How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Block Method: Expert Tips
My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.
Understanding the Compare and Contrast Essay Block Method
Compare and contrast essay block method, benefits of using the block method in compare and contrast essays, choosing an appropriate topic for a block method compare and contrast essay, structuring your compare and contrast essay using the block method, crafting effective introduction and thesis statements in a block method essay, developing clear and coherent body paragraphs in a block method essay, refining your compare and contrast essay through effective conclusion, frequently asked questions, closing remarks.
In academic writing, one common type of essay is the compare and contrast essay. This type of essay aims to explore the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. One popular approach to writing a compare and contrast essay is using the block method. The block method allows for a more thorough examination of the subjects being compared, providing a clear and organized structure.
With the block method, the writer divides the essay into two main sections: the introduction and the body. The introduction sets the stage by introducing the subjects and establishing the purpose of the essay. It should also provide a thesis statement that presents the main points of comparison. In the body section, each subject is discussed in separate paragraphs. Within each paragraph, the writer presents the similarities and differences between the subjects, using specific examples and evidence to support their claims. It is important to use transitional phrases to smoothly transition between paragraphs and ensure a coherent flow of ideas throughout the essay.
- Advantages of the block method:
- Clear organization and structure
- Allows for a detailed analysis of each subject
- Easy to follow for the reader
When using the block method, it is essential to maintain a balanced discussion of the subjects being compared. This means devoting equal attention and space to both subjects, highlighting both their similarities and differences. By doing so, the writer can provide a comprehensive comparison that helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of the subjects.
The block method is a highly effective approach for writing compare and contrast essays. It offers numerous benefits that can enhance the clarity and organization of your essay. By structuring your essay using this method, you can present a comprehensive analysis of the similarities and differences between two subjects.
One major benefit of the block method is its simplicity. This method allows you to focus on one subject at a time, making it easier for the reader to follow along. By dedicating entire paragraphs to each subject, you can thoroughly explore their characteristics, examples, and supporting evidence. This clear and straightforward structure ensures that your points are well-developed and easy to understand. Moreover, the block method provides a logical flow to your essay, allowing for a smooth transition from one subject to the next.
Another advantage of using the block method is that it allows for a more detailed and in-depth comparison. By allocating separate paragraphs to each subject, you can explore their similarities and differences more thoroughly. This method enables you to delve into specific aspects of each subject, providing a comprehensive analysis. By organizing your thoughts in this manner, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your essay is well-structured and coherent. Additionally, the block method allows you to present contrasting ideas side by side, enabling the reader to easily grasp the distinctions between the subjects being discussed.
In summary, the block method is a highly effective approach for writing compare and contrast essays. Its simplicity and logical flow make it easier for readers to follow along and understand your points. Furthermore, the block method allows for a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of the subjects being compared. Incorporating this method into your writing can greatly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your compare and contrast essays.
Once you’ve decided to write a block method compare and contrast essay, the next step is to carefully choose an appropriate topic. Selecting a topic that is suitable for this type of essay is essential to ensure a well-structured and meaningful comparison. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in choosing the right topic:
1. Brainstorm: Begin by brainstorming ideas and jotting down potential topics that interest you or are relevant to your field of study. Consider subjects that have distinct similarities and differences, as this will provide you with ample material for comparison.
2. Research: Once you have a list of potential topics, conduct some preliminary research to explore the available information. Make sure there is enough material to support your comparisons and that you can find credible sources to back up your arguments.
3. Balance: Aim to select a topic where the similarities and differences are reasonably balanced, allowing for a fair comparison. Avoid topics that are overwhelmingly one-sided, as this can make your essay appear biased.
4. Significance: Choose a topic that has significance and relevance within your academic field or the broader societal context. This will not only make your essay more interesting to read but also add value to the discussion.
5. Personal Interest: It is crucial to choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Writing about something you are passionate about will make the entire process more enjoyable and engaging, resulting in a more compelling and well-written essay.
