Compare and Contrast Challenge

Intermediate (B1) 50 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Game preview for Intermediate B1: guided discussion, table completion, writing sentence pairs, group work

EAP Compare and Contrast Game - Speaking and Writing: Guided Discussion, Table Completion, Writing Sentence Pairs - Group Work

In this compare and contrast game, students discuss familiar topics, choose a criterion to compare them, and then write clear similarity and difference sentences using...

EAP Compare and Contrast Game - Speaking and Writing: Guided Discussion, Table Completion, Writing Sentence Pairs - Group Work In this compare and contrast game, students discuss familiar topics, choose a criterion to compare them, and then write clear similarity and difference sentences using linking words and phrases. First, students turn over a topic card in groups and discuss three questions. Next, groups choose a criterion card that best fits the topic and write the criterion, one similarity and one difference in the corresponding row of a table in note form. Students repeat this process for the remaining topics, choosing a different criterion each time. After completing all four rows, students use their notes to write one similarity sentence and one difference sentence for each topic, using at least one linking word or phrase in each pair. Finally, groups take turns reading their sentence pairs aloud. Groups receive one point for using the chosen criterion clearly, one for a logical similarity, one for a logical difference and one for correct use of a linking word or phrase. The group with the most points wins.
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The Compare-and-Contrast Toolkit

Intermediate (B1) 50 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Essay Worksheet preview for Intermediate B1: matching, identifying, categorising, gap-fill, creating an essay outline and discussion

EAP Compare and Contrast Essay Worksheet - Reading, Vocabulary and Writing Exercises: Matching, Gap-fill - Speaking Activity: Discussion - Pair Work

In this compare and contrast essay worksheet, students practice using compare and contrast signal words and outline a compare and contrast essay...

EAP Compare and Contrast Essay Worksheet - Reading, Vocabulary and Writing Exercises: Matching, Identifying, Categorising, Gap-fill, Creating an Essay Outline - Speaking Activity: Discussion - Pair Work In this compare and contrast essay worksheet, students practice using compare and contrast signal words and outline a compare and contrast essay. Students begin by matching one similarity and one difference to each topic in a table. Students then read sentences and underline the signal words or phrases that show similarity or difference. Next, students categorise the underlined signal words and phrases by similarity or difference. Following that, students complete sentences using signal words or phrases from the table. Students then read an example compare and contrast essay and discuss questions about it with a partner. After that, students choose a topic and complete a table with two similarities and two differences. Students then complete an essay outline, using their ideas and including signal words. Finally, students compare outlines with a partner and discuss which signal words they chose and why.
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Points of Comparison

Intermediate (B1) 50 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Paragraphs Worksheet preview for Intermediate B1: comparison criteria, matching, paragraph completion and peer feedback

EAP Compare and Contrast Paragraphs Worksheet - Reading, Writing and Speaking: Matching, Paragraph Completion, Discussion - Pair Work

In this compare and contrast paragraphs worksheet, students learn how to choose clear points of comparison and use them to organise ideas before...

EAP Compare and Contrast Paragraphs Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Matching, Categorising, Table Completion, Paragraph Completion, Peer Feedback - Speaking Activity: Guided Discussion, Freer Practice - Pair Work In this compare and contrast paragraphs worksheet, students learn how to choose clear points of comparison and use them to organise ideas before writing a short point-by-point paragraph with simple linking words. First, students match six comparisons to their corresponding criteria. Students then match each topic to a useful criterion for comparison. Next, students mark whether each sentence shows a similarity or a difference. After that, students discuss each topic and criterion they chose in Exercise B with a partner. Students then choose one topic and two criteria and complete a table with one similarity and one difference for each criterion. Following that, students complete a paragraph using their notes to make a point-by-point compare and contrast paragraph. Finally, students swap worksheets with a partner, complete a checklist and give feedback.
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Compare and Contrast Essays 1

Upper-intermediate (B2) 90 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Essay Worksheet preview for Upper-intermediate B2: block structure, transition words, essay planning, writing and peer review

EAP Compare and Contrast Essay Worksheet - Reading and Writing: Categorising, Identifying, Gap-fill, Writing Sentences, Essay Planning and Writing, Peer Review

In this compare and contrast essay worksheet, students explore block structure and use it to plan and write a compare and contrast essay. First, students...

