Outline Template

University of Phoenix Material

Outline Template

Comparison and Contrast

Part I – Thesis Statement

Copy and paste the thesis statement you submitted with this week’s thesis statement worksheet into the box below:

Your thesis statement:

Complete an outline for your final essay using one of the templates below or developing a logical plan of organization of your own.

Part II – Overview

Comparison and contrast essays typically follow one of two organization patterns or some variation on them. In a point by point pattern, you will list each point of comparison separately. You will include specific details for each point and cover it thoroughly before moving on to the next point of comparison. For example, using this method you would compare cats to dogs in three separate ways – ease of care, expense, and accommodations. In the block (or subject by subject) pattern, you will cover each item you are comparing separately. You will include all of the points of comparison for that item before moving on to the other item you are comparing and contrasting it to. For example, using this method you would discuss how you care for cats, the related expenses to owning a cat, and the accommodations necessary for a cat, and then you would do the same in a separate section for dogs. Thus one will have three more concise sections, while the other has two more detailed sections.

Part III – Templates

Choose ONE of the two templates listed to use for your response to this assignment.

First template: Use the template below for a point-by-point comparison and contrast format. An example follows the template.

I. First main point (your topic sentence introducing a point of comparison or contrast)

A. Supporting details addressing the first subject

1. Subdetails about the first subject

2. Subdetails about the first subject

B. Supporting details addressing your second subject

1. Subdetails about the second subject

2. Subdetails about the second subject

II. Second main point (your topic sentence introducing a point of comparison or contrast)

A. Supporting details addressing your first subject

1. Subdetails about the first subject

2. Subdetails about the first subject

B. Supporting details addressing your second subject

1. Subdetails about the second subject

2. Subdetails about the second subject

III. Third main point (your topic sentence introducing a point of comparison or contrast)

A. Supporting details addressing the first subject

1. Subdetails about the first subject

2. Subdetails about the first subject

B. Supporting details addressing the second subject

1. Subdetails about the second subject

2. Subdetails about the second subject

Example using first template:

Thesis Statement : Owning a house and renting an apartment both offer advantages but differ in cost, decorating options, and conveniences.

I. Expenses for homeownership

A. Maintenance of the home, insurance, and taxes

1. Repairs

2. Insurance.

3. Property taxes.

B. Expenses for apartment renters

1. No maintenance expenses

2. Renter insurance is cheaper

3. No direct property taxes

II. Home owners have options for decorating and personalizing the living space

A. Limited only by budget constraints

1. Remodeling and painting

2. Landscaping

B. Renters usually cannot make physical changes

1. Paint

2. Common grounds

III. Home owner and renter conveniences

A. The benefits of owning a home and limits

1. Privacy

2. Local regulations

B. Renters’ benefits

1. Easy to move

2. Amenities like swimming pools and exercise facilities

Second template: Use the template below for a subject-by-subject comparison. An example follows the template.

I. First main point (your topic sentence addressing your first subject)

A. Supporting details about the first subject

1. Subdetails

2. Subdetails

B. Supporting details about the first subject

1. Subdetails

2. Subdetails

C. Supporting details about the first subject

1. Subdetails

2. Subdetails

II. Second main point (your topic sentence addressing your second subject)

A. Supporting details about the second subject

1. Subdetails

2. Subdetails

B. Supporting details about the second subject

1. Subdetails

2. Subdetails

C. Supporting details about the second subject

1. Subdetails

2. Subdetails

Example using second template:

Thesis statement: Owning a house and renting an apartment both come with advantages and disadvantages.

Introduction

I. Homeowners’ advantages and disadvantages

A. Flexibility in decorating and landscaping

1. Remodeling and painting

2. Privacy

B. Additional Expenses

1. Maintenance

2. Taxes and insurance

II. Renting advantages and disadvantages.

A. Financial advantages

1. Paid utilities

2. Cheaper insurance policies and no property taxes

B. Renters’ flexibility and conveniences

1. More freedom to change residences

2. Access to amenities like swimming pools and exercise facilities

C. Disadvantages to renting.

1. Decorating

2. Equity

NOTE: Feel free to create your own logical pattern by adding points, supporting details, subdetails, or by combining the two patterns in some way.