Below is a sample outline and a well-developed comparative synthesis essay in APA 7th ed. titled: “Comparative Analysis of Urban Living vs. Rural Living.” This sample is intended to help students write better essays.
Comparative Synthesis Essay: Urban Living vs. Rural Living
Sample Comparative Synthesis Essay Outline
- Introduction
- Hook: Start with a thought-provoking observation about the urban and rural divide in society.
- Background: Provide context about the significance of where people choose to live.
- Thesis Statement: State the purpose of the essay, which is to compare and contrast the lifestyle, opportunities, and challenges of urban living and rural living.
- Body Paragraphs:
- Lifestyle in Urban Areas
- Subtopic 1 – Population Density and Diversity: Discuss how urban areas are characterized by high population density and cultural diversity.
- Subtopic 2 – Access to Amenities: Explore the availability of amenities, such as healthcare, education, and entertainment, in urban settings.
- Subtopic 3 – Comparative Analysis: Compare the lifestyle in urban areas with that in rural areas.
- Lifestyle in Rural Areas
- Subtopic 1 – Peace and Natural Beauty: Highlight the tranquility and natural beauty that rural areas offer.
- Subtopic 2 – Sense of Community: Discuss the tight-knit communities and strong social bonds often found in rural settings.
- Subtopic 3 – Comparative Analysis: Compare the lifestyle in rural areas with that in urban areas.
- Opportunities and Challenges in Urban Living
- Subtopic 1 – Employment and Career Opportunities: Examine the job market and career prospects in urban areas.
- Subtopic 2 – Cost of Living: Discuss the higher cost of living, including housing and transportation, in urban settings.
- Subtopic 3 – Comparative Analysis: Compare the opportunities and challenges of urban living with those of rural living.
- Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Living
- Subtopic 1 – Job Market and Economic Opportunities: Explore employment options and economic opportunities in rural areas.
- Subtopic 2 – Access to Services: Discuss the challenges related to limited access to services and amenities in rural settings.
- Subtopic 3 – Comparative Analysis: Compare the opportunities and challenges of rural living with those of urban living.
- Conclusion
- Summarize the key points discussed in the essay, emphasizing the differences and similarities between urban and rural living.
- Reiterate the significance of individual preferences and circumstances in choosing between these two lifestyles.
- References
- List all the sources used in the essay, formatted according to the citation style (e.g., APA or MLA) specified by your instructor or publication guidelines.
- Follow the formatting guidelines specified by your instructor or the style guide you are using (e.g., font, margins, spacing, page numbering, etc.).
This outline provides a structured approach to a comparative synthesis essay on urban vs. rural living through an exploration and comparison of the lifestyle, opportunities, and challenges of living in urban and rural areas.
