The Compare and Contrast Essay is a common task in the IELTS Writing test. The main challenge for candidates is analyzing the characteristics of two given subjects, then developing arguments based on their advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, IDP explains the Compare and Contrast essay format, provides an outline strategy, useful sentence structures, and vocabulary to impress examiners. You will also find a sample essay to gain inspiration for your writing.
1. Overview of the Compare and Contrast Essay
1.1 Definition
A Compare and Contrast Essay requires you to compare two objects, viewpoints, or phenomena by identifying their similarities and differences.
Purpose: To highlight the key features and aspects of each subject, allowing you to identify strengths or correct misconceptions through direct comparison.
1.2 Sample IELTS Topics for Compare and Contrast
In the past, people stored knowledge in books. Nowadays, people store knowledge on the internet. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
In some countries, students pay university fees themselves, while in others, the government covers the costs. Do the advantages of government funding outweigh the disadvantages?
In many countries, people move away from friends and family to find work. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
1.3 How to Identify a Compare and Contrast Essay
This essay type usually follows one of two common structures:
Point-by-point organization: Each paragraph analyzes one point of comparison or contrast across both subjects.
Block organization: Each paragraph focuses entirely on one subject before moving on to the next.
Example Topic:
Some people want to live in a house while others prefer living in an apartment. Does living in a house bring more advantages than living in an apartment?
Point-by-point structure:
Body 1: Advantages of living in a house/apartment
Body 2: Disadvantages of living in a house/apartment
Block structure:
Body 1: Advantages and disadvantages of living in a house
Body 2: Advantages and disadvantages of living in an apartment
2. Structure of a Compare and Contrast Essay
Just like other IELTS Writing tasks, this essay has three parts: Introduction – Body – Conclusion.
2.1 Introduction
Include 2–3 short sentences:
Hook (optional): A general statement to introduce the topic
Background information: Briefly introduce both subjects
Thesis statement: Clearly state the main idea and the points of comparison
2.2 Body Paragraphs
Present your arguments with examples to support the thesis. Typically, this section consists of 2–3 paragraphs, depending on the chosen structure.
2.3 Conclusion
Restate the thesis
Summarize similarities and differences
Offer insights or suggestions for future development
3. How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay in 5 Steps
Step 1: Identify the Subjects to Compare
Carefully analyze the prompt to identify the two subjects. List their similarities and differences using:
Simple List Method:
Divide a sheet into two columns: one for similarities and one for differences
List key points under each column
Venn Diagram Method:
Draw two overlapping circles
Note differences in each circle and similarities in the overlapping section
Step 2: Choose the Essay Structure
Select between point-by-point or block organization depending on the topic and what suits your ideas best.
Step 3: Make an Outline and Identify Main Arguments
From your comparison, decide which key points to include. Focus on two or three strong ideas rather than too many small ones.
Step 4: Write Your Essay
Use your outline to expand ideas into a well-structured essay with clear transitions and logic.
4. Sample Compare and Contrast Essay
Topic: Some people want to live in a house while others prefer living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment?
Essay:
Today, a home may be the ideal dwelling for certain individuals, while an apartment may be more suitable for others. Personally, owning a property is preferable to renting one as renting does not ensure stability, but purchasing a home might increase one's equity over time.
On the one hand, the most significant disadvantage of home ownership is its expensive initial expenditures. In most places around the world, the closing costs on a mortgage may amount to as much as fifty percent of the purchase price. These expenditures include fees such as property taxes, mortgage insurance, and house inspection, all of which are prepaid mortgage interest. Buying a home in this manner might leave a family at a financial disadvantage for decades. Comparatively, renting an apartment enables more financial flexibility. One is not required to be concerned over repair and maintenance charges as it is the landlord's obligation. Other expenditures, such as house insurance, fire insurance, and property taxes, are neither the tenant's responsibility. Individuals who choose to rent can save and budget appropriately and may subsequently invest their resources elsewhere.
On the other hand, even though renting a property boosts one's financial independence, it does not guarantee stability; thus, I believe that having total home ownership delivers more substantial advantages. Firstly, renters have no ownership rights. There is always a risk of a 30-day eviction notice issued by the landlord. Moreover, rent prices are likely to increase following each lease review, demonstrating the market's volatility. Consequently, renters are compelled to maintain steady employment or risk being evicted. In contrast, investing in residential assets benefit homeowners rather than property management firms or landlords. Also, while interest rates might fluctuate based on the borrower's credit score, they are often consistent. Ultimately, as individuals make mortgage payments, they accumulate equity, a secure long-term investment.
In conclusion, living in a home is preferable to living in an apartment since renting a house does not guarantee stability, whereas acquiring a house may increase one's long-term equity.
5. High-Scoring Sentence Structures for Compare and Contrast Essays
Expressions for Similarities
Similarly
Likewise
Also
Both… and…
Not only… but also…
Neither… nor…
Just like + noun
Similar to + noun
To be similar to
To be the same as
To be alike
To compare to/with
As + adjective + as
Equal/equally
In a similar way
In the same fashion
In like manner
Correspondingly
One similarity between A and B
Another similarity is…
Expressions for Differences
In comparison to/with
In contrast
On the other hand
Whereas
However / But
To differ from
To be dissimilar to
To be different from
To be unlike
Even though / though
Instead of
Otherwise
On the contrary
One difference between A and B is…
Another difference is…
Master the Compare and Contrast Essay for IELTS Writing
Understanding how to structure and write a Compare and Contrast Essay is essential for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing. To practice more, explore IDP’s free IELTS preparation materials and sample essays.
In addition to self-study resources, you can register for a free IELTS mock test with IDP to get familiar with the real test format and improve your time management. IDP also allows you to choose between computer-delivered IELTS or paper-based formats to match your study habits.
Register for your official IELTS test with IDP today!