Comparison/Contrast Essays

English Writing

Comparison vs. contrast

Organizing comparison/contrast essays

The Block Method The Point-by-point method

Example: BMW vs. Matiz

Criteria of comparison/contrast

Criteria BMW 1 Toyota Yaris

Safety

Acceleration

Cost of Maintenance

Fuel economy

Comfort

The Block method

Subject APoint 1Point 2Point 3

Subject BPoint 1Point 2Point 3

BMW 1Safety Fuel economyCost of maintenance

Toyota YarisSafety Fuel economyCost of maintenance

The Block Method: Essay Outline

Introductory paragraphBody paragraph (1): VW Golf

SafetyFuel economyAfter-sale service

Body paragraph (2): MatizSafetyFuel economyAfter-sale service

Conclusion paragraph

The Point-by-point method

Point 1Subject ASubject B

Point 2Subject ASubject B

Point 3Subject ASubject B

SafetyVW GolfMatiz

Fuel economy VW GolfMatiz

After-sale service VW GolfMatiz

The Point-by-point method:Essay Outline

Introductory paragraphBody paragraph (1): Safety

BMW1Toyota Yaris

Body paragraph (2): Fuel economyBMW1Toyota Yaris

Body paragraph (3): After-sale serviceBMW1Toyota Yaris

Conclusion paragraph

Writing Process

Select a topicChoose two subjects you want to compare or contrast

Criteria of comparison/contrastMake a table of comparison/contrast

Organization methodblock or point-by-point?

Make an outlineWrite an effective essay thesis Develop each body paragraph

a topic sentenceClear explanationSupporting evidence