customer satisfaction Venn diagram is an illustration that uses circles to show the relationships among things or finite groups of items. Customer satisfaction Venn diagram shows the relationship between customer requirement, product quality, and product price. As the customer satisfaction, Venn diagram suggests, customer requirement is advice taken to make better decisions; product quality is when a company aims to develop high-quality products with lower costs. Product price is reasonable price will generate repeat customers and bring long-term benefit—the area where all these three joins get complete customer satisfaction.

Customer Satisfaction Venn Diagram

Example 18: Realistic VS Historical Fictions

Here is a Venn diagram regarding compare and contrasting realistic and historical fiction. Venn diagrams depict complex and theoretical relationships and ideas for a better and easier understanding. These diagrams are also professionally utilized to display complex mathematical concepts by professors, classification in science, and develop sales strategies in the business industry.

Realistic VS Historical Fictions Venn Diagram

Example 19: Qualitative and Quantitative Methodology

Here is a Venn diagram about the qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative research methods usually involve first-hand observation, such as interviews or focus groups. Quantitative research methods such as surveys and questionnaires will equip researchers with knowledge of what the situation is.

Qualitative and Quantitative Methodology Venn Diagram

Example 20: Formative VS Summative Assessments

Here is a Venn diagram of formative vs. summative assessment. The purpose of formative assessment is to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback to staff and students. The goal of summative assessment is to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against some standard or benchmark.

Formative VS Summative Assessments Venn Diagram

Example 21: Coherence and Cohesion

Here is a Venn diagram compared to the coherence and cohesion in English grammar. As for their similarities, they are all giving information or ideas. But the differences are their understanding and the clearance of the message.

Coherence and Cohesion Venn Diagram

3. Online Venn Diagram Maker

Venn Diagrams are elementary to make, but various elements and representation methods make it sound not very easy. Various online tools can make it easy for a user to work on their diagram maker. They can use tools like EdrawMax Online for the best results. The tool comes with templates and symbols which allow the newbie user to work on a Venn diagram. They can also contact the resource center for guidance.

EdrawMax Online not just an online Venn diagram maker . Use EdrawMax online to create your Venn diagrams without efforts, just grab a template or choose one Venn diagram template from EdrawMax Template Gallery and keep customization as your preference.

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Why Choose EdrawMax Online

  • Create over 280 diagram types
  • Supports team collaboration
  • Personal cloud & data protection
  • Print, share and download
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4. Key Takeaways

Venn diagrams are instrumental pictorial representations of the connection between two or more elements. Various fields like logic, marketing use Venn diagrams to analyze their complex concepts. Individuals can also use a Venn diagram to sort their life goals. They can use online tools like EdrawMax Online to work on their Venn diagram. Also, there is Venn diagrm guide for you to make diagrams in minutes.

In conclusion, EdrawMax Online is a quick-start diagramming tool, which is easier to make Venn diagrams and any other visuals. Also, it contains substantial built-in templates that you can use for free, or share your Venn diagrams with others in our template community.

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How to Use and Create a Venn Diagram to Help Write Compare and Contrast Essays

  • R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen
  • Categories : Help with writing assignments paragraphs, essays, outlines & more
  • Tags : Homework help & study guides

How to Use and Create a Venn Diagram to Help Write Compare and Contrast Essays

Creating a Venn Diagram

When using a Venn diagram to write a compare and contrast essay, first draw two large circles. These two circles should overlap each other. Assign a title to each circle that represents each idea you are comparing. In the overlapping area, write all of the things that the two ideas, people, or objects have in common. These will be what you refer to when you are comparing these ideas in the essay. In the areas that are not overlapping, write all of the differences, or contrasts, between the two ideas, objects, or people.

Creating an Outline from Your Diagram

An example of the beginning of the outline for a compare and contrast essay should be similar to:

1. Both turtles and cats make good pets.

  • a. Both of these animals are entertaining.
  • b. Both animals are relatively easy to care for.
  • c. Both animals are inexpensive to adopt and to care for.

2. Both turtles and cats have drawbacks.

  • a. Both animals will need to have a cage (turtles) or a litter box (cats) that needs to be cleaned.
  • b. Both animals require attention and time.
  • c. Both animals can be costly in terms of veterinary care.

3. Cats can be easier to care for.

  • a. They can feed themselves as long as their food bowl remains filled.
  • b. Cats can be left alone for a day or two.

4. Turtles are less messy.

  • a. Turtles live in an aquarium.
  • b. Turtles do not need a litter box.

Writing the Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay will ultimately follow this basic format:

  • Introduction and Thesis Statement (one paragraph).
  • Topic One (at least one paragraph, can be more, discussing just one of the ideas, people, or objects being discussed in great detail).
  • Topic Two (will follow the same guidelines as topic one).
  • Topic One and Topic Two Together (analyze both topics together, can be one or more paragraphs).
  • Conclusion (sum up the compare and contrast essay, should generalize the thesis and should reaffirm the thesis).

The first paragraph of the essay will be an introductory paragraph. It will also include the essay’s thesis statement. The first paragraph should present the first comparison from the Venn diagram, the second paragraph should present the second comparison from the Venn diagram, and the third paragraph should present the third comparison from the Venn diagram. If there are more comparisons on the Venn diagram, more paragraphs can be added. The fourth paragraph should present the first contrast from the Venn diagram. The fifth paragraph should present the second contrast from the Venn diagram. The sixth paragraph should present the third contrast from the Venn diagram. Like the comparison, more contrast paragraphs can be added. The eighth paragraph should present the comparisons and contrasts together. The ninth paragraph should present the conclusion, generalization of the thesis, and reaffirmation of the thesis.

Tips and Tricks

The Venn diagram should ideally contain three comparisons and three contrasts. However, it must contain at least two comparisons and two contrasts. When drawing the Venn diagram, the circles should be very large, so that all information fits within them and within their overlap. Once all of the information is written within the Venn diagram, it is a good idea to make each circle a different color, as well as the overlap area. Using three colors to “separate” the information makes a Venn diagram easier to read.

What is a Venn diagram?

Venn Diagram in Miro

Table of Contents

Venn diagrams: a tutorial.

A Venn diagram is a type of graphic chart made of overlapping circles. Each circle represents a different concept or group of data, with the overlapping sections representing their shared qualities. This makes Venn diagrams an excellent tool for data comparison and measuring probability. By plotting out your thoughts on a Venn diagram, you can begin to see relationships and patterns emerge, which can then help you make decisions or better understand complex concepts. Creating a Venn diagram makes it easy to visualize how concepts overlap, compare, and contrast.

Types of Venn diagrams

A Venn diagram can be represented in a variety of ways. You may be most familiar with the 3 circle Venn diagram, but there are several types of Venn diagrams, each of which is used for a different reason.

2 circle Venn diagram

venn diagram essay examples

Two circles overlapping at the center.

Create a 2 circle Venn diagram with Miro's template.

3 circle Venn diagram

venn diagram essay examples

Three circles in a triad form, overlapping at the center form the 3 circle Venn diagram .

4 circle Venn diagram

venn diagram essay examples

Four circles in diamond form, overlapping at the center.

Create a 4-circle Venn diagram with Miro's template.

