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Compare Contrast Essay Template

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Compare Contrast Essay Template

Compare two texts you have read. Use the planning prompts to build a clear essay with a main argument, evidence from both texts, explanations and a conclusion. You may compare stories, poems, articles or other texts. Write the titles and authors accurately, and use specific examples rather than retelling the whole text.

Choose and compare

Think about one important idea, character, setting or technique that appears in both texts.

1.Write the title and author of each text. Then name the feature you will compare.

2.List one meaningful similarity between the texts. Include a detail from each text that supports it.

3.List one meaningful difference between the texts. What does each text show or suggest about your chosen feature?

4.Which thesis gives a clear, arguable comparison? Choose one. A. Both texts have characters. B. Although both texts show characters facing change, they differ in how family support helps them respond. C. I read two texts.

5.Draft your own thesis. Name both texts and state their most important similarity and difference.

Build your body paragraphs

Use evidence from both texts. If you quote, copy the words accurately and use quotation marks; otherwise, describe the moment or detail in your own words.

6.Plan Body Paragraph 1: write a topic sentence about one similarity or difference, then add one supporting detail from each text.

7.Explain your evidence from Body Paragraph 1. What does the comparison help the reader understand?

8.Plan Body Paragraph 2: choose a different point from Paragraph 1. Write a topic sentence and evidence from both texts.

9.Add a linking sentence that connects Body Paragraph 2 back to your thesis or leads towards your conclusion.

10.Improve this evidence sentence so it compares both texts and includes a specific detail: “The characters are different.”

Shape the whole essay

Check that each paragraph develops your argument and uses evidence from both texts.

11.Write an opening sentence that introduces both texts and leads naturally towards your thesis.

12.Draft a conclusion that restates your comparison in fresh words and explains why the comparison matters. Do not introduce new evidence.

13.Essay check: tick each feature you have included, then choose the one you will improve before writing your final draft: a clear thesis; evidence from both texts in each body paragraph; explanation of evidence; linking words such as “similarly”, “whereas” or “however”; a conclusion that adds no new evidence.