When it comes to crafting a well-structured compare and contrast essay, using the block method can be an effective approach. This method organizes your essay by discussing all of the points related to one side of the topic, and then exploring all the points related to the other side. By using this method, you can provide a clear and organized analysis that allows your readers to easily comprehend the similarities and differences between the two subjects being compared.
To structure your compare and contrast essay using the block method, follow these steps:
1. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states the purpose of your essay. You can use an intriguing anecdote or a thought-provoking question to engage your audience from the beginning.
2. Create a thesis statement that clearly indicates the purpose of your essay and presents the main points you will discuss in your body paragraphs. Your thesis should provide a clear roadmap for your readers, outlining the focus of your essay and what they can expect to discover from your analysis.
3. Begin with the first subject and present all the relevant points or arguments related to it. Each point should be supported by evidence or examples to strengthen your argument. Use clear and concise language to ensure your readers can easily follow your train of thought.
4. Transition smoothly into discussing the second subject, and present all the relevant points or arguments related to it. Again, back up each point with evidence or examples to solidify your analysis. Make sure your arguments are as logical and well-supported as possible.
Crafting an effective introduction and thesis statement in a block method essay lays the foundation for a cohesive and well-structured piece of writing. By capturing the reader’s attention and clearly stating the argument, you can set the stage for a compelling essay that presents both sides of the topic. Here are some key tips to master this critical part of your essay:
1. Grab the reader’s attention: Start your introduction with a captivating hook that intrigues the reader and makes them want to continue reading. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid anecdote related to your topic. It’s crucial to make a strong first impression to engage the reader’s interest right from the beginning.
2. Provide background information: After hooking the reader, provide some context about your topic. Briefly explain the main issue or controversy you will discuss in your essay. This helps your readers understand the significance of the subject matter and its relevance in a broader context.
3. Clearly state your thesis: Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay and should be concise, clear, and argumentative. It should present a debatable claim that you will support throughout your essay. Make sure your thesis is specific and reflects the main points you will address in your essay. Bold it in your introduction to make it stand out and guide your readers.
Crafting an effective introduction and thesis statement in a block method essay requires careful consideration of your target audience and the overarching goal of your essay. By employing these strategies, you will create a strong foundation for your essay and captivate your readers from the very beginning.
When writing a block method essay, it is crucial to maintain a logical and organized structure in your body paragraphs. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and coherently, allowing your reader to easily understand your arguments.
Here are some tips to help you develop clear and coherent body paragraphs:
- Topic sentence: Start each body paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence that introduces the main idea you will be discussing. This sentence should act as a mini-thesis statement for that specific paragraph.
- Supporting evidence: Provide relevant supporting evidence, such as facts, statistics, or examples, to validate your claims and strengthen your arguments. Remember to cite your sources properly.
- Transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to smoothly connect your ideas and create a logical flow between paragraphs. Phrases like ”similarly,” “in contrast,” or ”on the other hand” can help guide your reader through your essay.
By employing these techniques, you will be able to craft body paragraphs that effectively present your ideas and arguments in a clear and coherent manner. Remember, the goal is to provide your reader with a well-structured and engaging essay that leaves no room for confusion.
When it comes to writing a compare and contrast essay, the conclusion is a crucial element that allows you to leave a lasting impression on your readers. A well-crafted conclusion not only summarizes the main points you have discussed but also adds depth to your analysis and helps tie everything together. Here are some tips to refine your compare and contrast essay through an effective conclusion:
- Revisit your thesis statement: Start your conclusion by reminding your readers of the main argument you presented in your introduction. This will help reinforce your central idea and keep your essay focused.
- Summarize your main points: Provide a brief summary of the key similarities and differences you discussed throughout your essay. Be concise, but ensure that all important points are included to leave a lasting impression on your readers.