5 circle Venn diagram

venn diagram essay examples

Five circles overlapping at the center.

Miro has a fully customizable 5-circle Venn diagram template.

Edwards-Venn diagram

A fourth version of the Venn diagram was developed in the mid-1800s by a British biologist named Anthony Edwards. He called it the Edwards-Venn diagram, or EV diagram. Instead of having 2-4 circles, the EV diagram is inspired by the layout of a tennis ball. This Venn diagram type helps identify and classify overlapping characteristics between a much larger number of groups or concepts. While the traditional 2, 3, and 4 circle Venn diagrams are best used for smaller groups of datasets, the Edwards-Venn diagram is best suited for analyzing a subject from a wider variety of perspectives. However, all Venn diagram types serve the purpose of comparison and contrast.

Advantages of using a Venn diagram

The beauty of a Venn diagram lies in its simplicity but versatility. From marketing to mathematics, the Venn diagram is an asset. Here are some of the many benefits of using Venn diagrams with your team.

Useful for brainstorming

If your team is looking for a quick way to brainstorm ideas and get to the root of an issue, a Venn diagram may be just what you need. By using the circles to represent potential ideas, the overlapping areas can help highlight what works best and is most conducive to your strategy.

See the relationships between two items

When two circles inside a Venn diagram overlap, the overlapping portion shows the connection point between the two different groups. This can be extremely useful in identifying the relationships between various subjects and gaining a deeper understanding of shared benefits.

Compare choices

A compare and contrast Venn diagram is one of the most popular ones you will find in the workplace. This unique visual chart allows teams to draw tangible comparisons between vastly different datasets, allowing for more informed decision-making.

venn diagram essay examples

Visually organize and represent information

A visual chart is a great way to encourage an intuitive understanding of a diverse group of people. During a meeting or a conference, using a Venn diagram can help speakers communicate and organize their ideas in a naturally graspable way.

Solve difficult math problems

The Venn diagram has been used for thousands of years in mathematics and science. When applied through a mathematical lens, Venn diagrams can visually compare numbers and reach probability conclusions instead of simply comparing concepts or ideas.

When to use a Venn diagram

Many professions and environments rely on the Venn diagram as a source of clarity for measuring and dissecting relationships between items. You can find Venn diagrams in a wide variety of industries, including:

Part of what makes the Venn diagram so popular in so many different industries is the fact that it can be simplified to such a point that even a child can easily interpret its symbols. Education is a great place to use the Venn diagram because it introduces students to the concepts of probability and interconnectedness between multiple objects. It also helps lay a foundation for learning mathematics in high school.

Decision-making

Venn diagrams are a great tool for helping you make decisions. When you need to consider several factors that overlap to make a decision, creating a Venn diagram can help you analyze the different options available and which one will give you the best outcome. For example, you may have come up with a list of business ideas and are trying to decide which idea is the best to pursue. A Venn diagram can help you decide on the best option by identifying which hits that ‘sweet spot’ of being profitable, has demand, and is something you are passionate about.

Mathematics

In the field of mathematics, a Venn diagram can illustrate logical connections between numbers and determine probability outcomes. For example, a mathematician may use a Venn diagram to show the correlation between different groups of subsets or numbers. Because a Venn diagram can help you measure, compare, and connect data sets, it makes sense that this unique chart can be used to analyze numerical values.

When estimating or predicting a particular event’s outcome, you need tools to help visualize all the potentialities. For this reason, the Venn diagram has been instrumental in the field of statistics and probability.

There is something very straightforward and logical about the structure of a Venn diagram. Separating different concepts or items into equally positioned circles makes it easier to visualize and understand the relationships between a diverse group of ideas.

Computer science

In modern computer science, Venn diagrams are often used to help visualize relations between sets of data. They are helpful in understanding how different classes, sets, and objects relate to each other within any given computing system, and can be used to express similar elements between different languages of code to create more efficient systems.

Linguistics

Global linguistics is full of interconnected pathways and hierarchies. The Venn diagram is extremely useful to those studying the complex relationships between different languages and dialects. This diagram allows people to visualize these connections with ease.

You might most commonly find the Venn diagram in the corporate world. Business operations call for constant comparisons of data. This helps professionals set up business strategies and campaigns for future success.

venn diagram essay examples

Glossary and symbols of the Venn diagram

There are many symbols of a Venn diagram worth learning if you want to use this type of diagram to its full potential. The most notable ones include:

A collection of objects or elements. Each set is represented by a closed shape, most commonly a circle.

Where two shapes (representing individual ideas) interconnect. This is represented by the union symbol ∪. For example, A ∪ B denotes all elements that are in set A, or in B, or in both.

Intersection (∩)

The center point of a Venn diagram, where all the shapes intersect. The intersection is represented by the symbol ∩. In this example, A ∩ B includes all elements that are in both A and B.

Universal set (U)

A set that includes all the relevant information from your Venn diagram. The universal set is denoted as U or sometimes ξ.

Empty set (Ø)

A set that does not contain any elements.

Complement (')

A set comprised of the elements present in a universal set. The complement of a set A (denoted by A' or sometimes Ac) includes all elements that are not in A, but are in the universal set.

How to make a Venn diagram

There are lots of different ways to go about creating a Venn diagram. But the right template can help format and structure any compare or contrast analysis. Here’s how to draw a Venn diagram using Miro’s intuitive Venn Diagram Template :

venn diagram essay examples

First, write down all the objects, elements, and ideas you want to depict. This collection of data is your universal set.

Next, decide which type of Venn diagram is most suitable. For example, to find the similarities and differences between three sets, you should use a 3 circle Venn diagram.

Draw a circle for each data set. The template already has three circles for each set, and you can add and delete circles as necessary.

Add each element to your diagram depending on whether they have similarities or differences with the other sets. Elements with no similarities will go in one of the circles for each set: A, B, or C. If there is a similarity between an item from A and B, this item will go into the overlapping section of these two circles. This will be included in the union of your Venn diagram.

If the characteristic of an element is shared with A, B, and C, this element will go into the center of the diagram, where all the circles intersect. This will be the intersection of your diagram.

Once all your sets are added to your diagram, it’s time to personalize your Venn diagram with colors, labels, and notes. Share your Venn diagram with your team, and tag your team members to ask for their input and feedback.

Venn diagrams and set theory

We discussed earlier how Venn diagrams are useful in several fields. Let’s look at how Venn diagrams are used in a branch of mathematics called set theory. Set theory is a branch of mathematics that tackles an object’s shared and individual properties. The 2, 3, and 4 circle Venn diagram is used in this segment of mathematics. The process behind set theory marries well with the structure of a Venn diagram because they both deal with comparing multiple objects (or numbers) at once. For example, a Venn diagram could help illustrate a set theory equation to determine which properties are shared by a group of numbers. A “set” is a collection of objects, each object representing a single element of the whole. Let’s say we have a 2 circle Venn diagram. One circle is red, and the other is blue. These are our two objects. The center point where these two objects overlap is called the intersection. The space within that intersection now represents the quality that red and blue share: purple. This process can be applied to any objects and their relative overlapping similarities. From colors to numbers to sports, any objects can be compared through the lens of set theory and a Venn diagram.

