Point-by-Point Arrangement

vs.Block Arrangement

Organizing a Comparison/Contrast Essay

Basic Essay FormatIntroductory paragraph

with thesis statement at the end

Three or more body paragraphs (new topic or point for each paragraph)

Conclusion that sums up main points and restates thesis in different words

Intro

Body Paragrap

h

Body Paragrap

h

Body Paragrap

h

Conclusion

Thesis

About Comparison/ContrastChoose two subjects that have something

in common, and show how they are alike and different

Choose a basis for comparison (specific points or criteria that you will focus on for this paper)

Create a thesis statement (a statement of fact that summarizes the main point of the essay)

Choose an organization pattern for the body paragraphs (point-by-point or block arrangement)

Point-by-Point Arrangement

Choose one feature or point at a time and discuss both items in the same paragraph

Example: Cars vs. MotorcyclesFirst point: Safety

Compare and contrast how safe each vehicle isSecond point: Fuel Efficiency

Compare and contrast the fuel efficiency of each vehicle

Third point: StyleCompare and contrast how stylish each vehicle is

Point-by-Point Arrangement

Third Point (style)Item A (cars) Item B

(motorcycles)

Second Point (fuel efficiency)

Item A (cars) Item B (motorcycles)

First point (safety)

Item A (cars) Item B (motorcycles)

Block ArrangementDiscuss all the features about one

subject, and then move on to the second subject.

A third body paragraph compares and contrast the two subjects

Example: Cars vs. MotorcylesFirst subject: Cars

Discuss all the features of cars (safety, fuel, style)

Second subject: MotorcyclesDiscuss all the features of motorcycles

(safety, fuel, style)Compare and contrast

Discuss how cars and motorcycles are alike and different

Block Arrangement

Cars •Point 1 (safety)•Point 2 (fuel efficiency)•Point 3 (style)

Motor-cycles

•Point 1 (safety)•Point 2 (fuel efficiency)•Point 3 (style)

Both •Compare•Contrast