- Pose a thought-provoking question: Engage your readers’ critical thinking by ending your essay with a powerful question related to the topic. This encourages further reflection and demonstrates your expertise on the subject matter.
Remember, the conclusion is your last opportunity to make a lasting impact on your readers. Therefore, make sure to follow these tips to refine your compare and contrast essay, leaving your audience with a sense of satisfaction and an appreciation for your thoughtful analysis.
Q: What is a compare and contrast essay? A: A compare and contrast essay is a type of academic writing that requires you to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It helps develop critical thinking skills and enhances your ability to analyze information effectively.
Q: What is the block method? A: The block method is one of the most common approaches used to write a compare and contrast essay. In this method, you address one subject entirely in one paragraph, followed by another paragraph focusing on the second subject. The block method allows for a clear and organized presentation of ideas.
Q: How do I start my essay using the block method? A: Begin by introducing your two subjects and establish the purpose of your essay. Provide some background information to give your readers a context. This can be done through a brief description or an engaging anecdote. State your thesis statement, which should highlight the main points of comparison and contrast between the subjects.
Q: How do I organize the body paragraphs in the block method? A: Each body paragraph should focus on one subject entirely. Start by presenting the key points and supporting details relevant to that subject. Follow a logical order when presenting your arguments and be sure to use transitional phrases to improve the flow of your essay. Avoid mixing the information about the two subjects within the same paragraph to maintain clarity.
Q: How do I ensure coherence in my essay? A: To ensure coherence, it is important to establish a clear relationship between your points of comparison or contrast. Use topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to introduce the main idea, and provide evidence or examples to support your claims. Always refer back to your thesis statement to maintain the focus of your essay.
Q: How do I conclude my essay using the block method? A: In your conclusion, summarize the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs. Restate your thesis statement and provide a concise assessment of the similarities and differences between the two subjects. You can also offer some insights or suggest further areas of research. Make sure your conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Q: What are some tips for writing a successful compare and contrast essay using the block method? A: – Choose subjects that have clear similarities and differences. – Create a well-structured outline to organize your thoughts before you start writing. – Use appropriate transitional phrases to smoothly transition between ideas. - Make sure to provide evidence and examples to support your claims. – Proofread your essay to eliminate any grammar or spelling errors. – Seek feedback from peers or professionals to improve the content and clarity of your essay.
Q: Are there any other methods to write a compare and contrast essay? A: Yes, apart from the block method, you can also use the point-by-point method. In this approach, you alternate between discussing points related to both subjects throughout the essay. The choice between the block method and the point-by-point method depends on personal preference and the nature of the subjects being compared.
In conclusion, mastering the block method for writing a compare and contrast essay can enhance your skills and ensure an effective and organized argument.
Women’s History Month Writing Prompts: Celebrate Female Voices
Best Writing Apps for Chromebook: Write Anywhere, Anytime
Leave a Comment Cancel reply
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities.
Welcome to Creative Writing Prompts
At Creative Writing Prompts, we believe in the power of words to shape worlds. Our platform is a sanctuary for aspiring writers, seasoned wordsmiths, and everyone. Here, storytelling finds its home, and your creative journey begins its captivating voyage.
© 2024 Creativewriting-prompts.com
The Block Method on Writing an Essay
Therese rochon.
There are many ways of organizing a comparison and contrast essay. One of the most popular is the block method, also known as the summary approach or the one side at a time approach. The writer provides an introduction stating the comparisons, the contrasts and the thesis statement. Then, the writer provides body paragraphs detailing the similarities and another body paragraphs explaining the differences. Following the body paragraphs is a conclusion that paraphrases the essay and the thesis statement.
Explore this article
- Doing the Block Method
- Brainstorming
- Ensuring Unity
- Other Methods
1 Doing the Block Method
The block method works best on short papers about simple topics. To do the block method, first write an introduction. In the introduction, draw the reader’s attention, give background information, state the two things being compared and contrasted, and provide a thesis statement. Using the introduction as a blueprint, write paragraphs about the comparisons. Then, write paragraphs about the differences. After completing all body paragraphs, write a conclusion that ties in all your points and restates your thesis. In addition to comparison and contrast essays, you can use the block method in essays weighing disadvantages and advantages.
