A compare and contrast essay looks at the similarities and differences between two subjects, then uses them to reach a meaningful conclusion. The best essays do more than list features. They show what the comparison reveals. Here is a clear process for writing one.
What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?
To compare is to show how two things are alike. To contrast is to show how they differ. Most assignments ask for both. Typical pairs include two books, two historical events, two policies or two methods of studying. The two subjects should have enough in common to make the comparison worthwhile.
Step 1: Choose Your Subjects and Purpose
Pick two subjects that are related but not identical. Comparing a novel with its film adaptation works. Comparing a novel with a refrigerator does not. Decide what you want the reader to learn: which is better, how they differ in a surprising way, or how one helps explain the other.
Step 2: Find Points of Comparison
Choose three or four categories you can apply to both subjects. For two universities, these might be cost, class size, teaching style and campus life. Using the same categories for both keeps the essay balanced and fair.
A quick tool is a table or Venn diagram. List the shared traits in the overlap and the unique traits on each side.
Step 3: Write a Thesis That Makes a Point
A weak thesis only says that the subjects are similar and different. A strong one says what the comparison shows. For example: “Although online and in-person exams both aim to measure learning, in-person exams offer stronger proof of individual authorship, while online formats offer more flexibility.” For more help, see how to write a thesis statement.
Step 4: Choose a Structure
Block method
Discuss everything about Subject A, then everything about Subject B. This works for shorter essays and simple comparisons, but it can leave the reader to make the connections.
Point-by-point method
Discuss one point at a time, covering both subjects in each paragraph. This is usually stronger for longer or more analytical essays, because the comparison stays visible.
Outline for point-by-point
Introduction (hook, background, thesis)
Point 1: Subject A vs Subject B
Point 2: Subject A vs Subject B
Point 3: Subject A vs Subject B
Conclusion (what the comparison shows)
If you want to plan the full essay, our guide on how to write an essay outline has a ready template.
Step 5: Use Transitions
Good transitions guide the reader through the comparison.
- Similarity: similarly, likewise, in the same way, both
- Difference: however, in contrast, on the other hand, whereas, unlike
Our list of sentence starters for essays has many more.
Example Paragraph
Online and in-person exams differ most in how they verify identity. In an invigilated hall, the examiner can see who is writing, which makes authorship easy to confirm. Online exams, by contrast, depend on software and honour systems, which are harder to enforce. Both formats can test the same knowledge, but only one offers direct proof of who produced the work.
Common Mistakes
- Listing facts without analysis
- Giving unequal space to each subject
- Comparing points that do not match
- Choosing subjects that are too similar or too different
- Ending without saying what the comparison means
Finishing Strong
Your conclusion should return to your thesis and explain the “so what.” Why does the comparison matter? For help closing the essay, read how to write a conclusion for an essay.
Need a Hand?
If you want expert support with planning, drafting or editing your compare and contrast essay, get in touch with your topic and deadline.
