compare and contrast essay planning sheet

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4.1: Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay

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The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. Comparison and contrast is simply telling how two things are alike or different. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both. The thesis should focus on comparing, contrasting, or both.

Key Elements of the Compare and Contrast:

A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.
Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.

Objectives: By the end of this unit, you will be able to

Identify compare & contrast relationships in model essays
Construct clearly formulated thesis statements that show compare & contrast relationships
Use pre-writing techniques to brainstorm and organize ideas showing a comparison and/or contrast
Construct an outline for a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
Write a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
Use a variety of vocabulary and language structures that express compare & contrast essay relationships

Example Thesis: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Graphic Showing Organization for Comparison Contrast Essay

Sample Paragraph:

Organic grown tomatoes purchased at the farmers’ market are very different from tomatoes that are grown conventionally. To begin with, although tomatoes from both sources will mostly be red, the tomatoes at the farmers’ market are a brighter red than those at a grocery store. That doesn’t mean they are shinier—in fact, grocery store tomatoes are often shinier since they have been waxed. You are likely to see great size variation in tomatoes at the farmers’ market, with tomatoes ranging from only a couple of inches across to eight inches across. By contrast, the tomatoes in a grocery store will be fairly uniform in size. All the visual differences are interesting, but the most important difference is the taste. The farmers’ market tomatoes will be bursting with flavor from ripening on the vine in their own time. However, the grocery store tomatoes are often close to being flavorless. In conclusion, the differences in organic and conventionally grown tomatoes are obvious in color, size and taste.

Compare & Contrast Map

About this Interactive

Related resources.

This interactive graphic organizer helps students develop an outline for one of three types of comparison essays: whole-to-whole, similarities-to-differences, or point-to-point. A link in the introduction to the Comparison and Contrast Guide give students the chance to get definitions and look at examples before they begin working. The tool offers multiple ways to navigate information including a graphic on the right that allows students to move around the map without having to work in a linear fashion. The finished map can be saved, e-mailed, or printed.

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The Essay Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to organize and outline their ideas for an informational, definitional, or descriptive essay.

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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.

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Explore Resources by Grade

Kindergarten K

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:

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)

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

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)

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)

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:

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:

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?

compare and contrast essay pack promotional image

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

III. Comparison/Contrast

Unit three: comparison/contrast.

Feel Free to print out this entire Unit III, if necessary.

9/28 – 10/31 One of the most formidable challenges in academia is processing huge volumes of information to “make sense” of it. Critical to such processing is the skill of comparing and contrasting. Therefore, the Comparison/Contrast essay is one of the most commonly required college essays, particularly on final examinations. However, skill in composing comparison/contrast essays is a required skill-set in occupations as varied as advertising, investigative reporting, computer software engineering, nursing, and teaching. Of course, being able to successfully compare and contrast, is an asset for sorting through “real and fake news” that has been circulating in today’s political climate.

This unit provides the opportunity to gain practice in building and applying this critical skill. Each of the assigned articles compares and contrasts two phenomena. They make these comparisons based on key points of similarity and difference.

In the first part of the unit, use the “Comparison/Contrast Worksheet” to analyze each assigned articles. Refer to the completed comparison/contrast worksheet while participating in class discussions.

In the second part of the unit, use the “Comparison/Contrast essay Planning Worksheet” to plan the Comparison/Contrast Essay. Refer to it as you brainstorm with classmates in preparation for the outlining phase of composing the Comparison/Contrast essay. The link below provides more information about Comparison/Contrast essays.

Comparison/Contrast Essays

The due dates for the following articles and videos are listed in the unit schedule, at the end of this unit..

Catton, Bruce, “Grant and Lee, A Study in Contrasts”
Dominus, Susan, “Motherhood Screened Off”
Queenan, Joe, “New York Observed: Eight Reasons New York is Better”
Staples, Brent, “Donald Trump and Reconstruction Era Politics”
Boahen, Kwabena, “A Computer that Works like the Brain”
Brown, Tobacco, “ What Gardening Taught Me About Life ”
Hazika, Robert, “ Refugees Want Empowerment, Not Handouts ”
Vernacchio, Al, “Sex Needs A New Metaphor. Here’s One”

Articles and Videos

COMPARISON-CONTRAST WORKSHEET

Each assigned article (or video) makes a comparison and/or contrast. Use the worksheet below to “Parse” these comparisons and contrasts. In column #1, list at least three points of comparison. Then, at the head of columns #2 and #3, write the names of the two phenomena being compared. Use the completed worksheet when contributing to whole class or small group discussions. To access the worksheet, click on the link below.

DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET

Planning Worksheet for Comparison/Contrast Essay

INSTRUCTIONS: This Comparison/Contrast Worksheet can be useful during the brainstorming phase of writing the assigned comparison/contrast essay itself. Enter the names of the phenomena being compared in columns two and three. Then list the points of comparison in column #1. Refer to this worksheet when brainstorming and collaborating with classmates, with writing consultants, with the instructor and while preparing the outlining phase of developing the essay. To access the worksheet, click on the link below.

Comparison/Contrast Essay Assignment Description

INSTRUCTIONS: Compare and contrast two phenomenon. The phenomena should relate to your assigned theme for the term. Select at least three points of comparison or contrast. Write a three to five page essay that compares and contrasts these phenomena, based on these points of comparison.

Be sure include:

at least three points of comparison and/or contrast;
in-text MLA citations;
a Works Cited page;
at least three references to outside sources, including two references to professional journal articles.

Possible Outline

Thesis Statement
Itinerary (Brief list of three points of comparison or contrast)
Discussion of Point of Comparison (or Contrast) #1.
Discussion of Point of Comparison (or Contrast) #2.
Discussion of Point of Comparison (or Contrast) #3.
A Summary of the Main Points Covered in the Essay.

Unit Three Schedule

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