2 Brainstorming
If you are planning to write an essay in the block format, you must first brainstorm for ideas. The most common method for a comparison and contrast is a Venn diagram. To do a Venn diagram, draw two big circles that overlap in the middle. In the circle on the left, write the unique features of side A. In the circle on the right, write the unique features of side B. In the middle, the place of overlap, write the similar features of sides A and B.
Other brainstorming methods are simply listing all the thoughts that come to mind with little attention paid to organization. Another, more organized, brainstorming method is arranging ideas into clusters.
While brainstorming, do not censor yourself. Get something down on paper as quickly as possible.
3 Ensuring Unity
Although essays written in block format can be well written and effective, the biggest hurdle is disunity. You never want to jump from point to point. To avoid disunity, use transitional phrases, such as “in addition,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in contrast,” “similarly,” “however,” and “nevertheless” from paragraph to paragraph. Another way to transition is by linking ideas. For example, briefly mention the very last idea from a previous paragraph in the first few sentences of the next paragraph.
4 Other Methods
The block method is not the only way of writing a comparison and contrast essay. In the point-by-point method, each paragraph gives a point (or idea) and its similarities and contrasts. In the combination method, you combine the point-by-point method with the block method.
- 1 Comparison and Contrast Essays
- 2 How do I Write a Comparison and Contrast Essay
About the Author
Therese Rochon is a college student and freelance writer from St. Louis. She is studying English and Spanish literature at Washington University and plans to attend law school in the future. She speaks two languages and, in 2011, will au pair in Europe to learn two more languages. She has been writing online since 2005.
Related Articles
Compare & Contrast Essays for High School
How to Write a Pros & Cons Essay
What Is a Lead-in Statement?
Different Kinds of Expository Writing
How to Write a Persuasive Essay
How to Write an Introductory Paragraph in Elementary...
How to Write a Comparison Essay for Beginners
Good Ways to Start a Comparison and Contrast Essay
Different Types of Essay Structure
Paragraph Writing Skills for Beginners
How to Conclude a Thesis Paper
Do You Have to Write Complete Sentences in an Outline...
How to Write a Process Report
How to Create a Compare-and-Contrast Chart
How to Write an Outline for a Comparison Paper in Literature
What is a Topic Sentence?
How Do I Write an Informative Essay Linking Two Texts?
How to Write a Discursive Essay
How to Write a Suitable Objective Report
How to Write a Summary Paper in MLA Format
Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.
- Accessibility
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Copyright Policy
- Manage Preferences
© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .
Have a language expert improve your writing
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
- Knowledge Base
- Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples
Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples
Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.
Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.
Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
Table of contents
When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.
Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.
- Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
- Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?
Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.
One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.
Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.
Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services
Discover proofreading & editing
As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.
For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.
This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.
Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.
Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.
Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.
These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.
When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.
The alternating method
In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:
Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.
One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.
The block method
In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:
- Point of comparison A
- Point of comparison B
The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.
Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.
Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
- Ad hominem fallacy
- Post hoc fallacy
- Appeal to authority fallacy
- False cause fallacy
- Sunk cost fallacy
College essays
- Choosing Essay Topic
- Write a College Essay
- Write a Diversity Essay
- College Essay Format & Structure
- Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay
(AI) Tools
- Grammar Checker
- Paraphrasing Tool
- Text Summarizer
- AI Detector
- Plagiarism Checker
- Citation Generator
Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.
Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .
Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.
You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.
Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:
- The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
- The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.
It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.
Cite this Scribbr article
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/compare-and-contrast/
Is this article helpful?
Jack Caulfield
Other students also liked, how to write an expository essay, how to write an argumentative essay | examples & tips, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".