EAP Compare and Contrast Essay Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Categorising, Identifying, Gap-fill, Writing Sentences, Creating an Outline, Essay Writing, Peer Review - Speaking Activity: Discussion - Pair Work In this compare and contrast essay worksheet, students explore block structure and use it to plan and write a compare and contrast essay. First, students read about compare and contrast essays and discuss the differences between block and point-by-point structure with a partner. Next, students categorise transition words and phrases by function and add two more of their own for each function. Students then read a model essay comparing individual and group study, underline expressions that show similarity or difference, and add new expressions to their table. After that, students complete sentences using the transitions, then write sentences comparing or contrasting pairs of subjects. Next, students choose two subjects, list their similarities and differences, and create a block-structure outline covering the same points in the same order for both subjects. Students then use their outline to write a short first draft, including an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Finally, students swap essays with a partner and give feedback on the block structure, comparison points and use of transitions.
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Compare and Contrast Essays 2

Upper-intermediate (B2) 90 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheet preview for Upper-intermediate B2: point-by-point structure, gap-fill, topic sentences, outlining, essay writing, peer review

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheet - Writing Exercises: Identifying, Gap-fill, Unscrambling, Outline and Essay Writing, Peer Review and Feedback

In this free compare and contrast essays worksheet, students learn and practice point-by-point compare and contrast essay structure. First, students read...

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheet - Writing Exercises: Identifying, Gap-fill, Unscrambling, Outline and Essay Writing, Peer Review and Feedback In this free compare and contrast essays worksheet, students learn and practice point-by-point compare and contrast essay structure. First, students read about the difference between block structure and point-by-point structure for compare and contrast essays. Students then read a point-by-point compare and contrast essay and scan it, listing the four points of comparison, which form the main idea of each body paragraph. After that, students list four points of comparison for three topics. Students then complete sentences with comparison and contrast transition words or phrases. Students then move on to unscramble sentence parts to make example topic sentences for a compare and contrast essay. Next, students choose a topic and create an outline for a point-by-point compare and contrast essay and then write an essay using the outline. Lastly, students swap essays with a partner for peer feedback.
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Comparison Matrix Challenge

Upper-intermediate (B2) 60 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Activity preview for Upper-intermediate B2: discussion, matrix completion, presenting, paragraph writing, peer feedback

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Activity - Writing and Speaking: Discussion, Presenting, Paragraph Writing - Group Work

In this useful compare and contrast essay activity, students make comparisons using selected criteria in a matrix, present their ideas, and then collaboratively write a structured point-by-point...

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Activity - Writing and Speaking: Discussion, Matrix Completion, Presenting, Paragraph Writing, Peer Feedback, Communicative Practice - Group Work In this useful compare and contrast essay activity, students make comparisons using selected criteria in a matrix, present their ideas, and then collaboratively write a structured point-by-point paragraph. First, in groups, students select four criterion cards relevant to their assigned matrix topic, discuss examples and evidence for both sides of each criterion and complete each comparison cell of the matrix with the examples and evidence. Each group then prepares and presents one row from their completed matrix to the class in three stages. In stage one, groups present both sides using evidence. In stage two, groups decide whether the comparison shows a similarity or a difference and explain why it matters. In stage three, groups use transition words to express their comparison in one or two sentences. Afterwards, groups transform a different row of their matrix into a structured point-by-point paragraph that includes a topic sentence, evidence and examples, and suitable transition phrases. Groups then swap their paragraph with another group, who reads it and completes a feedback checklist, including one positive comment and one point for improvement. Finally, each group reads and discusses the feedback they received.
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Point-by-Point Puzzle

Upper-intermediate (B2) 20 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Game preview for Upper-intermediate B2: ordering, gap-fill, pair work

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Game - Reading and Vocabulary: Ordering, Gap-fill - Pair Work

In this engaging compare and contrast essay game, students arrange parts of an example point-by-point essay into a logical order and then complete gaps with transition words and phrases. First, pairs have...

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Game - Reading and Vocabulary: Ordering, Gap-fill - Pair Work In this engaging compare and contrast essay game, students arrange parts of an example point-by-point essay into a logical order and then complete gaps with transition words and phrases. First, pairs have five minutes to put sentence strips into a logical order following a point-by-point compare and contrast essay structure. Pairs score one point for each correctly placed strip. Next, pairs have three minutes to complete gaps in the text with transition cards, scoring one point for each correct answer. The pair with the most points at the end of the game wins.
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Wind and Solar

Upper-intermediate (B2) 90 minutes
EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheet preview for Upper-intermediate B2: wind power, solar energy, gap-fill, outlining, essay writing, discussion

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Writing an Essay - Speaking Activity: Discussion, Communicative Practice

In this useful compare and contrast essay writing practice, students plan and write a compare and contrast essay about wind power and solar energy...