Calculating probability with a Venn diagram

Another area where Venn diagrams are used extensively is to calculate probability. Venn diagram probability is a product of mathematics used to predict the outcome of a scenario. For example, you might use a 2 circle Venn diagram to calculate the probability of an event occurring. They would do this by inserting numbers rather than concepts or ideas into the circles. Let's use the example of a pack of playing cards to show how Venn diagrams are used to calculate the probability of different events. Excluding jokers, a pack of cards has 52 cards. The pack consists of four suits, with 13 types of cards in each suit. You want to know the probability of picking a Queen or a Heart. The rectangle represents all of the outcomes, which is all 52 cards. Since there are four Queens in a pack, the possibility of picking a Queen is 4/52. The probability of picking a Heart is 13/52. But one of those cards is both — a Queen and a Heart (the Queen of Hearts). The circles overlap to show that this card is in both sets. Visualizing the outcomes with a Venn diagram ensures you don’t double-count the Queen of Hearts. Based on the Venn diagram, you would use the following calculation: 4+13-1 = 16. The probability of picking a Queen or a Heart is 16/52. A calculation like this could help people determine the probability of a wide variety of events or situations, such as the success of a project, how many customers to expect, or the outcome of a marketing campaign. Probability forms a big part of how businesses track and measure success.

venn diagram essay examples

Using Venn diagrams to compare and contrast

One of the most popular uses for the Venn diagram is as a tool for brainstorming ideas by comparing and contrasting them against one another. A compare and contrast Venn diagram is easy to understand visually and can be broken down into simple structures for easy interpretation. For example, if you were writing a compare and contrast essay, you might use a Venn diagram to help elucidate the main differences between your chosen topics. To write a compelling compare and contrast essay, you need a profound understanding of your subjects' innate characteristics and differences. Start by drawing 2-4 overlapping circles representing your main topics or subjects of comparison. Then, fill up the overlapping spaces with characteristics that the intersecting subjects share. The outer, non-connected spaces can be filled with characteristics that are unique to the subject, thus representing the differences. The central intersection will represent what ties all of your subjects together. Before writing a compare and contrast essay, you might consider using a Venn diagram to help draw a clearer picture of how your topics are related to each other — and how they are not.

Venn diagrams vs Euler diagrams

Another type of diagram that looks very similar to a Venn diagram is the Euler diagram . Both Euler and Venn diagrams are based on set theory and consist of circles showing the relationships between a set. However, they are not the same. A Venn diagram shows all the possible relationships between different sets. This includes relationships that are hypothetically possible. Venn diagrams include all possible combinations of intersections between the elements. An Euler diagram only shows the intersection combinations or relationships that already exist. It includes circles that either include, exclude, or intersect.

venn diagram essay examples

A key tip for identifying whether a diagram is a Venn or Euler diagram is to see if there is an empty intersection. With Venn diagrams, you must depict each intersection between sets, even if the intersection is empty. But an Euler diagram only depicts intersections that are not empty. Euler diagrams tend to be more complicated than Venn diagrams. They are used to explain complex hierarchies, depict overlapping definitions, and determine whether a logical argument is valid.

Venn diagram example

Here’s a practical example of how to use a Venn diagram in the world of business. Let’s say you need to compare the roles or responsibilities of different teams within an organization for a more streamlined workflow. You want to depict the relationship between marketing teams and web development teams. Marketing teams handle data analytics, legal administration, consumer research, social media representation, and brand management. Web development teams handle UX and UI design, brand management, quality testing, SEO analysis, project management, consumer research, and data analytics. In this Venn diagram example, the intersection would include all the overlapping areas of responsibility — data analytics, brand management, and consumer research. These would be areas where marketing and web development teams can collaborate. Venn diagram examples can illustrate the relationships and differences between any objects or elements. In the workplace, a Venn diagram provides profound insights for brainstorming, strategy development, and comparing or contrasting arguments.

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Venn Diagram

Venn Diagram

About this Interactive

Related resources.

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles. Students identify and record concepts that can be placed in one of the circles or in the overlapping areas, allowing them to organize their information logically. Students may view and edit their draft diagrams, then print the finished diagrams for reference. In some cases, the Venn diagram tool has been customized to complement a specific lesson or activity.

  • Lesson Plans
  • Calendar Activities
  • Strategy Guides
  • Student Interactives

Students compare the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald with the song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," then create their own poetry about a historical event.

Students often find poetry frustrating and meaningless. By helping students think critically about the differences between poetry and prose, this introduction sets the stage for different strategies for comprehending poetic texts.

Students build their understanding of the terms compare and contrast by participating in class discussions, using Internet resources, working collaboratively, and by visually representing information in a Venn diagram.

Through a classroom game and resource handouts, students learn about the techniques used in persuasive oral arguments and apply them to independent persuasive writing activities.

Students research, evaluate, and synthesize information about the Harlem Renaissance from varied resources, create an exhibit, and highlight connections across disciplines (i.e., art, music, and poetry) using a Venn diagram.

Cinderella without castles, coaches, or ball gowns? Students use versions of Cinderella to explore how the setting of a story—time, place, and culture—affects the characters and plot.

A little understanding can go a long way. After learning about difficulties that Palestinian youths face, students will write a letter to an official discussing these issues.

Following the model of N. Scott Momaday's The Way To Rainy Mountain , students write three-voice narratives based on Kiowa folktales, an interview with an Elder, and personal connections to theme.

In this lesson, kindergarten students manipulate hula hoops and real objects, as they use Venn diagrams to problem solve, explore, and record information to share with others.

Students explore picture books to identify the characteristics of four types of conflict. They then write about a conflict they have experienced and compare it to a conflict from literature.

This lesson uses clips from The Matrix and other dystopian movies to introduce students to the characteristics found in dystopian works, such as Brave New World , Fahrenheit 451 , and 1984 .

After exploring The Odyssey and a contemporary epic, students choose paired characters from the texts, complete a graphic organizer, and place their characters in hypothetical contemporary situations.

Students compose a multigenre paper, modeled after the Delany sister's autobiography, Having Our Say , that includes the autobiographical narrative essay as well as an informational nonfiction piece.

Students will be introduced to persuasive techniques used in advertising, analyze advertising, and explore the concepts of demographics, marketing for a specific audience, and dynamic advertising.

This step-by-step literature response template for use with read-alouds asks students to use drawing and writing to respond to increasingly-complex prompts which address literary elements as well as personal connections.

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Brainstorming: venn diagram, structure of a compare and contrast essay.

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A compare and contrast essay focuses on the similarities and differences between two things. It is not simply a description of the two things, but an analysis of the two objects or ideas, which clearly lays out the ways the two are related and dissonant from one another.

A useful starting point for a compare and contrast essay is to brainstorm using a Venn diagram. A Venn diagram is a visual method, using overlapping shapes (usually circles) to show relationships between two or more things.  

Example of Venn Diagram on the topic of computer options for students. PCS: cheaper, more customizable, most CIT instructions assume students are using a PC, and windows as its interface. MACS: more expensive, better security (hackers tend to target systems that are more widely used.), course VCC 150 must use a Mac, MacOS as its interface. Properties of both: user friendly and allows students to attend class digitally.