I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”
Comparison and Contrast Essay: Block Method
There are two basic patterns writers use for comparison/contrast essays: the block method and the point-by-point method . in the block method, you describe all the similarities in the first body paragraph and then all the differences in the second body paragraph. the guideline below will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a comparison/contrast essay using the block method..
Block Method Student Essay
Fighting the Battle against Drugs
The use of drugs has increased in recent years, according to numerous articles in medical journals. They threaten communities all over the world because of how affect the organs of the body and their functions. Crack and cocaine are two of these dangerous drugs. Thus, it is important for health care professionals to have knowledge about them in order to deal with any problems related to their use that patients may experience. While they may appear similar at first glance, in fact they have three major differences.
Crack and cocaine have three similar effects on the human body. Although crack is heat resistant and cocaine is destroyed by heat, both cause hypertension. Also, crack and cocaine bring about physiological and psychological damage, depending on pre-existing conditions and the extent of drug use. For example, hallucination, psychosis, paranoia and aggressive behavior may occur, and an overdose of either may cause cardiac collapse or convulsion. Finally, use of both drugs can lead to addiction.
Despite crack and cocaine’s similarities, they have three major differences. First, although crack and cocaine are derived from the coca plant, they differ in form. Crack has the form of flakes whereas cocaine is found in the form of powder, which can be dissolved. Furthermore, both crack and cocaine contain cocaine, but in various percentages: crack contains as much as 90 percent pure cocaine whereas cocaine contains from 15 to 25 percent pure cocaine. Another major difference is how they enter the body. For example, crack is smoked in a pipe or cigarette. It enters the body by the lungs into the bloodstream. Cocaine, on the other hand, is inhaled as a powder or is injected if dissolved. It enters the body via the nasal mucosa into the bloodstream or, if injected, directly via the bloodstream.
In conclusion, it can be seen that, while being alike in three ways, these two drugs differ in three ways. They affect the body in similar ways. Both can lead to physiological problems such as convulsions and psychological problems such as hallucinations. Furthermore, their use may result in addiction. However, cocaine and crack differ in form, content of pure cocaine and method of entry into the body. Therefore, it is important that health care professionals know about these drugs.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
A: The block method is one of the most common approaches used to write a compare and contrast essay. In this method, you address one subject entirely in one paragraph, followed by another paragraph focusing on the second subject. The block method allows for a clear and organized presentation of ...
There are many ways of organizing a comparison and contrast essay. One of the most popular is the block method, also known as the summary approach or the one side at a time approach.
When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method. The alternating method. In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison.
When should you use Block vs. Point-by-Point Method? As a general rule, use block method for paragraphs, such as a discussion board post. Since paragraphs are shorter, the reader won’t lose track of each point as it is discussed in relation to each topic. Use point-by-point method for longer essays to more closely compare and contrast the two ...
Example of a Block Essay. A compare and contrast block method essay will begin with an introductory paragraph, the same as that used in the point-by-point method. The topic will be introduced ...
The guideline below will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a comparison/contrast essay using the block method. 1. Attract the reader’s attention. 2. Provide background information about your topic. 3. Identify the two things being compared and contrasted. 4. State the purpose for making the comparison and/or contrast.
Compare & Contrast Essay. Compare and contrast is a rhetorical style that discusses the similarities and differences of two or more things: ideas, concepts, items, places, etc. This rhetorical style is one that you’ll see often as a complete essay, but you may also use it quite a lot within paragraphs of any kind of essay in which you need to ...
Block style organization is easier to follow for short essays, while the point -by-point approach is better suited to longer, more complex papers (Comprone 275; Fawcett 123- 124). Regardless of essay style, the purpose of a compare/contrast essay is to carefully examine and evaluate the similarities and differences between two or more things.
This video explains what the structure of the Block Method is for the Comparison and Contrast Essay in English. Watch this to learn what paragraphs you need ...