EAP Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Gap-fill, Writing an Outline and Essay - Speaking Activity: Discussion, Communicative Practice In this useful compare and contrast essay writing practice, students plan and write a compare and contrast essay about wind power and solar energy using one of three recommended structures. First, students read a text about wind power and solar energy and then match words in bold from the text to their definitions. Next, students complete advice about writing a compare and contrast essay. After that, students complete an essay writing revision checklist and then use the text and their own ideas to list similarities and differences between wind power and solar energy. Students then use the list of similarities and differences to prepare an essay outline. Next, students use their outline to write a compare and contrast essay about wind power and solar energy. Finally, students swap papers with a partner and use the revision checklist to review and provide feedback on their partner's essay.
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Understanding Compare and Contrast Essays

A compare and contrast essay examines similarities and differences between subjects to develop a meaningful overall point. Effective comparisons use shared criteria and explain why the findings matter, rather than present two unrelated descriptions.

This page contains eight resources from intermediate (B1) to upper-intermediate (B2), including one free worksheet. The materials cover comparison criteria, signal words, model essays, block and point-by-point organisation, planning, drafting and peer feedback.

Use the reference below to connect comparison decisions with their purpose. The sentence examples illustrate possible wording, not factual claims about particular courses or institutions.

FocusPurposeExample or guidance
Shared criteria Compare the same feature of both subjects Compare the cost of both courses, then their flexibility, rather than comparing one course's cost with the other's teaching quality.
Similarity Identify a relevant feature the subjects share 'Both courses include weekly tutorials.'
Difference Express a contrast using a clear sentence pattern 'Course A offers evening classes, whereas Course B runs during the day.'
Block organisation Discuss each subject in a separate section Cover the same criteria in a consistent order for each subject and make the comparisons explicit.
Point-by-point organisation Discuss both subjects under each criterion Compare both courses on cost before moving to flexibility and support.
Significance Explain what the comparison helps the reader understand 'This difference may matter to students who work during the day.'

How to Develop Compare and Contrast Essays

Choose criteria that serve the purpose: Start with what the comparison needs to explain. Ask students to select relevant features that apply to both subjects and gather examples for each side before deciding on an overall conclusion.

Connect organisation with the argument: Show how block and point-by-point plans arrange the same material differently. Students should explain why their chosen structure suits their ideas and assignment; neither pattern removes the need for clear comparisons.

Make comparisons meaningful: After each similarity or difference, ask 'Why does this matter here?' Encourage students to explain its relevance and support their claims. A comparison essay need not declare a winner unless the task requires an evaluation.

3-Step Framework for Teaching Compare and Contrast Essays

Across lessons, move from supported comparisons to planning and extended writing. The first two stages suit intermediate learners; the final stage draws on upper-intermediate essay work and should follow once students are ready to develop a longer argument.

1. Compare using a shared criterion: Groups discuss familiar topics, select a relevant criterion and record one similarity and one difference. They turn their notes into sentence pairs using linking expressions. Check that both sentences address the chosen criterion before students read them aloud.

2. Organise ideas into an outline: Students identify and categorise signal words, complete sentences and discuss a model essay. They then choose a topic, record similarities and differences and build an outline. Partner discussion helps them explain their language choices and check that their planned points connect.

3. Develop a complete essay: Students compare organisational patterns and analyse transition language in a model. They select two subjects, list relevant similarities and differences and prepare a block-structure outline before drafting. Ask them to check that both subject sections cover corresponding criteria and contribute to the essay's overall point.

Common Mistakes with Compare and Contrast Essays

Comparing unrelated features: A contrast is difficult to interpret when each subject is judged by a different criterion. Unbalanced comparison: 'Course A is inexpensive, whereas Course B has helpful tutors.' Better approach: Compare the cost of both courses first, then compare the support available on each. Obtain the missing information rather than invent details to complete the comparison.

Using the wrong structure after 'despite': Use 'although' before a clause, or 'despite' before a noun phrase or an '-ing' form. Incorrect: 'Despite Course A is cheaper, it offers more tutorials.' Correct: 'Although Course A is cheaper, it offers more tutorials.' Another option is 'Despite being cheaper, Course A offers more tutorials.'

Common Questions About Teaching Compare and Contrast Essays

What free worksheet helps teach compare and contrast essays?

The worksheet Compare and Contrast Essays 2 develops point-by-point organisation through a model essay. Students identify comparison points, practice transition language and assemble topic sentences. They then plan and write their own essay before exchanging feedback with a partner, connecting analysis of a model with independent writing and review.

How can I help students develop ideas for a comparison essay?

The activity Comparison Matrix Challenge helps groups compare two subjects using shared criteria. Students record examples and evidence for both sides, present a comparison and explain its significance. They then turn another comparison into a paragraph and exchange feedback, developing their notes into supported writing rather than simply listing differences.

What game helps students practice compare and contrast essay structure?

The game Point-by-Point Puzzle asks pairs to arrange sentence strips into a logically organised example essay. They then complete gaps using transition cards. Both stages are timed and earn points for correct answers, giving students a focused way to examine essay organisation and the language that connects its ideas.

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