Start by drawing two circles that partially overlap. Label each circle with one of the things you are comparing and contrasting. In each circle, list all the properties of that item. Do the same for the second item. Anything that applies to both things should be listed where the circles intersect. Use the Venn diagram process to compare and contrast any of the suggested essay topics listed here:

  • Online vs. in-person
  • Film vs. literature
  • Public vs. private transportation
  • Apple vs. android
  • Two vs. four-year colleges

Compare and contrast essays can be structured in three ways:

  • Aspect Model: In this model the writer discusses all the ways the two items or ideas are similar first. Then, the writer examines all the differences. This creates two separate sections within the essay.
  • Thesis: While Macs and PCs both offer reliable solutions for students to attend class digitally, PCs are the superior option for most students due to their lower price, modifiable nature, and readily assessable on campus support.
  • Itemized (Point-by-Point) Model: In this model the writer discusses a certain aspect of the two items, comparing and contrasting their similarities and differences. Then the writer moves to the next aspect. This model creates an essay that intermingles similarities and differences.
  • Thesis: While Macs and PCs both offer reliable solutions for students to attend class digitally, PCs are the superior option for most students due to their price, modifiable nature, and readily assessable on campus support.
  • PC modifiable nature
  • Mac modifiable nature
  • PC campus support
  • Mac campus support
  • Block Model: In this model the writer discusses all of one item first and then the second one.
  • Modifiable nature
  • Campus support
  • << Previous: Process Essay
  • Next: Cause and Effect Essay >>
  • Last Updated: Jan 23, 2024 2:52 PM
  • URL: https://jefferson.kctcs.libguides.com/Essay

Module 4: Writing in College

Compare and contrast, learning objectives.

  • Describe techniques for writing comparison essays

Compare & Contrast Essay

Venn diagram comparing Saint Bernards and Cockapoo dogs.

Figure 1 . Comparing and contrasting means looking for similarities and differences between two things, which you can see nicely in a Venn diagram.

Compare and contrast is a rhetorical style that discusses the similarities and differences of two or more things: ideas, concepts, items, places, etc. This rhetorical style is one that you’ll see often as a complete essay, but you may also use it quite a lot within paragraphs of any kind of essay in which you need to make some kind of comparison to help illustrate a point.

A compare and contrast essay does two things: It discusses the similarities and differences of at least two different things. First, you must find a basis of comparison to be sure that the two things have enough in common.

After that, you identify their differences. You may structure the compare and contrast essay using either the  alternating method  (stating one aspect of one thing and immediately discussing the same aspect of the other item and how they are similar or different) or the  block method  (discussing all of the aspects of one thing and then discussing all of the aspects of another).

Keep the following in mind when you write a comparison and contrast essay.

Basis of Comparison

In order for your essay to be a success, you need to have a basis of comparison about the things that you’re comparing.  Do the things have enough in common for it to make sense to write about them in a compare and contrast essay? For example, it would make sense to compare in-person and online courses because the two have enough in common to justify discussing the similarities and differences of the two types of courses.

Alternating Method

When you use the alternating method, you discuss one aspect of the first item and then immediately discuss the same aspect of the second item. You may discuss the amount of computer time required for an in-person course and an online course. You may state that while you need to work on the computer for both courses, you would need to spend twice as much time on the computer for the online course.

Block Method

When you use the block method, you discuss one subject and then discuss the next subject. Usually, you would write one paragraph discussing all aspects of the first subject and then write a second paragraph discussing all aspects of the second subject and so on.

For example, if you begin with a discussion of the online course, you might discuss the amount of computer time required, the costs, the typical student success rate, and the usual instructional pedagogy. Next, you would turn to your discussion of an in-person course and discuss each of those aspects for the in-person course.

With the block method, you do not go back and forth in your discussion. First, you focus on the first subject (the online course) and then you focus on the second subject (the face-to-face course).

Combination Method

Finally, when you combine the two, you’re writing a compare and contrast essay that follows the combination method. You may spend a couple of body paragraphs using the alternating method and then decide to switch to the block method for a deeper analysis of each of the subjects.

As you can imagine, no one approach always works best, depending on the subjects, which is probably why the combination method evolved. In any case, each of these methods is not meant as a formula; use these approaches to guide you as you master this style of writing.

Example Essay

Click here to see a traditional or typical sample compare and contrast essay from a beginning writing class. In this assignment, the student was asked to write an essay comparing and contrasting two items or concepts and to follow MLA guidelines in the essay.

  • Modification, adaptation, and original content. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
  • Compare and Contrast Essay. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/rhetorical-styles/compare-and-contrast-essay/ . License : CC BY: Attribution

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10 Excellent Venn Diagram Examples for Every Occasion

venn diagram example

Life is filled with decisions. Will it be toast or cereal for breakfast? Will you go to college or immediately look for a job? Will you market your product to this niche or that one? Will you follow this philosophy or that religion?

While Venn diagrams won’t make these decisions for you, they can make it easier for you to make them. They give you the ability to compare and contrast two or more things. This allows you to understand your decision more holistically. And that gives you the power to make a better-informed decision.

If it’s been a while since you were in high school, you may have forgotten all about Venn diagrams. Many people do. That’s unfortunate since they’re useful for far more than comparing literary themes or species of animals.

So, before we get into these practical, real-world Venn diagram examples, let’s take a quick refresher on the subject.

What is a Venn diagram?

Originally conceived by the logician John Venn, these graphic organizers show the logical relationship between two or more items. He used them to teach basic set theory. However, he didn’t name them after himself. These graphic organizers became known as Venn diagrams when Clarence Irving coined the term in his book, A Survey of Symbolic Logic .

However, that’s only one of their benefits. They’re also a fun way to think outside the box and explore the similarities, differences, and overlaps between topics. 

A Venn diagram typically consists of two or more overlapping circles, illustrating how two ideas might be compared or contrasted. They offer a diagrammatic and mechanical representation of these concepts that’s easy to understand. The great part about it is that circle Venn diagrams are incredibly simple to construct. All you need is a pencil and some paper to draw a Venn diagram. But if you want to make the most of creating a Venn diagram, using diagram software is even better. From math and science to business and creative fields, Venn diagrams can be used in all sorts of exciting ways. They can be used for everything from analyzing population-level data sets to identifying shared attributes between two objects. A Venn diagram can even be used by artists as a brainstorming tool to generate new ideas. These versatile diagrams may just be the answer you need. Whether you’re a student studying or an entrepreneur who needs new ways to address a problem, Venn diagrams can help.

What About Euler Diagrams?

Most people are familiar with Venn diagrams. Fewer have heard about Euler diagrams or their inventor, the Swiss mathematician Leonard Euler. Euler diagrams are similar to Venn diagrams in many ways, including their overlapping circles. Though they do differ in one main way. Venn diagrams show the relationships between a collection of sets comprehensively. Euler diagrams, on the other hand, only show the relationships that actually exist in the world.

Because of their similarities, these two kinds of diagramming tools can be used in many of the same scenarios. But it is important to be aware of their differences.

Now, we’ve got a handle on what the terms Venn diagram and Euler diagram are. So, it’s time to examine some real world applications.

