Organizing and Outlining
Compare Contrast Essay
Organization
When comparing two subjects in an essay,
you can utilize either the block format or
point by point format.
 You must choose one format; you cannot
mix or blend the two formats.

BLOCK FORMAT

Introduction
 Begin
with a sentence that will capture the
reader’s interest.
 Question?
 Reason
people find the topic interesting
 Quotation that relates to the topic
Introduction


Name the two subjects
Thesis statement—This is a one sentence statement
of what you plan on proving in the essay.


DON’T SAY “SQUANTO AND MARY ROWLANDSON’S
CAPTIVITIES ARE SIMILAR IN SOME WAYS AND DIFFERENT
IN OTHERS”. That’s obvious. It’s like saying, “I’m similar to
my friends in some ways and different in others.” Duh.
Instead, try something like this…”Squanto’s captivity was
quite different from Rowlandson’s because of the treatment
he received from Sir George; his narrative was more
effective in achieving the purpose of illustrating the humanity
of the Native American than Rowlandson’s purpose of
dehumanizing the Native Americans.”
Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 2
 This
paragraph describes the features of the
first subject. Be sure to include at least 3
examples that will later help to prove that
similarities and differences exist. DO NOT
MENTION THE SECOND SUBJECT.
Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 3
This paragraph MUST begin with a transition showing
you are comparing the second subject to the first.
Be sure to include at least 3 examples proving the
similarities or differences.
 For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue
words such as






Like
Similar to
Also
Unlike
On the other hand
Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 4
 In
this paragraph, you will discuss both
stories and which one achieves the author or
filmmaker’s purpose better and why. Give
direct examples from both texts
Conclusion
o
Give a brief, general summary of the most
important similarities/differences. End with a
personal statement, a prediction, or another
snappy quotation
POINT BY POINT FORMAT

Introduction
 Same
as for block format
Body Paragraphs—Point by Point
Format

Paragraph 2
 Discuss
how both subjects compare on ONE
feature. (How did both Squanto and
Rowlandson view their capture and captors
initially)
 Using
my sample thesis, in this paragraph I would
discuss how the characters of Squanto and
Rowlandson’s view their captors before their
captivity. Be sure to include 3-4 examples proving
the similarities or differences!
Body Paragraphs—Point by Point
Format

Paragraph 3



Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison
to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy
Continue the pattern started in Paragraph 2. Now answer what
both Squanto and Rowlandson did to adapt and survive. Be sure
to include 3-4 examples proving the similarities or differences.
Paragraph 4


Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison
to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy
Continue the pattern started in Paragraph 3. Now discuss what
both Squanto and Rowlandson’s treatment was like in captivity.
Be sure to include 3-4 examples proving the similarities or
differences.
Body Paragraphs—Point by Point

Paragraph 5



Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison
to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy
Continue the pattern started in Paragraph 3. Now discuss how
both Squanto’s captivity and Rowlandson’s captivity changed the
way each viewed their captors. Be sure to include 3-4
examples proving the similarities or differences.
Paragraph 6


Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison
to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy
Now discuss which narrative was most effective in achieving the
author’s/director’s purpose and give specific examples as to why
one was better than the other.
Conclusion—Point by Point

Looks the same as block comparison