Using a Venn Diagram for a Compare and Contrast Essay

A Venn diagram is a great tool for brainstorming and creating a comparison between two or more objects, events, or people. You can use this as a first step to creating an outline for a compare and contrast essay.

Simply draw two (or three) large circles and give each circle a title, reflecting each object, trait, or person you are comparing.

Inside the intersection of the two circles (overlapping area), write all the traits that the objects have in common. You will refer to these traits when you compare similar characteristics.

In the areas outside the overlapping section, you will write all of the traits that are specific to that particular object or person.