Venn diagram examples and use cases

Now let’s see 10 specific circumstances when you can use Venn diagrams:

1. Use a Venn Diagram to Fine-Tune Your Hiring Process

Venn diagram example for hiring process

Venn diagrams can make the process of hiring new employees more efficient and streamlined. 

You can use a Venn diagram to help figure out which applicants are most qualified for the job. How? By quickly sorting through their resumes and highlighting the skills or experiences that meet your requirements.

For example, you may have one circle labeled ‘training.’ Another can be ‘experience.’ Still another may be ‘culture’ or something similar. Once you’ve set your diagram up, you can place each of your applicants where they fit in the mix.

2. Use a Venn Diagram for Computer Science

2. Venn diagram example for Computer Science

Venn diagrams can also be used in computer science and business . They are particularly useful when it comes to sorting through complex algorithms or working through logical relationships. And those kinds of problems come up all the time within the information systems space.

You can use the diagram to illustrate different concepts or formulas and quickly identify areas of overlap or patterns. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the data and problem-solve more effectively.

3. Use a Venn Diagram to Compare Political Platforms

Venn diagram example to Compare Political Platforms

Venn diagrams are incredibly useful when it comes to comparing political platforms. 

You can use the diagram to outline the key points of each party’s platform. And you can identify areas of agreement or disagreement between them. This can be incredibly helpful when it comes to making informed decisions on Election Day. Plus, it’s a great way to get people talking about politics in a constructive manner!

4. Use a Venn Diagram to Brainstorm Ideas for Your Next Project

4. Venn diagram example to Brainstorm Ideas for Your Next Project

Venn diagrams can help you brainstorm and generate ideas for your next project or product.

When you’re feeling stuck and don’t know where to start, a Venn diagram can help. They’re a useful way of quickly sorting through different ideas and understanding how they relate to each other. This can be especially helpful when working on a collaborative project with multiple stakeholders. After all, they ensure everyone is on the same page.

5. Use a Venn Diagram to Compare Different Philosophies

Venn diagram example to Compare Different Philosophies

Creating Venn diagrams can show how different philosophies compare and aid in understanding how they relate to each other. 

You can compare two different schools of thought. Or map out the differences between various religious views. Venn diagrams are an invaluable tool for sorting through complex topics and gaining insight into different beliefs and practices.

6. Use a Venn Diagram to Analyze Marketing Channels

Venn diagrams can be used to analyze different marketing channels and identify which ones are most effective. 

You can use the diagram to break down the various components of a successful marketing campaign. You can create a Venn diagram, noting the effectiveness of website visits, email campaigns, and social media posts. This will help you quickly determine which of these channels yields the best results. So you can focus your efforts for maximum impact.

7. Use a Venn Diagram to Visualize Your Company’s Departments

Creating Venn diagrams can be used to visualize your company’s departments and quickly identify areas of overlap or duplication. This can help you streamline operations and make sure that everyone is working together in an efficient manner.

Plus, it can also be helpful when creating department budgets. After all, it allows you to easily see where money is being spent. Using a Venn diagram can be an invaluable tool for creating an effective organizational structure.

8. Use a Venn Diagram to Focus Your Target Market

Venn diagrams can also be used to focus your target market by identifying areas of overlap between different demographics and interests. This can help you home in on specific customer segments and tailor your marketing campaigns accordingly. 

You’ll be able to quickly identify the types of people that are likely to respond best to your message. Then, you can adapt your strategy accordingly. This can be a great way to boost your sales and maximize resources!

9. Use a Venn Diagram to Analyze All Kinds of Data

Venn diagrams are also incredibly useful when it comes to analyzing data sets. You can use the diagram to compare different sets of information and quickly identify areas of overlap or differences between them. This can be a great way to spot trends or correlations and gain better insights into the data. And because it’s so visual, it can also be helpful when presenting these findings. 

10. Use a Venn Diagram to Understand Literature

Venn diagrams are also helpful when it comes to understanding literature or other pieces of written text. The right Venn diagram shows the various themes, characters, and storylines of a work of literature. This will give you a better understanding of the work as a whole. 

That’s why it’s a great tool for literary analysis. It’s particularly powerful when trying to spot links between multiple works or draw connections between different pieces of writing. 

A few closing thoughts

Venn diagrams are a powerful tool for making sense of complex topics, teaching set theory, and visualizing ideas. They can help you if you’re a teacher, a writer , or a scientist. They allow you to quickly break down information into digestible chunks so that it can be better understood. And they provide a visual mechanical representation of propositions. 

So, whether you’re trying to analyze marketing channels or understand literature, why not draw a Venn diagram? 

While you can use a pen and paper, diagram software like Mindomo is even better. It will give you the ability to edit your diagrams in myriads of ways. You can change colors, add backgrounds, attach files, and more. Then, you can use this diagramming tool to share your Venn diagram with others and even collaborate.

Keep it smart, simple, and creative! The Mindomo Team

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Compare and Contrast Essay

Writing – compare and contrast essay.

Writing an effective essay can sometimes be a very draining process. If it is a compare and contrast essay , it can be an even tougher task to write an intriguing one where two seemingly different topics have to be pit against each other as opposed to concentrating on one single topic in a persuasive essay.

Compare and contrast essays share many similarities with other types of essays, but they also differ in many ways—and that is the heart of comparing and contrasting! By observing the similarities and differences, the reader gains a better understanding of each subject by using the other as a frame of reference.

In contrast to persuasive or argumentative essays , compare-and-contrast essays deal with multiple topics at once rather than focusing on just one. The disadvantage is that they do not describe individual subjects as thoroughly as single-topic essays do. The compare and contrast essay can also act as an exercise in demonstrating how well you understand both subjects.

Let us learn how to write a compare-and-contrast essay.

Compare and Contrast:

It is a common practice to write compare-and-contrast essays.

parallel

Imagine you have decided to buy a new cell phone. There are quite a few of them in the market that you have liked. But you are in a dilemma over which one to finalize. One phone may have certain features the other one doesn’t and vice-versa.

When such a situation arises, comparing and contrasting the two things could prove to be a really handy option.

When we compare two things, we list down or describe the similarities they share in common.

In an opposite way, while contrasting, we write down the differences between the two entities.

Therefore, a compare and contrast essay is one where we write the similarities and differences between two things. They can be an inanimate object, an abstract idea, or any living being like animals, human beings, etc.

Some important points to keep in mind while writing a compare and contrast essay are:

  • Our points should be explained with as many details to support the point we intend to make so that they stand out.
  • The contrasting points should be based on the same criteria, like;
  • iPhones have top quality cameras and Samsung produces phones with camera quality that is slightly inferior to that of iPhones.
  • Here, the camera feature is the criteria based on which the phones are contrasted.
  • To maintain a flow in the essays, we can use linking words like similarly, in common, like, as well as, to compare, and on the other hand, however, although, even though, etc. to contrast.

While outlining the different ideas that should be incorporated into the essay, you might find yourself at a roadblock as to which points should be included. In such situations, use a Venn Diagram which is a visual aid that will assist you in determining which characteristics your subjects share and which are unique to them.

Venn Diagrams:

A Venn diagram is an effective tool for brainstorming and comparing two or more objects, events, or people. It can be used as a starting point for developing an outline for a compare and contrast essay.

A Venn diagram is made up of two overlapping circles. Each circle represents an idea/object each that is to be compared. The similarities both the objects share should be written in the overlapping portion. The points here can be used to compare similar characteristics in the essay.

And the portion that doesn’t overlap should be used to accommodate the differences between the objects. The points here can be used to contrast the differences in the essay.

The Harry Potter series features a number of well-known characters. Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy are probably two of the most well-etched-out ones. While it may appear that these two boys are diametrically opposed, they actually share several similarities as well as differences. Observe how the following Venn Diagram acts as the outline for the compare and contrast essay that is to follow about these well-known characters by comparing them point by point.

Venn Diagram

Now, using these points, let’s see how the compare and contrast essay on the topic Harry Potter vs. Draco Malfoy looks.

Harry Potter vs. Draco Malfoy

Can a hero and a villain ever be the same person? Surprisingly, it appears that the answer to that question is no. Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter have more in common than you might think. Comparing and contrasting these two distinct characters based on their fates, families, and friends reveal that Harry and Draco might prove to you how the line between hero and villain can blur owing to the circumstances.

You have no control over your destiny. The truth of these words drives the paths of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy’s lives. However, how each boy’s fate unfolds is what distinguishes one as a hero and the other as a villain. Harry Potter was born to be the “Chosen One.” He did not choose this fate, but it was thrust upon him as a child. His life course is largely dictated by the events played out for his family. Draco Malfoy, on the other hand, has family expectations of supporting the death eaters due to his father’s affiliation. Failure to follow Voldemort could result in his as well as his family’s death.

While fate is inevitable, it is their families who cement their fate. True, both boys had parents who adored them. However, the fact that Harry’s parents died when he was a child and that he was raised by the Dursleys prepared him for the difficulties that lay ahead. He had developed a thick skin as a result of years of ridicule and emotional abuse. So, when it came to what was right and wrong, he was willing to stand up and fight for what was right. This was not the case with Draco. Draco, who had been coddled by his mother Narcissa, lacked the courage to stand up to his family or Voldemort. He just accepted his fate.

Their friends were another factor that influenced their characters. Both boys had a tight-knit group of friends on whom they could rely. The thugs, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle were Draco’s friends. Their friendship, however, was more of a leader-subordinate relationship. Harry, on the other hand, was close to Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. Throughout the series, their friendship grew to be as close as a family. They were also crucial in Harry’s victory over Voldemort.

When comparing and contrasting Draco and Harry, it’s clear that the boys aren’t as dissimilar as they appear. Their fates could have been altered had their families or friends been different. So, the question becomes, are heroes and villains defined by good and evil?

Compare and Contrast Essay

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Venn Diagram

Easily compare similarities and differences in ideas with venn diagrams, what is a venn diagram, how to draw a venn diagram, venn diagram examples, with smartdraw, you can create more than 70 types of diagrams, charts, and visuals.

A Venn diagram is a visual depiction of the similarities and differences between two or more different items. It consists of a series of shapes - usually circles - whose edges overlap. While it's not required that you use a circle, it's probably the most convenient shape because several circles can overlap easily.

Each shape represents some group or entity. Characteristics the two entities have in common are found where the shapes overlap. Items unique to only one entity are written in the non-overlapping part of their respective shapes.

If all the features of one entity are among additional features of another entity, the entire shape of the first entity is contained within that of the second.

Venn diagrams are useful in any situation requiring a direct comparison of two or more categories or concepts. Their function varies from an informative poster to a decision-making tool.

Venn diagram example

How to Make a Venn Diagram

  • The first step to creating a Venn diagram is deciding what to compare. Place a descriptive title at the top of the page.
  • Create the diagram. Make a circle for each of the subjects. Every circle should overlap with at least one other circle.
  • Label each circle. Near or inside of each circle place the name of the topic or item which the circle represents. Avoid writing the titles inside neighboring circles in order to maintain clarity. It may be useful to distinguish the titles from other text by placing them in a box or altering their font or color.
  • Enter the differences. Inside each circle place characteristics that are unique to that specific item or idea, and are not true of any of the other topics.
  • Enter the similarities. If two or more subjects have a feature in common, place that feature in the section in which all such shapes overlap.

Click on any of these Venn diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them:

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Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram is used to visually represent the differences and the similarities between two concepts. Venn diagrams are also called logic or set diagrams and are widely used in set theory, logic, mathematics, businesses, teaching, computer science, and statistics.

Let's learn about Venn diagrams, their definition, symbols, and types with solved examples.

What is a Venn Diagram?

A Venn diagram is a diagram that helps us visualize the logical relationship between sets and their elements and helps us solve examples based on these sets. A Venn diagram typically uses intersecting and non-intersecting circles (although other closed figures like squares may be used) to denote the relationship between sets.

Venn diagram definition

Venn Diagram Example

Let us observe a Venn diagram example. Here is the Venn diagram that shows the correlation between the following set of numbers.

  • One set contains even numbers from 1 to 25 and the other set contains the numbers in the 5x table from 1 to 25.
  • The intersecting part shows that 10 and 20 are both even numbers and also multiples of 5 between 1 to 25.

Venn diagram example

Terms Related to Venn Diagram

Let us understand the following terms and concepts related to Venn Diagram, to understand it better.

Universal Set

Whenever we use a set, it is easier to first consider a larger set called a universal set that contains all of the elements in all of the sets that are being considered. Whenever we draw a Venn diagram:

  • A large rectangle is used to represent the universal set and it is usually denoted by the symbol E or sometimes U.
  • All the other sets are represented by circles or closed figures within this larger rectangle .
  • Every set is the subset of the universal set U.

Universal Set example

Consider the above-given image:

  • U is the universal set with all the numbers 1-10, enclosed within the rectangle.
  • A is the set of even numbers 1-10, which is the subset of the universal set U and it is placed inside the rectangle.
  • All the numbers between 1-10, that are not even, will be placed outside the circle and within the rectangle as shown above.

Venn diagrams are used to show subsets. A subset is actually a set that is contained within another set. Let us consider the examples of two sets A and B in the below-given figure. Here, A is a subset of B. Circle A is contained entirely within circle B. Also, all the elements of A are elements of set B.

Venn diagram to represent subsets and supersets

This relationship is symbolically represented as A ⊆ B. It is read as A is a subset of B or A subset B. Every set is a subset of itself. i.e. A ⊆ A. Here is another example of subsets :

  • N = set of natural numbers
  • I = set of integers
  • Here N ⊂ I, because all-natural numbers are integers .

Venn Diagram Symbols

There are more than 30 Venn diagram symbols. We will learn about the three most commonly used symbols in this section. They are listed below as:

Let us understand the concept and the usage of the three basic Venn diagram symbols using the image given below.

Venn diagram example

Venn Diagram for Sets Operations

In set theory, we can perform certain operations on given sets. These operations are as follows,

  • Union of Set
  • Intersection of set
  • Complement of set
  • Difference of set

Union of Sets Venn Diagram

The union of two sets A and B can be given by: A ∪ B = {x | x ∈ A or x ∈ B}. This operation on the elements of set A and B can be represented using a Venn diagram with two circles. The total region of both the circles combined denotes the union of sets A and B.

Intersection of Set Venn Diagram

The intersection of sets, A and B is given by: A ∩ B = {x : x ∈ A and x ∈ B}. This operation on set A and B can be represented using a Venn diagram with two intersecting circles. The region common to both the circles denotes the intersection of set A and Set B.

Complement of Set Venn Diagram

The complement of any set A can be given as A'. This represents elements that are not present in set A and can be represented using a Venn diagram with a circle. The region covered in the universal set, excluding the region covered by set A, gives the complement of A.

Difference of Set Venn Diagram

The difference of sets can be given as, A - B. It is also referred to as a ‘relative complement’. This operation on sets can be represented using a Venn diagram with two circles. The region covered by set A, excluding the region that is common to set B, gives the difference of sets A and B.

We can observe the above-explained operations on sets using the figures given below,

sets operations and venn diagrams

Venn Diagram for Three Sets

Three sets Venn diagram is made up of three overlapping circles and these three circles show how the elements of the three sets are related. When a Venn diagram is made of three sets, it is also called a 3-circle Venn diagram. In a Venn diagram, when all these three circles overlap, the overlapping parts contain elements that are either common to any two circles or they are common to all the three circles. Let us consider the below given example:

Venn diagram for three sets

Here are some important observations from the above image:

  • Elements in P and Q = elements in P and Q only plus elements in P, Q, and R.
  • Elements in Q and R = elements in Q and R only plus elements in P, Q, and R.
  • Elements in P and R = elements in P and R only plus elements in P, Q, and R.

How to Draw a Venn Diagram?

Venn diagrams can be drawn with unlimited circles. Since more than three becomes very complicated, we will usually consider only two or three circles in a Venn diagram. Here are the 4 easy steps to draw a Venn diagram:

  • Step 1: Categorize all the items into sets.
  • Step 2: Draw a rectangle and label it as per the correlation between the sets.
  • Step 3: Draw the circles according to the number of categories you have.
  • Step 4: Place all the items in the relevant circles.

Example: Let us draw a Venn diagram to show categories of outdoor and indoor for the following pets: Parrots, Hamsters, Cats, Rabbits, Fish, Goats, Tortoises, Horses.

  • Step 1: Categorize all the items into sets (Here, its pets): Indoor pets: Cats, Hamsters, and, Parrots. Outdoor pets: Horses, Tortoises, and Goats. Both categories (outdoor and indoor): Rabbits and Fish.
  • Step 2: Draw a rectangle and label it as per the correlation between the two sets. Here, let's label the rectangle as Pets.
  • Step 3: Draw the circles according to the number of categories you have. There are two categories in the sample question: outdoor pets and indoor pets. So, let us draw two circles and make sure the circles overlap.

Venn diagram example 1

  • Step 4: Place all the pets in the relevant circles. If there are certain pets that fit both the categories, then place them at the intersection of sets , where the circles overlap. Rabbits and fish can be kept as indoor and outdoor pets, and hence they are placed at the intersection of both circles.

Venn diagram example 2

  • Step 5: If there is a pet that doesn't fit either the indoor or outdoor sets, then place it within the rectangle but outside the circles.

Venn Diagram Formula

For any two given sets A and B, the Venn diagram formula is used to find one of the following: the number of elements of A, B, A U B, or A ⋂ B when the other 3 are given. The formula says:

n(A U B) = n(A) + n(B) – n (A ⋂ B)

Here, n(A) and n(B) represent the number of elements in A and B respectively. n(A U B) and n(A ⋂ B) represent the number of elements in A U B and A ⋂ B respectively. This formula is further extended to 3 sets as well and it says:

  • n (A U B U C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A ⋂ B) - n(B ⋂ C) - n(C ⋂ A) + n(A ⋂ B ⋂ C)

Here is an example of Venn diagram formula.

Example:  In a cricket school, 12 players like bowling, 15 like batting, and 5 like both. Then how many players like either bowling or batting.

Let A and B be the sets of players who like bowling and batting respectively. Then

n(A ⋂ B) = 5

We have to find n(A U B). Using the Venn diagram formula,

n(A U B) = 12 + 15 - 5 = 22.

Applications of Venn Diagram

There are several advantages to using Venn diagrams. Venn diagram is used to illustrate concepts and groups in many fields, including statistics, linguistics, logic, education, computer science, and business.

  • We can visually organize information to see the relationship between sets of items, such as commonalities and differences, and to depict the relations for visual communication.
  • We can compare two or more subjects and clearly see what they have in common versus what makes them different. This might be done for selecting an important product or service to buy.
  • Mathematicians also use Venn diagrams in math to solve complex equations.
  • We can use Venn diagrams to compare data sets and to find correlations .
  • Venn diagrams can be used to reason through the logic behind statements or equations .

☛ Related Articles:

Check out the following pages related to Venn diagrams:

  • Operations on Sets
  • Roster Notation
  • Set Builder Notation
  • Probability

Important Notes on Venn Diagrams:

Here is a list of a few points that should be remembered while studying Venn diagrams:

  • Every set is a subset of itself i.e., A ⊆ A.
  • A universal set accommodates all the sets under consideration.
  • If A ⊆ B and B ⊆ A, then A = B
  • The complement of a complement is the given set itself.

Examples of Venn Diagram

Example 1: Let us take an example of a set with various types of fruits, A = {guava, orange, mango, custard apple, papaya, watermelon, cherry}. Represent these subsets using sets notation: a) Fruit with one seed b) Fruit with more than one seed

Solution: Among the various types of fruit, only mango and cherry have one seed.

Answer:    a) Fruit with one seed = {mango, cherry}  b) Fruit with more than one seed = {guava, orange, custard apple, papaya, watermelon}

Note:  If we represent these two sets on a Venn diagram, the intersection portion is empty.

Example 2: Let us take an example of two sets A and B, where A = {3, 7, 9} and B = {4, 8}. These two sets are subsets of the universal set U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}. Find A ∪ B.

Solution: The Venn diagram for the above relations can be drawn as:

Venn Diagram solved examples

Answer:  A ∪ B means, all the elements that belong to either set A or set B or both the sets = {3, 4, 7, 8, 9}

Example 3: Using Venn diagram, find X ∩ Y, given that X = {1, 3, 5}, Y = {2, 4, 6}.

Given: X = {1, 3, 5}, Y = {2, 4, 6}

The Venn diagram for the above example can be given as,

venn diagram example

Answer:  From the blue shaded portion of Venn diagram, we observe that, X ∩ Y = ∅ ( null set ).

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Venn Diagram Practice Questions

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FAQs on Venn Diagrams

What is a venn diagram in math.

In math, a Venn diagram is used to visualize the logical relationship between sets and their elements and helps us solve examples based on these sets.

How do You Read a Venn Diagram?

These are steps to be followed while reading a Venn diagram:

  • First, observe all the circles that are present in the entire diagram.
  • Every element present in a circle is its own item or data set.
  • The intersecting or the overlapping portions of the circles contain the items that are common to the different circles.
  • The parts that do not overlap or intersect show the elements that are unique to the different circle.

What is the Importance of Venn Diagram?

Venn diagrams are used in different fields including business, statistics, linguistics, etc. Venn diagrams can be used to visually organize information to see the relationship between sets of items, such as commonalities and differences, and to depict the relations for visual communication.

What is the Middle of a Venn Diagram Called?

When two or more sets intersect, overlap in the middle of a Venn diagram, it is called the intersection of a Venn diagram. This intersection contains all the elements that are common to all the different sets that overlap.

How to Represent a Universal Set Using Venn Diagram?

A large rectangle is used to represent the universal set and it is usually denoted by the symbol E or sometimes U. All the other sets are represented by circles or closed figures within this larger rectangle that represents the universal set.

What are the Different Types of Venn Diagrams?

The different types of Venn diagrams are:

  • Two-set Venn diagram: The simplest of the Venn diagrams, that is made up of two circles or ovals of different sets to show their overlapping properties.
  • Three-set Venn diagram: These are also called the three-circle Venn diagram, as they are made using three circles.
  • Four-set Venn diagram: These are made out of four overlapping circles or ovals.
  • Five-set Venn diagram: These comprise of five circles, ovals, or curves. In order to make a five-set Venn diagram, you can also pair a three-set diagram with repeating curves or circles.

What are the Different Fields of Applications of Venn Diagrams?

There are different cases of applications of Venn diagrams: Set theory, logic, mathematics, businesses, teaching, computer science, and statistics.

Can a Venn Diagram Have 2 Non Intersecting Circles?

Yes, a Venn digram can have two non intersecting circles where there is no data that is common to the categories belonging to both circles.

What is the Formula of Venn Diagram?

The formula that is very helpful to find the unknown information about a Venn diagram is n(A U B) = n(A) + n(B) – n (A ⋂ B), where

  • A and B are two sets.
  • n(A U B) is the number of elements in A U B.
  • n (A ⋂ B) is the number of elements in A ⋂ B.

Can a Venn Diagram Have 3 Circles?

Yes, a Venn diagram can have 3 circles , and it's called a three-set Venn diagram to show the overlapping properties of the three circles.

What is Union in the Venn Diagram?

A union is one of the basic symbols used in the Venn diagram to show the relationship between the sets. A union of two sets C and D can be shown as C ∪ D, and read as C union D. It means, the elements belong to either set C or set D or both the sets.

What is A ∩ B Venn Diagram?

A ∩ B (which means A intersection B) in the Venn diagram represents the portion that is common to both the circles related to A and B.  A ∩ B can be a null set as well and in this case, the two circles will either be non-intersecting or can be represented with intersecting circles having no data in the intersection portion.

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Essays on Venn Diagram

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  1. Using a Venn Diagram for a Compare and Contrast Essay

    Venn Diagrams to Plan Essays and More. By. Grace Fleming. Updated on June 14, 2018. A Venn diagram is a great tool for brainstorming and creating a comparison between two or more objects, events, or people. You can use this as a first step to creating an outline for a compare and contrast essay .

  2. 5 Compare and Contrast Essay Examples (Full Text)

    Here they are explained below: 1. Essay Planning. First, I recommend using my compare and contrast worksheet, which acts like a Venn Diagram, walking you through the steps of comparing the similarities and differences of the concepts or items you're comparing.

  3. Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

    Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples. Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023. Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing. It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

  4. Comparing and Contrasting

    Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you're considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common.

  5. How to Use and Create a Venn Diagram

    Examples. Variations. A Venn diagram is a visual tool used to compare and contrast two or more objects, events, people, or concepts. It is often used in language arts and math classes to organize differences and similarities. This simple graphic makes it easy for students to understand how two things are both different and alike at the same time.

  6. 20 + Free Editable Venn Diagram Examples

    The Venn Diagram Examples. There are various sorts of Venn diagrams, and the user can plan their Venn diagrams based on the elements they need to work on for their project. Here are some Venn diagram examples that the users can refer to while designing their own. Example 1: Three Circle Venn Diagram.

  7. How to Use and Create a Venn Diagram to Help Write Compare and Contrast

    I will discuss what a Venn diagram is, its function, its purpose, how it can be used to create an outline, and how a Venn diagram can help when writing compare and contrast essays. I will also discuss how to create a Venn diagram.

  8. What is a Venn Diagram?

    For example, if you were writing a compare and contrast essay, you might use a Venn diagram to help elucidate the main differences between your chosen topics. To write a compelling compare and contrast essay, you need a profound understanding of your subjects' innate characteristics and differences.

  9. Venn Diagram

    This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles. Students identify and record concepts that can be placed in one of the circles or in the overlapping areas, allowing them to organize their information logically.

  10. Compare and Contrast Essay

    A useful starting point for a compare and contrast essay is to brainstorm using a Venn diagram. A Venn diagram is a visual method, using overlapping shapes (usually circles) to show relationships between two or more things. Example: Start by drawing two circles that partially overlap.

  11. Compare and Contrast

    Comparing and contrasting means looking for similarities and differences between two things, which you can see nicely in a Venn diagram. Compare and contrast is a rhetorical style that discusses the similarities and differences of two or more things: ideas, concepts, items, places, etc.

  12. 10 Venn Diagram Examples + Customizable Templates

    So, before we get into these practical, real-world Venn diagram examples, let's take a quick refresher on the subject. What is a Venn diagram? Originally conceived by the logician John Venn, these graphic organizers show the logical relationship between two or more items.

  13. Compare and Contrast Essay

    Venn Diagrams: A Venn diagram is an effective tool for brainstorming and comparing two or more objects, events, or people. It can be used as a starting point for developing an outline for a compare and contrast essay. A Venn diagram is made up of two overlapping circles.

  14. Venn Diagram

    Venn Diagram Examples. Click on any of these Venn diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them: Management Cycle Venn Diagram 01 New Product. Browse SmartDraw's entire collection of venn diagram examples and templates. ®. Try SmartDraw's Venn Diagram Software Free. Discover why SmartDraw is the best venn diagram software today.

  15. Venn Diagrams: Uses, Examples, and Making

    Three-Circle Venn Diagram Example. Venn diagrams don't need to apply to physical characteristics. The three-circle Venn diagram below shows how a company divides the roles between three areas of their company. Proportional Venn Diagram Example. Let's move on to a more complex Venn diagram with three circles.

  16. Venn Diagram

    A Venn diagram is a diagram that helps us visualize the logical relationship between sets and their elements and helps us solve examples based on these sets. Learn more about the Venn diagram along with more examples.

  17. Venn Diagram Paper

    Venn Diagram Paper - Free Essay Sample. The Significance of Venn Diagrams in Education. Categories: Interpersonal relationship Learning Literacy Math Psychologist. Download. Essay, Pages 3 (704 words) Views. 1145. Introduction.

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  19. Venn Diagram

    Reviewed by Dheeraj Vaidya, CFA, FRM. What Is a Venn Diagram? A Venn Diagram is a type of pictorial representation of various data sets that are related to each other other and is an integral part of the set theory.

  20. Describe a Venn Diagram

    30-05-2014 - A Venn diagram, sometimes referred to as a set diagram, is a diagram that graphically displays all the possible relationships between a finite number of sets. At their simplest, Venn diagrams are made up of overlapping circles. The interior of each circle represents a set of objects, or objects that have something in …

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